- Written By: S.E. Smith
- Edited By: Kristen Osborne
- Last Modified Date: 23 March 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Paranoid psychosis is a break with reality that includes extreme fear and anxiety associated with delusions. Paranoia is a common feature of many delusions, especially in cases like persecutory delusions where people become convinced that they are under attack or someone is out to get them. A number of psychiatric conditions can contribute to the development of paranoid psychosis, and it can also develop in response to neurological disorders, certain medications, and some other causes. There are treatments available to help the patient address the delusions and associated paranoia.
Paranoia itself is fear and anxiety at an unreasonable level that may be exaggerated, and is often rooted in something not very believable. Informally, the term is often used to describe quite reasonable cautions, like being alert for police cars while speeding. In psychiatry, this would not be considered paranoia, but believing that the police were tracking a driver with a device mounted in the vehicle would be.
People in a state of psychosis can experience hallucinations, sensory experiences of things that are not actually there, along with delusions, beliefs about things that are not really happening. In paranoid psychosis, the hallucinations and delusions are accompanied by intense fear. This can cause the patient to behave suspiciously and to view anyone trying to help with extreme suspicion; a doctor may become an enemy agent, for example, or a family member may be possessed by aliens.
While in a state of paranoid psychosis, people genuinely believe that there is a credible threat and they may take steps to protect themselves. This can make interacting with and treating patients challenging. Treatments can include medications as well as psychotherapy. Medication to treat delusions and hallucinations may not be readily accepted by the patient while an episode of paranoid psychosis is occurring. Performing medical evaluations like imaging studies of the brain can be challenging with a paranoid patient, as the patient may not want to undergo medical tests.
If someone begins behaving erratically or unusually and appears to be experiencing a disconnect from reality, it can be a sign of psychosis. Some psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia do not onset until later in life and can appear in people who were previously healthy and emotionally balanced. It is important for people to receive treatment, as early intervention can help improve patient outcomes. People should try to remember that the patient's reality is real to the patient, and while it may seem irrational or ludicrous, it should be taken seriously. Expert psychiatric care may be needed.
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anon256906
Post 6 |
I am not a doctor, don't have medical experience, but have a family member in crisis. She is psychotic, hears voices sees people, etc. She now lives alone as her two children (grown ups now) have their own homes. She walks around her house with a butcher knife, afraid for her life. She often sees an old man and young woman in her bedroom and kitchen. She refuses so talk to anyone for fear of being committed. How do I help her with me being in a different state? |
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anon255572
Post 5 |
I was diagnosed with Paranoid Psychosis some eight years ago. I was a total mess at the time and I was *literally* scared of shadows. I also suffered audio hallucinations - which told me to do things. Some were innocuous, others not so much. I had never been so scared in all my life, and going out in public was horrendous, with panic attacks galore. The point is though, I got over it. You really need to take a look at yourself and see that what you believe to be true really isn't. There is no conspiracy. It's just your mind rationalising a series of unlikely events that get ever more twisted and out of control. I haven't had a hallucination for the better part of five years now and I don't take medication. |
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anon168090
Post 4 |
I have suffered from paranoid psychosis since i was 17, but i wasn't diagnosed until i was 21. Four years later they said it was a misdiagnosis and that i suffer from paranoid psychosis. When I'm in a psychosis, i fear for my life and i feel like everyone is conspiring to grab hold of me. I went to my aunt's house and thought she was in on it. It's the most frightening, horrible time in my life, and i wouldn't wish this illness on my worst enemy. Well, considering i think i have plenty of them i probably would, through my paranoia! |
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amypollick
Post 3 |
@Anna Bella: I hate to say it, but the symptoms your mom is displaying are consistent with Sundowners Syndrome. There's an article on this web site about it. I think you are doing the right thing by taking her to a good psychiatrist, but you might also consider having her see a neurologist, as well. If she does have early Alzheimer's Disease, there are medications that can help her and help slow the progress of the condition. The paranoia and agitation, especially at night, are consistent with Sundowners, but of course, you need to have her evaluated by a competent physician to see exactly what is going on. Medications can also affect older people differently than younger people, so have the doctor go through her meds, as well. I'm not a doctor, but my mom is 82, so I understand some of the issues you're facing. Good luck. |
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anon129019
Post 2 |
My mother is paranoid and thinks my dad is poisoning her, and having sex with the neighbor nightly. She locks her door, and hates my dad because she feels he cheats on her. On the other side, he is depressed and going through prostate cancer and feels she isn't supportive. He yells at my mom "you are crazy and I'm going to have to put away" and a lot of other issues. She just has an MRI and doesn't trust him to see her results. What medications are good for an 82 year old women with psychosis at night mostly. She must have the lights on, walks around the house etc. Dad yells at her to turn off the lights. Her neighbor is a creep and dad tells the whole street my mom is crazy and has Alzheimer's. She has never been DX with anything yet or even seen a professional. I plan on taking her to a good psychiatrist in two weeks. I really feel she needs meds but not too much, and maybe a sleep aid? I live in another state and can't be there all the time, just phone. But I plan on letting her live with me if needed. Thanks again, I need to know what medications are good for elderly psychosis without causing danger of falling. She is alert and stable, but getting more frail and confused. Could it also be her blood pressure medications? Thank you again, Anne Bella |
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anon128976
Post 1 |
i was diagnosed with psychosis paranoia and i believe he was right. i am always thinking that someone is out to get me or watching me constantly. i feel bad but i can't help but to feel as if eyes are on me constantly. i stay in the house most of the time and it's not fair to my daughter. |
