Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families, and Sufferers

This is written by an experienced professional and employs a lot of language that only those in the field would understand, but is also spot-on when identifying the characteristics of those with paranoid delusional disorder. A highly intelligent family member of ours has suffered from this mental illness for years, although to my knowledge she has never been formerly diagnosed even with decades of therapy, and has only grown worse with time. The author affirmed many of the things our family has witnessed and endured through decades of manipulation and emotional abuse by this loved one. Alas, as the doctor states, the road to treatment and recovery for this affliction is long, particularly because the patient's belief in her delusions is so strong that anyone who tries to point out why her accusations and suspicions are wrong, is immediately attacked and rejected, even her own psychiatrists. Still, it was a comfort to hear a voice educated on the subject affirm the reality of what we have experienced first-hand.

I found this book to be full of contradictions. It was hard to find this author believable. I am someone looking for real answers for a family member with a paranoia-like mental illness. This author comes across as having all the answers which is not believable since there is still so much unknown about mental illness. A more humble approach would be better. Admitting you don't have all the answers is okay even from a medical professional. This was what I found to be true in Alistair Munro's book on Delusional Disorder, which albeit somewhat hard to read at times, gives a very well balanced and thoroughly researched view on this disorder.This book by Martin Kantor seems like a money grab.

I have been suffering from paranoid and suspicious thoughts for a few years now. The first time was brought about by a huge amount of stress in my life including going bankrupt. Since then when I suffer a large amount of stress (which lets be honest we all do from time to time while trying to achieve more) I get paranoia attacks which can last for weeks if not months.As I'm sure you will know sometimes the paranoid thoughts are all consuming and prevent you from carrying out normal everyday duties and responsibilities. This was incorrectly diagnosed as depression by my GP and treated with anti depressants which actually made me more agitated and heightened the feelings of the paranoia. After read this book I stopped taking the pills and having tried to implement the strategies I am coping much better.I'm not saying this book is a quick fix but will really help you understand why you get the thoughts and ways in which you can manage them. Really helped me and I would highly recommend to anyone who suffers with paranoia.

This book told me so much to help me understand a loved one, that in my entire life I could not make sense of! It described him to a t, and made me realize he can't help how he thinks. It also told me how you can get along with a paranoid individual in your life, when you have to. (NOT easy!) I recommend it to anyone who suspects their loved one is paranoid. It will make your life simpler.

From the small amount I have had time to read, it looks like it will be a very interesting, informative and helpful book.