Paranoia could mean a person is developing schizophrenia. But remember - paranoia can be a symptom of depression too.

It isn't actually that unusual to have paranoia with depression. If your feelings of suspicion also go along with feelings of grief, sadness, hopelessness, it's quite possible.

The best thing to do first is to understand the symptom of paranoia. My housemate had this symptom so I got to live with it every single day.

Paranoia isn't the usual feeling everyone gets due to life's ups and downs, such as job or social pressures. At least a person gets a break from that sort of feeling!

Paranoia can be overwhelming, almost constant, and it often does not lesson even if the person is reassured or comforted.

This symptom may be at its worst in the evening, or when there is an abrupt change to the person's routine. Paranoia may keep a person even from relaxing in his/her own home. When a lot of things are going on at once, paranoia may worsen. For some people, the paranoia sticks to one certain subject or idea.

If nothing seems to help much and it is constant or almost constant, it could very well be the symptom of paranoia.

Sometimes it forms gradually, other times, quite suddenly.

Another hint that it may be paranoia, is the reaction of other people. Friends and family start arguing that what the poor person is feeling can't POSSIBLY be true. And that often makes the person more upset.

Another hint that it's paranoia, it may get worse at night. Night may be a very restless, anxious time, with little sleep. It may get worse when one's routine changes or when unexpected things happen.

Another hint is that it may affect relationships. Familiar people may seem suspect. And even if the person is comforted, the paranoia just keeps coming back.

Another indication that it's paranoia, is the person MIGHT feel a surge of energy or feel powerful, along with the paranoia.

Paranoia can also make a person very reluctant to consult with a doctor or psychiatrist. The whole idea that it is a symptom might seem totally impossible to the person. Since paranoia is basically about processing our sensory information, the paranoia seems absolutely true.

Sometimes getting off by oneself seems to lessen paranoia. Staying busy sometimes helps. Other people find listening to music helps.

It just doesn't help enough! If you have this symptom paranoia, my advice is to see a doctor...paranoia is caused by how a person with certain conditions - such as depression or schizophrenia, processes information. The doctor may notice other symptoms, such as lethargy or other perceptual issues.

Paranoia can really interfere with a person's enjoyment of life. So it needs treatment. And while it's a sign of a condition that needs treatment, to me it's a good sign and paranoid schizophrenia (or paranoia with depression) is very, very treatable.