Paranoia

Information about paranoia

What is paranoia?

Paranoia is a psychological disorder in which the patient suffers from delusions of persecution, jealousy or rampant mistrust. It usually occurs in middle-aged people and is chronic.

Causes of paranoia

Paranoia does not seem to be due to an organic brain disease. However, it occurs when someone else in the family has a psychological disorder; so it may be hereditary.

Symptoms

The patient may have symptoms of excessive anger -that often lead to violence-, an erratic behavior – that annoys others -, and irrational suspicions about others as well as an inability to forgive, forget a conflict or remain calm. They may also present symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and incoherence.

Diagnostic

The diagnosis of paranoia is difficult because most of the time the patient refuses to cooperate with doctors and relatives, who want to consult a doctor, and treats them with suspicion.

Treatment of paranoia

So far, no effective treatment for paranoia is available. Current treatments focus on alleviating patients’ feelings and trying to teach them how to better manage emotions and control anger. Sometimes the prescribed medications have an anxiolytic, sedative and antipsychotic effect. Treatment tends to be delayed, because patients themselves refuse to fight their suspicions and do not cooperate with doctors.

What specialty

The doctor to treat paranoia is the Psychiatrist

Book your appointment with a Psychiatrist