Medications for paranoia include antipsychotics and antidepressants.
This article discusses treatment for paranoid personality disorder.
It explains how medication may treat paranoia and other conditions that can contribute to paranoid feelings.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
PPD is a personality disorder.
Symptoms include pervasive and unfounded distrust and suspicion that interferes with daily life and functioning.
However, antipsychotic or antidepressant medications may be prescribed for paranoid symptoms or to control co-occurring mental health conditions.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat anxiety and depression may help to reduce paranoia.
SSRIs include:
Therapy for Paranoia
People with paranoia are often referred for psychotherapy.
One randomized controlled trial of a group CBT program found that treatment was effective at lowering scores of paranoia.
Group therapy may seem counter-intuitive for people who are experiencing a deep mistrust of others.
Paranoia influences relationships between partners, spouses, and families.
Couples or family therapy might be recommended on a case-by-case basis.
In the beginning, you will focus on building trust and a therapeutic relationship with one another.
You may feel more comfortable journaling about your paranoid symptoms to identify triggers rather than talking through them.
Practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques during sessions may also help you feel more at ease.
Natural Treatments for Paranoia
Some lifestyle changes may help reduce feelings of paranoia.
Nutritional deficiencies can be common and may trigger symptoms.
Sleep
Improving your sleep quality and quantity is shown to improve paranoid symptoms.
A large randomized controlled trial found that treating insomnia was effective at reducing paranoia and hallucinations among participants.
You will first need to build trust with your physician or therapista process that might take some time.
You may find that your biggest obstacle is maintaining healthy relationships with others.
Paranoid thoughts can distance you from friends, family, and your spouse or partner.
It can also affect your workplace and school relationships.
This distance can feel isolating and further impact your mental well-being.
take a stab at communicate your feelings to your loved ones in a simple way.
Focus on facts rather than assigning blame.
You might find it easier to write them a letter rather than have a conversation in person.
How can I support someone with paranoia?
If you have a loved one experiencing paranoia, they might make a run at push you away.
You may struggle to find ways to support them that they will accept.
venture to avoid being defensive or taking their accusations too personally.
Communicate with simple, factual language and do not assign blame.
Your loved one might be resistant to treatment as a consequence of their paranoia.
Finally, participating in a support group, counseling, or therapy for yourself is also beneficial.
Taking care of your own health will help you be there to support your loved one.
Many people with PPD have co-occurring anxiety or depression and treatment with SSRIs may relieve paranoia as well.
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