WHAT CAUSES PARANOID IDEATION?
The causes of paranoia are uncertain and varied, as is true for many mental disorders. Growing up in a home where one was the object of rage, humiliation, or threats may cause a person to feel helpless and develop a sense of paranoia as a result. Other possible causes are brain abnormalities, (e.g., altered brain chemistry), drug abuse, and extreme stress. WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR PARANOID BEHAVIOR? Treatment for paranoia varies depending on the severity of the paranoid behavior. Many paranoid people do not view themselves as having a problem and do not seek treatment. They are very resistant to treatment if they are ordered into it by the legal system. They often find it difficult or impossible to trust the therapist and are usually resistant to medication and self-help groups. For these reasons, they usually stop treatment early. A person diagnosed with PPD or delusional disorder should be treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist. A person diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia shou
