What is the difference between fear and paranoia

Many clients who have experienced trauma describe symptoms of hypervigilance. They may be wary of their surroundings, alert to potential dangers from others and be ready to respond at the drop of a hat. They might repeatedly check for perceived dangers, and engage in behaviours which they believe will mitigate these dangers, such as attempting to control the actions of others. Some clients describe themselves as paranoid, sometimes this term is also used by their family and friends to describe them.

However, when lay people and professionals use the term paranoia there should be a difference. Treatments, for paranoia and anxiety are different. Risk is considered differently for paranoia. Prognosis may be different. An innocent fear could possibly blossom into paranoia if allowed to do so. Remember what John F. Favorite Quote: "When the power of lover overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

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Home Nonfiction Academic Fear vs. Paranoia Fear vs. Paranoia May 26, More by this author. View profile. The author's comments:. This was a piece of writing that I needed for my ILA class at school. They know that biological triggers, such as substance use and some neurological conditions, can bring on delusions. Psychological triggers of delusional disorder include social isolation, low self-esteem, and envy. When these states of psychological distress reach a high level, a person may develop a delusion to explain why they are feeling a particular way.

Many biological and psychological factors also contribute to anxiety. Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing anxiety disorders, which can run in families. Psychological factors that contribute to anxiety include trauma , such as the death of a loved one or an abusive relationship. A person may also experience symptoms if they are living with a prolonged illness or chronic stress. Social and cultural factors can play a part in anxiety.

For example, a review found a strong link between the experience of racism and the development of mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression. Research indicates that socioeconomic factors such as poverty experienced in childhood can also lead to mental illness. Learn more about the causes of anxiety disorders here.

Doctors use a combination of lab tests and psychological assessments to diagnose delusional disorder and anxiety. They may also request an MRI scan or other form of imaging to rule out any other biological causes. If there is no biological explanation, a doctor will begin a series of psychological assessments.

They may also try to ascertain when the delusions started and if any life events triggered them. A doctor may diagnose an anxiety disorder if a person presents with excessive worrying, sleep disturbance, and restlessness.

However, a doctor may make a diagnosis sooner than this. They will refer to the DSM-5 to rule out other psychological conditions. A doctor may also consider other factors, such as a family history of anxiety. If a person is experiencing physical symptoms like fatigue, a doctor may do a blood test to eliminate any underlying conditions, such as an underactive thyroid. The most effective treatment plan for both delusional disorder and anxiety is usually a combination of therapy and medication.

When treating delusional disorder, a doctor will likely begin with psychotherapy. They may then introduce antipsychotic medication as a trial for 6 weeks , adjusting the dose over time if needed. If antipsychotic medication is not effective, lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine are alternative drug options.

To treat GAD, doctors generally prescribe antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. A person can have both delusional disorder and anxiety at the same time.

It is possible that those with health-related anxiety might experience COVID -related delusions, which may present with physical symptoms such as a runny nose.