Depression, a mood disorder, contributes to disruptions in the workplace, high turnover rates, school failure, relationship problems and conflicts. Dealing with a person who is depressed can be a demanding task, but when the person also develops signs of paranoia, his loss of a grip on reality can be overwhelming for those who know him. Paranoia can make the negative behaviors and thought processes often associated with depression manifest as irrational conspiracies.
Basics
A person suffering from depression can develop paranoid tendencies. When determining if a person is suffering from depression and paranoia, a mental health professional may look at potential risk factors throughout the person's life as signs of the development. Signs of a person having an increased risk of developing the disorder include having a blood relative with similar symptoms, experiencing traumatic events, being abused, being exposed to toxic chemicals either unintentionally or through severe drug use, and becoming depressed after giving birth to a child.
Considerations
It is important to keep in mind the possible other mental health disorders that could be contributing to the paranoia. A mental health professional will have to determine if other mental health disorders are present such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia and schizoaffective disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
A person who is paranoid will have the idea that someone is out to get her. Signs of paranoia can include whispering, being suspicious of certain people, avoiding talking on the phone or Internet about anything important, hiding, isolating herself, writing in code and being easily startled.
Depression symptoms include feeling worthless, helpless and/or hopeless; crying often; not being able to find pleasure in things she used to enjoy; sleeping more or less; changes in weight as a result of changes in appetite; lack of motivation; restlessness; irritability; and self-harm or suicidal behaviors, notes the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Significance
The presence of paranoia and depression is seen in the effect they have on a person's lifestyle. The psychotic symptom, paranoia, mixed with depression will make it hard for a person to have clear thoughts, build relationships with others, consistently display behaviors that are appropriate and have a grasp on reality, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Experiencing depression and thoughts of paranoia will cause a person to sacrifice his goals in his career, in his relationships or at school.
Potential
To reduce the likelihood that depression will manifest with paranoia, a person should seek treatment as soon as she begins to notice the signs of depression. It is hard enough for a person suffering from depression to become involved in treatment on her own due to the lack of motivation, but when a person becomes paranoid, engagement in treatment may be even harder to achieve. The person may begin to believe that psychotherapy is a way for others to control her mind, which will result in her refusal of treatment.
