Speaking of Psychology
Understanding paranoia and extreme mistrust, with Daniel Freeman, PhD
Mar 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Daniel Freeman, PhD, a professor at the University of Oxford and a leading expert on paranoia, delves into the complex nature of mistrust. He explores the commonality of paranoid thoughts and distinguishes between healthy skepticism and excessive fear. The discussion highlights innovative therapeutic approaches, including the use of virtual reality to confront social fears. Freeman also addresses how substance use and the pandemic have exacerbated paranoia, providing fresh insights on treatment and management strategies.
33:53
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Quick takeaways
- Paranoia ranges from mild mistrust to severe delusions, significantly impacting daily life, relationships, and mental health.
- Recent therapeutic advancements, like the Feeling Safe Program and virtual reality integration, provide innovative methods to address and treat paranoia.
Deep dives
Understanding Paranoia: Definition and Diagnosis
Paranoia is primarily defined as the belief that others are trying to cause you harm, even when there is no real threat. This encompasses a spectrum of severity, from mild mistrust to severe persecutory delusions where individuals may be convinced of imminent danger from others. Diagnosis is typically established when these thoughts significantly disrupt daily life, leading to distress, anxiety, and avoidance of meaningful activities. The condition is considered clinically relevant when it reaches levels that are persistent and overwhelming, affecting social relationships and overall mental health.
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