4 - Paranoia

Paranoia means false reasoning. Most authorities believe that the basic source of paranoia is the great sense of dissatisfaction, inferiority, and failure in meeting the goals of the parents. Delusions are a major part of paranoia.

Delusions are false beliefs—a person reaches the wrong conclusions about something. For example, a delusion would be that I believe that my neighbour is spying and plotting against me. Hallucinations are false sense perceptions—a person receives inaccurate information through the senses. For example, a hallucination would be that I see a misty figure close by me and can hear it calling my name at all hours of the day and night.

Three types of delusions may occur with paranoia

• Delusions of reference—Two people are sharing a joke by the water fountain. The paranoid person feels sure they are making fun of him or her.
• Delusions of grandeur—The person believes he is a member of the Royal Family, or she believes she is a distinguished scientist.
• Delusions of persecution—The person believes that spying devices have been inserted in his home to listen to what is said.

Symptoms

People with paranoia feel hypersensitive and feel resentful at the slightest provocation. They are defensive, domineering, humourless, and critical. Patients suffering from paranoia are usually of good intelligence and are able to express very clearly how they feel.

Treatments

No adequate treatment has been found. Some psychiatrists advocate keeping patients in the community unless their behaviour is disturbing or dangerous because confinement in a hospital may arouse further resentment and make them even more suspicious that people are “out to get them”.