Paranoia or normal?

Question

What is the real definition of "Paranoid?" Alot of times people worry about someone talking about them behind their back. Some consider this "Paranoia!" But what is the real definition of the mental illness "Paranoia?" Alot of times I myself may get suspicious of someone and say "Yeah! I know this individual is stabbing me in the back!" And most of the time, my hunch is right! But does that mean I am Paranoid? Or is it the paranoid personality disorder?

What I'm saying is: I have had some say that being suspicious of others is not really "normal" behavior. But I seem to have a way to examine people mentally. And sometimes I get a really bad vibe! Its like I know this person is evil! Even though their behavior may seem normal to most.

Answer 1

The difference between worrying about something and paranoia is how it affects your daily life. Everyone might worry about someone taking behind their back or something at some point, however if that fear interfers with you having a normal and healthy life(example hiding from people, locking your selfin the house) it is a paranoia,

Answer 2

In 1863 Kahlbaum was the first psychiatrist to give the word Paranoia a modern meaning.He regarded Paranoia as:-
a persistent, chronic condition,and believed patients suffered from a disorder of intellect. Literally meaning-"out of ones mind". However today it describes people who exhibit delusions of grandeur and persecution.True paranoia is rare.
Similar delusions occur in Schizophrenia.Paranoid Schizos exist in 3 distinct varieties.You don't sound like any of them.Just naturally wary I would say.

Answer 3

black sabbath opened a can of worms. paranoia is when you cant control your distrust of others, and everyone is out to get you. being intelligent enough to know someones stabbing you is not a mental disorder. hunches, or feelings, are normal. theres a little more to inner feelings than people want to admit. dont worry, your cool.

Answer 4

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DSM-IV Definition/Criteria for Paranoid Personality Disorder

Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that theri motives are interpreted as malevolent, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

1) suspects, wihtout sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her
2) is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates
3) is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her
4) reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events
5) persistently beras grudges, i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights
6) perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
7) has recurrent suspicions, wihtout justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner

And cannot occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, mood disorders with psychotic features, or another psychotic disorder and not due to the physiological effects of a general medical condition or substance use.
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You can be paranoid without having PPD. See above.

Answer 5

Look up "paranoid personality disorder" on the net. There are a lot of differences in serious disorders and a true gut feeling that some one is talking behind your back.

Some one close to me is ppd, and I can tell you it is not fun...for them or the people near them, and they won;t accept help for fear that some one is trying to poison them, cheat them, or injure them in some way.

Answer 6

Paranoia is perfectly normal and healthy. However being extremely paranoid is a symptom of schizophrenia. Unless you start hearing voices I wouldn't worry.
BTW-Talking to yourself is also normal, but if you hear a reply and nobody's there, then you can worry.

Answer 7

if it's just a fear of losing her it's normal but it's not normal to just start making stuff up like she's cheating on you.. sounds like you might have an issue or fear of commitment that's making you find reasons to back out to protect yourself instead of letting your heart get close which is a vulnerable situation.

Answer 8

Well if your right it doesn't mean your paraniod at all. Wanna know about paranoia check this site out it should tell everything you need to know http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia

Answer 9

Paraniod is an uncontrollable worry and anxiety feeling. If your like that with everyone around you, I say your just keeping your guard up, right? As long as you are not having anxiety attacks or anything like that you should be fine.

Answer 10

I think paranoia is much bigger than worrying about people talking about you. More like anxiety that something bad is going to happen to you if you leave your house, or constantly worrying that you are sick or dying, etc etc.