Difference between revisions of "Paranoid personality disorder"
(References) |
m (Small tidy up to ensure that the connection reads: Drug use can cause mental health problems, but not all people with mental health problems are drug users.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Paranoia''' is an irrational [[fear]]. It can be caused by [[psychosis]] or by certain [[drugs]]. | '''Paranoia''' is an irrational [[fear]]. It can be caused by [[psychosis]] or by certain [[drugs]]. | ||
| − | Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and persecutory delusional disorder experience what is known as persecutory delusions: an irrational, yet unshakable, belief that someone is plotting against them. Paranoid beliefs are prevalent in many individuals and is often the cause of disputes between individuals and society. | + | Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and persecutory delusional disorder experience what is known as persecutory delusions: an irrational, yet unshakable, belief that someone is plotting against them. Paranoid beliefs are prevalent in many individuals and is often the cause of disputes between individuals and society. |
| + | |||
| + | Outside of paranoia caused solely by psychiatric illnesses the most common cause of paranoia is the use of illegal drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines and cocaine. All of these narcotics cause harm which can lead to paranoia, or, in turn, cause psychiatric illnesses that then lead to the sufferer experiencing paranoia<ref>http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/otherconditions/paranoia</ref>. As with other mental problems, paranoia may be treated by the sufferer recognising the problem and seeking medical assistance. Treatment can be difficult as the patient often does not trust the carer.<br /><br /> | ||
== Mass Paranoia == | == Mass Paranoia == | ||
Paranoid delusions may be shared by individuals such as within political movements, social groups and national groups. This is known as mass paranoia where the group irrationally believes it is the victim of a conspiracy aimed at its destruction. | Paranoid delusions may be shared by individuals such as within political movements, social groups and national groups. This is known as mass paranoia where the group irrationally believes it is the victim of a conspiracy aimed at its destruction. | ||
Revision as of 01:49, November 1, 2008
Paranoia is an irrational fear. It can be caused by psychosis or by certain drugs.
Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and persecutory delusional disorder experience what is known as persecutory delusions: an irrational, yet unshakable, belief that someone is plotting against them. Paranoid beliefs are prevalent in many individuals and is often the cause of disputes between individuals and society.
Outside of paranoia caused solely by psychiatric illnesses the most common cause of paranoia is the use of illegal drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines and cocaine. All of these narcotics cause harm which can lead to paranoia, or, in turn, cause psychiatric illnesses that then lead to the sufferer experiencing paranoia[1]. As with other mental problems, paranoia may be treated by the sufferer recognising the problem and seeking medical assistance. Treatment can be difficult as the patient often does not trust the carer.
Mass Paranoia
Paranoid delusions may be shared by individuals such as within political movements, social groups and national groups. This is known as mass paranoia where the group irrationally believes it is the victim of a conspiracy aimed at its destruction.