Paranoid personality disorder
Paranoia is an irrational fear. It can be caused by psychosis or by certain drugs.
Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and persecutory delusional disorder experience what is known as persecutory delusions: an irrational, yet unshakable, belief that someone is plotting against them. Paranoid beliefs are prevalent in many individuals and is often the cause of disputes between individuals and society. The most common cause of paranoia is the use of illegal drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines and cocaine all of these causing mental harm which leads to paranoia[1]. As with other mental problems, paranoia may be treated by the sufferer recognising the problem and seeking medical assistance. Treatment can be difficult as the patient often does not trust the carer.
Mass Paranoia
Paranoid delusions may be shared by individuals such as within political movements, social groups and national groups. This is known as mass paranoia where the group irrationally believes it is the victim of a conspiracy aimed at its destruction.