What causes paranoia?

The word "paranoid" is used by most people to describe occasional fears or suspicions that they know are not realistic or rational. It is defined by experts as an ongoing way of thinking. It involves truly believing that others are unfair, mean, lying and out to get you. You might feel paranoid because of these reasons: 1) TOO LITTLE SLEEP Regular sleep depreviation makes it hard for you to think clearly. You can actually hallucinate if you go without sleep long enough. 2) STRESS The odds you feel suspicious or somewhat paranoid can be increased by intense stress. Experts say that it is not clear why, but tension causes a rise in cellular and chemical changes that keep your brain from working its best. During times of positive stress like planning a wedding, you might even feel suspicious. 3) ANXIETY Experts explain Social Anxiety as when an individual worries they will say or do something that embarrasses them or causes others to judge them. This may lead to thinking you are paranoid. Social worries that are overwhelming or constant may be Social Anxiety Disorder. It is also known as social phobia. If you feel really anxious for any reason, even outside of social situations, you could have thoughts that are not realistic and are hard to shake. Trying cognitive behavioral therapy might help. So you can feel better, this type of therapy identifies and changes your thoughts. 4) A PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER Paranoid personality disorder is a mental illness that may be the reason for these thoughts. Although a person with this condition may not believe every paranoid thought he has, he will have a habit of feeling mistrustful of others. He may also think people are out to get him. Paranoia and psychosis are caused by another brain disorder called schizophrenia. It is a state in which a person can't identify what is real. Individuals with schizophrenia, most of the time are not aware their thoughts are paranoid. It is their friends and family that usually recognize that their loved one is having anxiety-fueled thoughts. It is unlikely that a psychiatric disorder is causing the condition if you feel paranoid. If you are worried, consider talking to a psychiatrist or psychologist. 5) DRUG USE The chemicals in some drugs can make people feel paranoid for a short time. As the chemicals leave your system, those thoughts usually ease up. Using drugs may boost the odds you will get a psychiatric disorder that can involve paranoia if you are prone to mental illness. 6) MEMORY LOSS Suspicious thoughts and habits can be contributed by brain changes resulting from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.