Paranoia is an instinct or thought process that is believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety, suspicion, or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality. [1] . Paranoia is distinct from phobias, which …

The meaning of PARANOID is characterized by or resembling paranoia or paranoid schizophrenia. How to use paranoid in a sentence.

Paranoia is the most common symptom of psychosis. But you can have mild paranoid concerns without having psychosis.

Sep 5, 2024 · Anxiety vs. Paranoid Thoughts A paranoid thought is a type of anxious thought. Anxiety can cause paranoia, affecting what you’re paranoid about and how long the feeling lasts.

Dec 15, 2025 · Paranoia is a pattern of thinking that involves intense, irrational distrust and suspicion. Signs of paranoia include defensiveness, hypervigilance, and fear of being taken advantage of. If …

Nov 9, 2025 · A paranoid state involves the unwarranted mistrust of others and their actions. You can have paranoid thoughts and anxiety at the same time, but these are two separate states.

PARANOID definition: 1. feeling extremely nervous and worried because you believe that other people do not like you or…. Learn more.

Jan 8, 2026 · As defined by the American Psychological Association, a paranoid mental state or condition is marked by a belief in persecution or grandiosity.

What does paranoid mean? Paranoid is an adjective used to describe someone who has the mental disorder paranoia, which is characterized by delusions and feelings of extreme distrust, suspicion, …

1. Psychiatry Relating to, characteristic of, or affected with paranoia. 2. Exhibiting or characterized by irrational distrust or suspicion of others: a paranoid fear that the police car was following him. 3. …