Thread: Paranoia
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Old Sep 25, 2013, 09:55 PM
Anonymous200280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ultramar View Post
Can anyone explain what the difference is between 'clinical paranoia' and suspiciousness or self-esteem issues (i.e. thinking people don't like you, etc.) -I think what are called 'cognitive distortions' versus 'clinical' (re psychotic) paranoia?

It's confusing, because when I think of the word paranoia, I think of all-out psychosis. But, on the other hand, being 'paranoid' is a word/experience used in every day life, by people without mental illness, as well. How do you tell the difference?
I would consider most in this thread to be cognitive distortions rather than actual clinical paranoia. I'd say most brought up in this thread can be addressed with talk therapy. I also use the word "paranoid" a lot when not referring to mental illness. We joke about paranoia all the time.