Paranoid: meaning and characteristics

George Alvarez 28-10-2023
George Alvarez

It is not impossible that our minds can sometimes play tricks on us and confuse us. For many people, such occurrences are part of a more sensitive health condition that deserves attention. Today we will better understand what it means paranoid and some of the outstanding characteristics of this individual.

What is paranoid?

The paranoid is a person with sensitive changes in thinking, who shows a distorted perception of reality They possess so-called paranoid thinking, which causes them to harbor a growing delusion about the people around them. In this way, the paranoid person will harbor surreal ideas without any plausible logic.

In his mind, there is an imminent risk coming his way to do him harm. Many even believe they are targets for the machinations of malicious people.

As for the symptoms, they can be milder, moderate, or severe depending on each person's condition. Even though it can vary in intensity, paranoia has proven to be disabling, seriously affecting the quality of life of many .

Why does a person become paranoid?

So far, we do not have such a complete study to know what can make an individual paranoid. However, researchers are still working to determine the causes. So they investigate the possibilities in the search for a pattern by always looking for possible clues.

Among these signs, it is important to point out the influence of trauma for change on one's perception of life. In this case, mental exhaustion makes it easier for mental health to decline For example, imagine events and situations in which anxiety was pushed to the limit, making the mind weak in a lasting way.

In addition, depression and phobias of various forms can contribute to the onset of paranoia. You can see that each of the above signs has a nature that can negatively influence delusional behavior. In many cases, the paranoid state can emerge gradually and silently until it becomes noticeable.

Features

A paranoid can be recognized by someone more attentive to the reality they experience. Although symptoms vary from case to case, deserving proper clinical diagnosis, the most common are:

The mistrust

Because they feel persecuted by someone, it is difficult for a paranoid person to work on their confidence This is why their relationships are complicated and difficult to develop.

Fear

The delirium he experiences increasingly reinforces the idea of persecution, making him feel afraid of threats.

Anxiety

The bearer's mind anticipates bad situations, leading him to create future conflicts So, with each passing day, his paranoia tries to predict from which side the attack he fears so much will come.

Physical and mental fatigue

The constant worrying of the person with paranoia demands an energy expenditure capable of exhausting the body and the mind. In this way, their continuous vigilance takes a toll on their health.

The impression of being alone

It is common for paranoids to feel lonely because other people may withdraw without understanding the problem. Thus, without support from friends or family, your vulnerability to the symptoms you experience can increase.

Depression

In more serious cases, depression can surface in paranoid people, revealing itself through low esteem and deep melancholy. Thus, medical assistance is important to understand the causes of the problem and how to work on it as soon as possible.

Sum

For a paranoid person it is much easier to develop other health problems, so that more than one psychic disorder accumulates. These barriers can arise because of the weaker state of health and the lack of proper care. When an evaluation is done the diagnosis can be more extensive, since there are many signs pointing to the complexity of the patient.

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In addition, the symptoms of the paranoid state can escalate to stand alone and become separate issues in the treatment. For example, anxiety contributes directly to the food of fear in the mind of the affected person. In this way, c f it is not worked on and properly controlled, there are chances that it will lead to other physical, mental, and emotional disorders .

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What types of paranoia exist?

While it is common to look at the paranoid in a general way there are specific categories based on the symptoms they experience. The first of these is:

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Here the paranoiacs distrust everything for no reason, facing difficulties in their relationships. Consequently, the maniacs present:

  • Cold and distant behavior
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Distrust

Paranoid Delusional Disorder

In short, this disorder has no apparent signs of disturbance, yet it is continuous. In it, there are subtypes, which are:

  • Jealousy delirium
  • Persecutory delusions
  • Erotic Delirium
  • Megalomania or delusions of grandeur
  • Hypochondriac Delirium

Paranoid Schizophrenia

The patient's behavior, influenced by his chemical composition, contributes to a unique type of schizophrenia. Because of this the sufferer has auditory and visual delusions, and even makes him claim that he is being controlled.

Paranoid vs Schizophrenic

A common misconception people have is to confuse a paranoid with someone who has schizophrenia. Although the delusions are similar, paranoia projects an inner idea toward the environment. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, retracts the sufferer from reality, making him unable to make sound choices and judgments.

In paranoia, the fear felt, even if incomprehensible, is more solid and palpable in reality. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, acts through fantasies, investing in what the schizophrenic person witnesses, but without other people seeing. In addition, those who are schizophrenic have a more intense disorder, and may withdraw from the world in which they live.

Treatment

The delusional thoughts of the paranoid person end up hindering an effective action in the treatment. Because of this the paranoid person is inclined to distrust the therapist and his treatment performed in the office. The patient, family and friends must invest in the recovery, avoiding the feeling that he will lose his freedom if he accepts the therapeutic methods .

While medications reduce symptoms and even control them, psychotherapy works on the mental and behavioral part. In this way, o he fears that the paranoid has will decrease in frequency and intensity, giving more clarity to his thinking Even if the treatment seems difficult, regaining quality of life is not impossible.

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Final considerations about the paranoid

A paranoid individual has a limited and fearful perception of the world in which he lives Not only will he believe that he is at risk, but he may put himself in such a situation even if he doesn't want to.

Investing in medical follow-up, following the recommendations, and getting support from those closest to them contributes directly to the improvement. Thus, he/she will be better able to take care of him/herself with autonomy, and will no longer be a hostage to the negative influences of his/her own mind.

And if you are looking for clarity and personal security, come check out our online Psychoanalysis course. This is an excellent way to find your potential, since it will work on your self-knowledge and inner needs. Psychoanalysis is an incredible ally for understanding the movements of the mind, including the nature of the paranoid state .

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.