Symptoms
The duration and severity of paranoid thinking vary.
Some people have brief, mild paranoid ideations, whereas others have more severe, persistent thoughts.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Causes
No one knows what causes BPD or the paranoid ideation that may accompany it.
Environmental factors, genetics, and brain abnormalities may all be involved.
Your treatment plan will likely combine medications and psychotherapy.
Coping
Paranoid ideation in BPD is usually triggered by stress.
Finding ways to manage stress levels can be an effective way to cope with paranoid thoughts.
Some strategies you might try include:
Merriam-Webster.Paranoia.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed.
Washington D.C.: 2013.
2012;197(1-2):119-122. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2011.12.031
National Institute on Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
