Definition, Health Effects, and How to Cope

The treatment for paranoia depends on the underlying condition it’s linked to and the severity of the paranoia. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, and support, says Sultan.

A combination of individual therapy, group support or therapy, and medication usually works best, says Dobson, who has specialized in treating schizophrenia and psychosis for 20 years.

Medication

Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to people who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, for instance, and are experiencing paranoia. “They help the individual stay in reality in a genuine manner, and then they are more receptive and responsive to psychotherapy,” says Dobson.

Others who may experience paranoia, such as people with PTSD, may be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help lessen their symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (aka “talk therapy”) can help people experiencing paranoia build trust and learn to manage their paranoid thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help with paranoia, both Fenkel and Sultan note. “CBT can help individuals manage irrational thoughts and develop healthier thinking patterns,” says Sultan.

Through CBT, therapists can work with patients to help them learn how to recognize paranoid thought patterns, what causes them, how to better understand their thoughts and the behaviors and the motivations of others, and how to change their own thoughts or behaviors.

“In therapy, we strive to build a trusting relationship, and then we start to question the paranoid thoughts and help the individual see reality,” says Dobson.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

In addition to therapy and medication, certain lifestyle changes may help remove or lessen contributing factors to paranoia.

For example, using substances such as cannabis can exacerbate paranoid thoughts, according to Dobson. If substance use is worsening these thoughts, avoiding these substances can help relieve symptoms. A doctor will likely recommend professional treatment for substance use if the person can’t stop on their own.

She also recommends maintaining a healthy, consistent lifestyle in ways such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and cultivating a strong support system to help keep symptoms stable.

Complementary and Integrative Therapies

Although medication and psychotherapy are typically the most commonly used treatments, other potential treatment options, such as virtual reality interventions, are emerging. A systematic review of eight studies showed that virtual reality treatments may improve symptoms of paranoia, increase patients’ social participation with others, and decrease suspiciousness and stress.