Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Paranoia, Feeling Of Being Constantly Followed, People Reading Minds, Judging, Confused And Feeling Of Being Unattractive. Help
Hi, I am curious on whether weathering not I have paranoia or something more serious, so I'm going to explain to you what I have been going through for the past year. I am constantly thinking someone is watching me. I have trouble getting out of my shower because I believe that people can float out of their bodies and watch me. Also when I sit on the bus I am always having to change what I'm thinking about because I believe people can read my mind. And most times when I'm alone I will act as if a real life person is there with me, I talk to them and interact, I cant see them by I imagine they are there. I always think that if I do something embarrassing people will find out. And I always think people are looking at me judging me. I can't go into stores with my mom often because I'm scared people will judge me. Even when I'm in the car I can't help but think people are trying to take me. It's affecting me because now all I wear is big bulky sweat shirts and baggy shorts because I think I'm fat and not attractive. I even had a hard time giving you my email because I think this is something fake or that it will hook up with my Facebook and every one will see the question I asked. Sorry it was so long.
Mon, 22 Jul 2013
User's Response
Hi
Thank for choosing HCM ,, It is okay, I really feel pity for you, I am not person deals with psychiatric branch, it is just courtesy, I saying you some words in the form of advise if you can follow it thank,, just control your thoughts, forget the surrounding,, try to keep your self busy in work you most like, have a meeting with your most near friend talk with your friend,, every thing will be alright even if you are not able to control it the see the psychiatric,, have nice day.
Thank for choosing HCM ,, It is okay, I really feel pity for you, I am not person deals with psychiatric branch, it is just courtesy, I saying you some words in the form of advise if you can follow it thank,, just control your thoughts, forget the surrounding,, try to keep your self busy in work you most like, have a meeting with your most near friend talk with your friend,, every thing will be alright even if you are not able to control it the see the psychiatric,, have nice day.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
User's Response
Dr. Balaji Bharadwaj,
Psychiatrist's Response
Psychiatrist's Response
You have given an elaborate description of what you are experiencing. I am sure you have either not shared these experiences with anyone, or even if you have shared them with your family members or your friends, they would not have believed you.
Do you really know for sure that people are reading your mind? Or that you have a doubt that it may be happening, even though you know it is not logically possible?
Are you avoiding going to public places because of this experience of people knowing your thoughts?
Does any of your family members suffer from psychosis or schizophrenia?
You might want to consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible for these symptoms which are suggestive of schizotypal disorder. It is a good sign that you are viewing these experiences with a hint of doubt and have "insight" into it. It is good that you have come forward to share it and get an opinion here.
These symptoms may or may not worsen into schizophrenia. Your psychiatrist may be able to help you decide whether to take medications or no. In either case you may benefit well from being on regular follow up.
Hope the answer helps.
Do you really know for sure that people are reading your mind? Or that you have a doubt that it may be happening, even though you know it is not logically possible?
Are you avoiding going to public places because of this experience of people knowing your thoughts?
Does any of your family members suffer from psychosis or schizophrenia?
You might want to consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible for these symptoms which are suggestive of schizotypal disorder. It is a good sign that you are viewing these experiences with a hint of doubt and have "insight" into it. It is good that you have come forward to share it and get an opinion here.
These symptoms may or may not worsen into schizophrenia. Your psychiatrist may be able to help you decide whether to take medications or no. In either case you may benefit well from being on regular follow up.
Hope the answer helps.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Hi,
Feeling all the time that some one is watching you, or feeling that people are following you or that they can read your mind are all features of a referential thinking process. They are seen in psychotic illnesses, but given the insight you have in your problem, i do not think you have one.
So if its not psychosis, then what it is? It can be seen in social phobias, but as you have mentioned in the last few lines about feeling fat and not attractive, is this what is actually bothering you?
It is common amongst adolescents and young adults to find such disturbances of body image, and they do cause a lot of trouble to the sufferer. Please visit a psychiatrist and discuss the matter with him/her in detail. There are ways to tackle such dysfunctional mental schema like cognitive behavior therapy, in which the professional works towards re-framing the thought process for good. Please do not hesitate in seeking help.
Hope this helps
Dr A Rao Kavoor
Feeling all the time that some one is watching you, or feeling that people are following you or that they can read your mind are all features of a referential thinking process. They are seen in psychotic illnesses, but given the insight you have in your problem, i do not think you have one.
So if its not psychosis, then what it is? It can be seen in social phobias, but as you have mentioned in the last few lines about feeling fat and not attractive, is this what is actually bothering you?
It is common amongst adolescents and young adults to find such disturbances of body image, and they do cause a lot of trouble to the sufferer. Please visit a psychiatrist and discuss the matter with him/her in detail. There are ways to tackle such dysfunctional mental schema like cognitive behavior therapy, in which the professional works towards re-framing the thought process for good. Please do not hesitate in seeking help.
Hope this helps
Dr A Rao Kavoor
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Psychosis
Loading Online Doctors....