What is paranoia? What is excessive paranoia

Paranoia is a mental disorder characterized by persistent and systematic delusions, and excessive paranoia may belong to paranoid personality disorder or paranoid schizophrenia. Paranoia is usually caused by genetic factors, brain structural abnormalities, psychological trauma, social environmental stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, and other reasons. It can be improved through medication treatment, psychological intervention, social support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and other methods.

1. Genetic factors [SEP]: People with a history of mental illness in the SEP family have a higher probability of developing the disease, which may be related to specific chromosomal abnormalities or gene expression. These patients may exhibit early symptoms of suspicion and sensitivity. It is recommended to assess the risk through genetic testing and establish regular sleep and stress reducing habits. Relatives should avoid stimulating the patient's delusions and accompany them for medical treatment in a timely manner.

2. Abnormal brain structure

Functional impairment of the prefrontal or limbic system may lead to decreased logical judgment, and overactive amygdala may enhance threat perception. Brain imaging examination can detect changes in gray matter volume, which require physical therapy such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, combined with antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone to regulate neurological function.

3. Psychological trauma

Long term exposure to abuse, betrayal, or major setbacks may form defensive paranoid cognitive patterns. Patients often exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as flashbacks and excessive alertness. Exposure therapy combined with antidepressants such as sertraline can alleviate emotional symptoms, while group psychotherapy can help correct distorted cognition in interpersonal relationships.

4. Social environmental pressure

Poor social adaptation such as immigration and unemployment can easily trigger paranoid attitudes, and cultural conflicts or isolated environments can exacerbate symptoms. These patients' delusions are often related to real-life stressors, and social skills training combined with drugs such as aripiprazole can improve their function. Community support network construction is particularly important for preventing recurrence.

5. Neurotransmitter imbalance

Overactivity of the dopaminergic system is closely related to the formation of delusions, and insufficient serotonin can exacerbate emotional instability. Medications such as quetiapine and ziprasidone can regulate neurotransmitter levels and require blood drug concentration monitoring. Biofeedback therapy can help patients identify physiological arousal signals and reduce misunderstandings caused by physical symptoms. Patients with paranoid symptoms should avoid consuming psychoactive substances such as alcohol in their daily lives and maintain moderate exercise such as Tai Chi to help stabilize their emotions. Family members should learn non confrontational communication skills and record changes in symptoms for doctors' reference. Regular follow-up visits are needed to adjust the treatment plan. When the delusional content does not affect social function, vocational rehabilitation training can be attempted. Early intervention can significantly improve prognosis, but it is important to be alert to possible fluctuations in symptoms.