paranoea

A patient describes feelings of paranoea to their therapist.

Definition

1. Noun (Medicine):
   • Paranoea is a variant spelling of "paranoia," a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance. It is a type of partial, chronic delusional disorder where the individual maintains logical thinking in other areas.

Usage Examples

• (A medical condition involving unfounded suspicions.)
• (An irrational, persistent distrust.)

Advanced Usage

• "paranoea as a symptom": In psychiatry, paranoea may appear as a symptom of other disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

  • The doctor noted that the patient's paranoea was a secondary feature of his depression. (The delusional thinking was not the primary diagnosis.)

• "paranoea in literature": The term is sometimes used figuratively to describe a pervasive sense of threat in a narrative.

  • The novel's atmosphere was thick with paranoea, as every character suspected the others. (A mood of intense suspicion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Paranoia (n): the standard spelling of the same condition.

  • Paranoia can severely impact a person's social life. (The more common term for the disorder.)

• Paranoid (adj): relating to or suffering from paranoia.

  • He became paranoid, checking his locks three times each night. (Exhibiting symptoms of paranoea.)

Synonyms

• Delusion of persecution: a false belief that one is being targeted or harmed.
• Suspiciousness: a tendency to distrust others without cause.
• Morbid jealousy: an irrational belief that a partner is unfaithful.

Related Idioms

• "To have a paranoid streak": to possess a tendency toward irrational suspicion.

  • She has a paranoid streak, always thinking others are plotting against her. (A habitual inclination to paranoea.)

• "To live in a state of paranoea": to constantly feel threatened or watched.

  • After the robbery, he lived in a state of paranoea, fearing every noise. (A persistent, fearful mindset.)