What are the symptoms of paranoia? Is paranoia a mental illness

Paranoia is a mental disorder characterized by persistent, irrational suspicion and paranoid ideation, and belongs to the category of mental disorders. The main symptoms of paranoia include stubborn delusions of persecution, unfounded suspicion of others' malice, excessive vigilance, sensitivity to interpersonal relationships, and overreaction to criticism. Paranoia patients usually lack self-awareness, and their delusional content is logically rigorous but detached from reality, which may be accompanied by anxiety, depression, or aggressive behavior.

1. Patients with paranoid delusions

firmly believe that they have been persecuted or subjected to conspiracy, and even without objective evidence, they cannot be convinced. Common manifestations include suspicion of being tracked, monitored, poisoned, or defamed, and may misinterpret daily events as malicious behavior against oneself. This type of delusion has systemic characteristics, and patients will collect so-called evidence to reinforce their erroneous cognition.

2. Interpersonal sensitivity

Overinterpreting others' words and actions, often viewing neutral evaluations as insults or threats. Manifested as being prone to conflicts with others, frequent complaints or lawsuits, and possibly severing family and friends relationships due to minor matters. Some patients may develop so-called litigation delusions and pursue imagined personal harm through legal means for a long time.

3. Excessive vigilance

continuously in a defensive state, maintaining pathological vigilance towards the surrounding environment. Manifested as repeatedly checking door and window locks, installing monitoring equipment, refusing to disclose personal information, etc. This alertness often leads to sleep disorders and chronic fatigue, further exacerbating cognitive distortions.

4. Emotional disorders

Most patients have anxiety, irritability, or depression, but emotional reactions are related to delusional content. When feeling threatened, intense emotional reactions may occur, which may manifest as verbal attacks or defensive violence. Emotional expression is often rigid, lacking empathy and a sense of humor.

5. Cognitive function preservation

Unlike schizophrenia, paranoid patients have normal intelligence and memory except for the delusional domain. Work ability may be maintained for a long time, but interpersonal relationships are severely damaged. Some patients may experience attention deficit due to delusions of excessive focus, but without typical symptoms of schizophrenia thinking disorder. Paranoia requires long-term psychological therapy combined with medication intervention, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help correct erroneous cognitive patterns, and antipsychotic drugs can alleviate delusional symptoms. Family members should avoid arguing with patients about delusional content and maintain a stable supportive relationship environment. Regularly follow up to monitor changes in the condition and be alert to worsening symptoms or self harming behavior. Establishing a regular schedule and moderate social activities can help maintain social functioning, but attention should be paid to avoiding excessive stimulation that can trigger delusional reactions.