![]() “In therapy, we strive to build a trusting relationship, and then we start to question the paranoid thoughts and help the individual see reality,” says Dobson. Through CBT, therapists can work with patients to help them learn how to recognize paranoid thought patterns, what causes them, how to better understand their thoughts and the behaviors and the motivations of others, and how to change their own thoughts or behaviors. “CBT can help individuals manage irrational thoughts and develop healthier thinking patterns,” says Sultan. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help with paranoia, both Fenkel and Sultan note. Psychotherapy (aka “talk therapy”) can help people experiencing paranoia build trust and learn to manage their paranoid thoughts. Others who may experience paranoia, such as people with PTSD, may be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help lessen their symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. “They help the individual stay in reality in a genuine manner, and then they are more receptive and responsive to psychotherapy,” says Dobson. MedicationĪntipsychotic medications may be prescribed to people who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, for instance, and are experiencing paranoia. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, and support, says Sultan.Ī combination of individual therapy, group support or therapy, and medication usually works best, says Dobson, who has specialized in treating schizophrenia and psychosis for 20 years. The treatment for paranoia depends on the underlying condition it’s linked to and the severity of the paranoia. For instance, among people with Alzheimer’s disease, losing memories of people and objects can contribute to untrue beliefs or paranoia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, older adults can experience paranoia as a result of memory loss. “It may be something in their family or in their history, and so if they endure trauma or abuse illicit substances, it can actually lead the predisposed individual to have more mental health symptoms,” she explains. Some studies of twins, such as one published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, show a likelihood that identical twins will both be diagnosed with schizophrenia if one twin is diagnosed with the condition. Paranoia is a common component of schizophrenia, a condition that research shows can run in families, Dr. ![]() “People with PTSD may have paranoid thoughts related to past traumatic experiences,” he explains. Paranoia can also be a response to extreme stress or underlying mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), says Sultan. ![]() It’s likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including childhood trauma or neglect, a family history of mental health conditions associated with paranoia, trauma in adulthood, and substance use, says Leslie Dobson, PsyD, a clinical and forensic psychologist in Long Beach, California. Rather, paranoia is a symptom or feature that can be associated with certain mental health conditions or issues.Įxperts don’t yet know the exact cause of paranoia, per Mental Health America. Paranoia itself is not a clinical diagnosis, Dr. ![]() ![]()
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