Paranoia can be a symptom of multiple mental illnesses that affect the brain. It is used in the medical world as a single symptom to describe many different experiences, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Those with paranoia are extremely self-conscious and constantly believe others are talking about or against them. It can result in overwhelming feelings of anger and fear.
Those who suffer from paranoia may find it difficult to work or go about their daily lives without constantly feeling that they are being watched or followed. It's usually more than just suspicion, as those with paranoia believe these ideas are true despite what others say to the contrary. When people feel like this, it could make them withdraw from family and friends. They might not have the desire to socialize due to overwhelming feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety when they would come across someone talking about them behind their back.
How Paranoia Affects People
Paranoia is a common symptom of multiple mental illnesses that affect the brain and can be overwhelming for those who suffer from it. The main illness that paranoia is associated with is schizophrenia, but it can also stem from bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders.
When someone becomes paranoid due to one of these diseases, they typically believe others are talking about or against them. This leads to feelings such as anger and fear-based anxiety. These individuals may start avoiding other people because they are afraid to come across someone who's out to get them. They could even withdraw from family and friends because of these overwhelming thoughts and feelings of self-consciousness. For some, the anxiety over when they might run into someone who's out to get them can be too much to handle.
Paranoia is a common symptom of mental illnesses, but it affects people in different ways. For example, some sufferers may believe others are talking about or against them, leading to anger and anxiety.
Conditions Causing Paranoia
The main condition that causes paranoia is schizophrenia. However, it can also be a symptom of bipolar disorder or depression. In addition, some mental illnesses are known to make individuals paranoid at times, including anxiety disorders such as social phobia and specific phobias.
- Bipolar Disorder – Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to as "manic-depressive illness." Sudden shifts characterize this mood disorder in mood from periods of highs (mania) to lows (depression). When someone with bipolar disorder experiences mania or severe depression, they may become paranoid and feel like others are talking about them or trying to harm them.
- Schizophrenia – Schizophrenia typically presents during early adulthood in men and late adulthood in women. With this mental illness, a person cannot distinguish between what's real and what's imaginary. They may also experience delusions and hallucinations.
- Depression – Many people with depression struggle with feelings of paranoia because they are fixated on their own thoughts and beliefs. Depression could lead to them having delusional thoughts about themselves that would lead to feelings of paranoia.
Handling Paranoia
When someone is experiencing paranoia as a symptom of one of these mental illnesses, they may find it difficult to work or go about their daily lives. They might be so anxious and self-conscious that they cannot interact with others without feeling like they are being watched or followed.
Talking to a doctor about paranoia is important because it can help determine what's going on in the individual's life that could be causing these emotions. For example, paranoid feelings could stem from a sudden change in one's environment, such as a new job or home. Other times, it could result from a lack of sleep, drug use, or another mental illness.
When paranoia is caused by mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, it can be very disruptive to one's life.
They may find themselves so overwhelmed and afraid they withdraw from friends and family. In some cases, individuals may quit their jobs due to overwhelming anxiety and fear about interacting with others. If you're concerned someone you know might have paranoia stemming from a mental health condition, encourage them to speak with their doctor about potential treatment options.