Talk openly
Paranoid beliefs can make people feel isolated but talking about them can help reduce stress. You might find that your point of view reassures them and gives them a different perspective.
Communicate that you respect his beliefs, but don't pretend to share them. Be honest about your own perceptions. Offer clarification - You can help him cope with his suspicion and mistrust by encouraging him to voice his thoughts, and then explaining your actions in a neutral and non-defensive way.
Helpful things to do:
Calm things down—reduce noise and have fewer people around the person. Show compassion for the how the person feels about their false belief. If possible do what you can to help when the person is acutely unwell. e.g.: turn off the TV if they think it is talking to them.
Some research has suggested that paranoid thoughts are more common if you live in an urban environment or community where you feel isolated from the people around you rather than connected to them. Media reports of crime, terrorism and violence may also play a role in triggering paranoid feelings.
Ask questions about the person's fears, and talk to the person about the paranoia if the person wants to listen to you. If someone is threatening you, you should call for help. Use simple directions, if needed. Tell the person that no harm will come to him or her and that you can help.
Most of the time, you simply don't know when your thoughts have become paranoid.
Don't argue about their mistaken beliefs or instantly dismiss them. A person with PPD misinterprets events as threatening and trying to argue rationally with them will only reinforce their belief that you're out to deceive them. Instead, respect their beliefs but focus on the fears behind their claims.
Paranoia is a symptom of some mental health problems but not a diagnosis itself. Paranoid thoughts can be anything from very mild to very severe and these experiences can be quite different for everybody. This depends on how much: you believe the paranoid thoughts.
Some beliefs and behaviors of individuals with symptoms of paranoia include mistrust, hypervigilance (constantly looking for threats), difficulty with forgiveness, defensive attitude in response to imagined criticism, preoccupation with hidden motives, fear of being tricked or taken advantage of, trouble relaxing, or ...
Paranoid people are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them, says an article on webmd.com. “These generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, might interfere with their ability to form close relationships,” the article cites.
Left untreated, PPD can interfere with a person's ability to form and maintain relationships, as well as their ability to function socially and in work situations. People with PPD are more likely to stop working earlier in their lives than people without personality disorders.
The most common form of talking therapy for paranoia is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). During CBT, you will examine the way you think and the evidence for your beliefs and look for different possible interpretations. CBT can also help reduce worry and anxiety that may influence and increase feelings of paranoia.
Reverse paranoia is the belief that the Universe is conspiring for you, not against you. The term is called pronoia.
Personality disorders that are susceptible to worsening with age include paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, obsessive compulsive, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent, Dr. Rosowsky said at a conference sponsored by the American Society on Aging.
People with PPD might be cold and distant in relationships. They also might be controlling or jealous—persistently being suspicious that a partner is cheating without justification. “It's not that they want to believe you might be keeping secrets from them or plotting against them,” Berman says.
Because alcohol and drugs are mind-altering substances, they can worsen symptoms of mental illness conditions. Some substances that can worsen paranoia include cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, marijuana, alcohol, hallucinogens, and bath salts.
Paranoia and anxiety are two separate conditions. Both can cause changes in thinking patterns. Doctors no longer use the term paranoia, referring to the illness as delusional disorder. Symptoms of delusional disorder include hallucinations and mood disturbances, such as feelings of extreme sadness or distress.
There's no cure for paranoid personality disorder, but you can see improvement in your symptoms when you seek professional treatment. Psychotherapy can be extremely effective to help you change your negative thinking and develop coping skills to improve relationships.
Causes of PPD are unknown. PPD seems to be more common in families with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder. This suggests genes may be involved. Other factors may play a role as well.
Paranoia is the most common symptom of psychosis but paranoid concerns occur throughout the general population.
Paranoia is a symptom of bipolar that, depending on the intensity of the thoughts and delusions, can pose treatment challenges. Here's how to identify and address paranoia and psychosis. Paranoia and psychosis are widely misunderstood states of mind that can sometimes accompany bipolar disorder.