Can Paranoia Be A Symptom Of Bipolar?
Mental illnesses like bipolar disorder significantly affect the daily life of patients. However, some of them can be managed. For example, when it comes to bipolar disorder, it is possible to significantly improve the life of a person with this diagnosis. But things are much more complicated when paranoid bipolar disorder manifests itself.
This is a symbiosis of bipolar disorder and paranoia. Some people do not even notice the difference between them. Let’s try to analyze this in more detail because such cases can occur among people with not quite correct diagnosis.
What is paranoia
Before understanding whether can paranoia be a symptom of bipolar disorder explained it is important to define the concept of paranoia itself. It is a manifestation of incorrect suspicions and beliefs about various actions towards other people. For example, the manifestation of increased distrust or fear in communication with people. In this way, a sense of persecution or collusion is formed.
In the case of bipolar disorder, paranoia manifests itself in all episodes of the cycle. But it is extremely important to separate it from other symptoms of mood changes (mood swings, impulsivity, etc.). To do this, you need to understand the factors that will influence the development of paranoia in people with bipolar disorder.
Factors Causing Paranoia in Bipolar Disorder
Comparing factors for the manifestation of bipolar paranoia vs bipolar psychosis differences are that when paranoid episodes occur in people with bipolar disorder it is due to:
- genetic predisposition;
- trauma;
- substance abuse.
When there is a genetic predisposition, paranoia is more likely to manifest than in people who have a family history of such episodes. Past or current traumas can also be a trigger for paranoia to manifest in people with this diagnosis. The influence of psychoactive substances (alcohol, drugs) even can reveal the disease with much greater force. Therefore, all 3 factors should be avoided when bipolar disorder manifests itself.
Triggers for paranoia in bipolar disorder
Analyzing the signs of paranoia during bipolar episode it is equally important to highlight the triggers in which the disorder manifests. These include:
- high-stress levels;
- problems with sleep disturbance;
- changes in medications;
- failure to adhere to prescribed treatment regimens.
If these points are avoided, there will be far fewer opportunities for paranoia triggers in bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of paranoia in this diagnosis
It is also worth considering the symptoms of when does bipolar disorder cause paranoia. These include:
- increased suspicion and distrust of people;
- increased irritability and aggression;
- hypervigilance;
- belief in conspiracy theories;
- increased sensitivity to receiving criticism from others;
- incorrect perception of reality;
- severe anxiety;
- the desire for social isolation;
- delusions.
Noticing these symptoms should immediately go to specialized specialists to find out the causes of paranoia. And it may be one of the factors in the manifestation of bipolar disorder, including.
Conclusion
Reviewing real life examples of paranoia in bipolar experienced professionals note that paranoia can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. However, to correctly determine the diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the patient by specialized specialists. Only with their help, it is realistic to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Otherwise, you can lose a lot of time, dealing with the treatment of paranoia itself as a symptom, but not the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Therefore, when paranoia manifests itself, it is best to go straight to specialized institutions.