Paranoia
Paranoia is a mental disorder that can make people falsely believe that others are lying, cheating, using them, or trying to harm them, or it can give them an overly large sense of self-importance. People with paranoia can have either or both of these traits.
Paranoia may occur with several other mental disorders (as in paranoid schizophrenia) or Alzheimer's disease. It rarely occurs as a mental illness on its own. It is sometimes caused by using illegal drugs such as marijuana.
Treatment usually includes professional counseling and may include medicine.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.