{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","path":"/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","title":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?","family":"Answers detail","description":"A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","wordpressId":"6258","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T14:19:24Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page answer-page\" data-answer-template=\"conversation\"><header class=\"answer-heading article-heading\"><a class=\"answer-back\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a><h1>What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?</h1><div class=\"answer-credits\"><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Written by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></span></a><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Medically reviewed by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</span></span></a></div><dl class=\"answer-heading-dates\"><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z\">June 1, 2024</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2026-06-05T14:19:24Z\">June 5, 2026</time></dd></div><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-15\">September 15, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></header><nav class=\"answer-nav\" aria-label=\"Answer navigation\"><a href=\"#summary\">Summary</a><a href=\"#question\">Question</a><a href=\"#answer\">Answer</a></nav><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\" data-answer-thread aria-label=\"Reader question and professional response\"><section class=\"answer-overview\" id=\"summary\" aria-labelledby=\"summary-title\"><h2 id=\"summary-title\">Summary</h2><figure class=\"answer-question-image\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17123.webp\" alt=\"Two men talk together in a bright counseling room.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"754\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><p>A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves. Arguments and attempts to move away have not helped, and the whole family is distressed.</p><p>The answer recommends psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible because the experiences might involve hallucinations and delusions.</p><p>It also notes that other medical or substance-related explanations must be considered and that only a qualified clinician can determine the cause and appropriate treatment.</p></section><div class=\"answer-originals\" id=\"original-conversation\"><div class=\"answer-originals-body\"><section class=\"answer-post answer-question\" id=\"question\" aria-labelledby=\"question-person\"><div class=\"answer-avatar answer-reader\" aria-hidden=\"true\">?</div><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"question-person\">Question</h2><span>Reader · Identity withheld</span></header><p>Hi, I have a serious problem and I need your help. My brother has always been a little paranoid but over the past year it has gotten very bad. </p>\n<p>About a year ago while living with my parents he claimed someone was either throwing something or was shooting bb’s at his bedroom window. He claimed they would do this every time he would try to go to sleep.</p>\n<p>He said they would listen to him and try to keep him awake. Then it started getting worse. He then started to say they were shooting ultra sonic waves at him to cause ringing in his ears. </p>\n<p>They were worse when he would try to sleep but it grown to all the time. Part of the problem is also some of the junk he reads on the Internet.</p>\n<p>He has spent a ton of money combating this hidden adversary. My parents in an attempt to do something to help him have decided to move to get him away from this ghost. </p>\n<details class=\"answer-long-text\"><summary><span class=\"answer-read-more\">Show more</span><span class=\"answer-read-less\">Show less</span></summary><p>My brother has been staying with me for the last few month and he claims they followed him there. Now he believes they are shooting microwaves at him. Another idea he go from the Internet.</p>\n<p>No one around him suffers from these problems and no matter how ridicules his theory’s are we can not convince him of his problems. Trying to just drives him further away and causes arguments. </p>\n<p>Right now my parents are trying to sell their home of 32 years and move to another state in a hope that a change of scenery will help. I know he will probably hate me if I did this but is there anyway I can get him some help without his consent.</p>\n<p>This has already torn the family apart and I am at my wits end. It is starting to cause other problem with some of my siblings including myself. Everyone is always so depressed. </p>\n<p>Please help.</p></details></div></section><section class=\"answer-post answer-response\" id=\"answer\" aria-labelledby=\"response-person\"><a class=\"answer-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" aria-label=\"View Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. profile\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"response-person\">Answer</h2><span>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></header><p>Sadly, the first thought that comes to my mind is that your brother should be evaluated by a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialized in mental illness) for possible psychosis and/or paranoid schizophrenia. </p>\n<p>The noises he is experiencing (that no one else experiences) are possibly auditory hallucinations, and the odd and improbable explanations he has come with to explain those noises he is hearing are possibly delusions (fixed irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken with logic).</p>\n<p>Both auditory hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of schizophrenia, which is a neurological condition as much as it is a ‘mental’ disease. There are other possible explanations (including drug addiction and/or other ‘organic’ problems) to be considered as well. </p>\n<p>Really – only a qualified psychiatrist can sort out the possibilities and offer coherent and helpful treatment.</p>\n<p>There are multiple well tolerated medications which are useful in treating schizophrenia and related causes of psychosis (if in fact that is what is happening here). It might significantly benefit your brother to be prescribed such treatments.</p>\n<p>Please get him evaluated as soon as you can.</p></div></section></div></div></article><div class=\"answer-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-expert answer-expert-card\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/13152.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-expert-copy\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">Carlos Protzel <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Psy.D.</span></a></h2><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Integrative mental health care</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17245.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Mental Health Conditions</h2><p>Explore different mental health conditions and the experiences of people living with them.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/mental-health-conditions\">Explore community</a></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Author</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Medical reviewer</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-related\"><h2>Related questions</h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/what-are-some-coping-skills-for-paranoia\">What are some effective coping skills for dealing with paranoia?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-my-boyfriend-eventually-hit-me\">Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-i-ever-feel-normal\">Will I ever feel normal?</a></section></div></div>","text":"HomeAnswersWhat are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?AnswersWhat are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?Written byMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D.PublishedJune 1, 2024UpdatedJune 5, 2026ReviewedSeptember 15, 2025SummaryQuestionAnswerSummaryA person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves. Arguments and attempts to move away have not helped, and the whole family is distressed.The answer recommends psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible because the experiences might involve hallucinations and delusions.It also notes that other medical or substance-related explanations must be considered and that only a qualified clinician can determine the cause and appropriate treatment.?QuestionReader · Identity withheldHi, I have a serious problem and I need your help. My brother has always been a little paranoid but over the past year it has gotten very bad. About a year ago while living with my parents he claimed someone was either throwing something or was shooting bb’s at his bedroom window. He claimed they would do this every time he would try to go to sleep. He said they would listen to him and try to keep him awake. Then it started getting worse. He then started to say they were shooting ultra sonic waves at him to cause ringing in his ears. They were worse when he would try to sleep but it grown to all the time. Part of the problem is also some of the junk he reads on the Internet. He has spent a ton of money combating this hidden adversary. My parents in an attempt to do something to help him have decided to move to get him away from this ghost. Show moreShow lessMy brother has been staying with me for the last few month and he claims they followed him there. Now he believes they are shooting microwaves at him. Another idea he go from the Internet. No one around him suffers from these problems and no matter how ridicules his theory’s are we can not convince him of his problems. Trying to just drives him further away and causes arguments. Right now my parents are trying to sell their home of 32 years and move to another state in a hope that a change of scenery will help. I know he will probably hate me if I did this but is there anyway I can get him some help without his consent. This has already torn the family apart and I am at my wits end. It is starting to cause other problem with some of my siblings including myself. Everyone is always so depressed. Please help.AnswerMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Sadly, the first thought that comes to my mind is that your brother should be evaluated by a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialized in mental illness) for possible psychosis and/or paranoid schizophrenia. The noises he is experiencing (that no one else experiences) are possibly auditory hallucinations, and the odd and improbable explanations he has come with to explain those noises he is hearing are possibly delusions (fixed irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken with logic). Both auditory hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of schizophrenia, which is a neurological condition as much as it is a ‘mental’ disease. There are other possible explanations (including drug addiction and/or other ‘organic’ problems) to be considered as well. Really – only a qualified psychiatrist can sort out the possibilities and offer coherent and helpful treatment. There are multiple well tolerated medications which are useful in treating schizophrenia and related causes of psychosis (if in fact that is what is happening here). It might significantly benefit your brother to be prescribed such treatments. Please get him evaluated as soon as you can.Subject matter expertCarlos Protzel Psy.D.Integrative mental health careView experienceRelated communitiesMental Health ConditionsExplore different mental health conditions and the experiences of people living with them.Explore communityAuthorMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.View experienceMedical reviewerJesse Hanson, Ph.D.Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…View experienceRelated questionsWhat are some effective coping skills for dealing with paranoia?Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?Will I ever feel normal?","wordCount":699},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Answers","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started-20261003.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started-20261003.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Two adults walking together through a quiet neighborhood"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","jobTitle":"Doctor","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dombeck-phd-530a573/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","jobTitle":"Clinical Affairs Director","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-hanson-phd-7215216/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","headline":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?","description":"A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves.","wordCount":589,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Answers","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T14:19:24Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question"},{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer"}]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question","name":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?","text":"Hi, I have a serious problem and I need your help. My brother has always been a little paranoid but over the past year it has gotten very bad. About a year ago while living with my parents he claimed someone was either throwing something or was shooting bb’s at his bedroom window. He claimed they would do this every time he would try to go to sleep. He said they would listen to him and try to keep him awake. Then it started getting worse. He then started to say they were shooting ultra sonic waves at him to cause ringing in his ears. They were worse when he would try to sleep but it grown to all the time. Part of the problem is also some of the junk he reads on the Internet. He has spent a ton of money combating this hidden adversary. My parents in an attempt to do something to help him have decided to move to get him away from this ghost. My brother has been staying with me for the last few month and he claims they followed him there. Now he believes they are shooting microwaves at him. Another idea he go from the Internet. No one around him suffers from these problems and no matter how ridicules his theory’s are we can not convince him of his problems. Trying to just drives him further away and causes arguments. Right now my parents are trying to sell their home of 32 years and move to another state in a hope that a change of scenery will help. I know he will probably hate me if I did this but is there anyway I can get him some help without his consent. This has already torn the family apart and I am at my wits end. It is starting to cause other problem with some of my siblings including myself. Everyone is always so depressed. Please help.","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question","answerCount":1},{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer","text":"Sadly, the first thought that comes to my mind is that your brother should be evaluated by a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialized in mental illness) for possible psychosis and/or paranoid schizophrenia. The noises he is experiencing (that no one else experiences) are possibly auditory hallucinations, and the odd and improbable explanations he has come with to explain those noises he is hearing are possibly delusions (fixed irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken with logic). Both auditory hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of schizophrenia, which is a neurological condition as much as it is a ‘mental’ disease. There are other possible explanations (including drug addiction and/or other ‘organic’ problems) to be considered as well. Really – only a qualified psychiatrist can sort out the possibilities and offer coherent and helpful treatment. There are multiple well tolerated medications which are useful in treating schizophrenia and related causes of psychosis (if in fact that is what is happening here). It might significantly benefit your brother to be prescribed such treatments. Please get him evaluated as soon as you can.","author":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer"},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","name":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?","description":"A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy 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byMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#summary","label":"Summary"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question","label":"Question"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer","label":"Answer"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":"Carlos Protzel Psy.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/mental-health-conditions","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","label":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/what-are-some-coping-skills-for-paranoia","label":"What are some effective coping skills for dealing with paranoia?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-my-boyfriend-eventually-hit-me","label":"Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-i-ever-feel-normal","label":"Will I ever feel normal?"}],"conversation":{"status":"complete","summary":{"question":"A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves. Arguments and attempts to move away have not helped, and the whole family is distressed.","answer":"The answer recommends psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible because the experiences might involve hallucinations and delusions. It also notes that other medical or substance-related explanations must be considered and that only a qualified clinician can determine the cause and appropriate treatment."},"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","sourceReviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"question":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#question","html":"<p>Hi, I have a serious problem and I need your help. My brother has always been a little paranoid but over the past year it has gotten very bad. </p>\n<p>About a year ago while living with my parents he claimed someone was either throwing something or was shooting bb’s at his bedroom window. He claimed they would do this every time he would try to go to sleep.</p>\n<p>He said they would listen to him and try to keep him awake. Then it started getting worse. He then started to say they were shooting ultra sonic waves at him to cause ringing in his ears. </p>\n<p>They were worse when he would try to sleep but it grown to all the time. Part of the problem is also some of the junk he reads on the Internet.</p>\n<p>He has spent a ton of money combating this hidden adversary. My parents in an attempt to do something to help him have decided to move to get him away from this ghost. </p>\n<p>My brother has been staying with me for the last few month and he claims they followed him there. Now he believes they are shooting microwaves at him. Another idea he go from the Internet.</p>\n<p>No one around him suffers from these problems and no matter how ridicules his theory’s are we can not convince him of his problems. Trying to just drives him further away and causes arguments. </p>\n<p>Right now my parents are trying to sell their home of 32 years and move to another state in a hope that a change of scenery will help. I know he will probably hate me if I did this but is there anyway I can get him some help without his consent.</p>\n<p>This has already torn the family apart and I am at my wits end. It is starting to cause other problem with some of my siblings including myself. Everyone is always so depressed. </p>\n<p>Please help.</p>","text":"Hi, I have a serious problem and I need your help. My brother has always been a little paranoid but over the past year it has gotten very bad. About a year ago while living with my parents he claimed someone was either throwing something or was shooting bb’s at his bedroom window. He claimed they would do this every time he would try to go to sleep. He said they would listen to him and try to keep him awake. Then it started getting worse. He then started to say they were shooting ultra sonic waves at him to cause ringing in his ears. They were worse when he would try to sleep but it grown to all the time. Part of the problem is also some of the junk he reads on the Internet. He has spent a ton of money combating this hidden adversary. My parents in an attempt to do something to help him have decided to move to get him away from this ghost. My brother has been staying with me for the last few month and he claims they followed him there. Now he believes they are shooting microwaves at him. Another idea he go from the Internet. No one around him suffers from these problems and no matter how ridicules his theory’s are we can not convince him of his problems. Trying to just drives him further away and causes arguments. Right now my parents are trying to sell their home of 32 years and move to another state in a hope that a change of scenery will help. I know he will probably hate me if I did this but is there anyway I can get him some help without his consent. This has already torn the family apart and I am at my wits end. It is starting to cause other problem with some of my siblings including myself. Everyone is always so depressed. Please help."},"answer":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started#answer","html":"<p>Sadly, the first thought that comes to my mind is that your brother should be evaluated by a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialized in mental illness) for possible psychosis and/or paranoid schizophrenia. </p>\n<p>The noises he is experiencing (that no one else experiences) are possibly auditory hallucinations, and the odd and improbable explanations he has come with to explain those noises he is hearing are possibly delusions (fixed irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken with logic).</p>\n<p>Both auditory hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of schizophrenia, which is a neurological condition as much as it is a ‘mental’ disease. There are other possible explanations (including drug addiction and/or other ‘organic’ problems) to be considered as well. </p>\n<p>Really – only a qualified psychiatrist can sort out the possibilities and offer coherent and helpful treatment.</p>\n<p>There are multiple well tolerated medications which are useful in treating schizophrenia and related causes of psychosis (if in fact that is what is happening here). It might significantly benefit your brother to be prescribed such treatments.</p>\n<p>Please get him evaluated as soon as you can.</p>","text":"Sadly, the first thought that comes to my mind is that your brother should be evaluated by a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialized in mental illness) for possible psychosis and/or paranoid schizophrenia. The noises he is experiencing (that no one else experiences) are possibly auditory hallucinations, and the odd and improbable explanations he has come with to explain those noises he is hearing are possibly delusions (fixed irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken with logic). Both auditory hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of schizophrenia, which is a neurological condition as much as it is a ‘mental’ disease. There are other possible explanations (including drug addiction and/or other ‘organic’ problems) to be considered as well. Really – only a qualified psychiatrist can sort out the possibilities and offer coherent and helpful treatment. There are multiple well tolerated medications which are useful in treating schizophrenia and related causes of psychosis (if in fact that is what is happening here). It might significantly benefit your brother to be prescribed such treatments. Please get him evaluated as soon as you can.","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}},"summaryScope":"Editorial overview of the original question and response; original review dates apply to the source conversation."},"presentation":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-03","template":"answer-conversation","imageGeneratedAt":"2026-10-03"},"seo":{"title":"What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia? | MentalHealth.com","description":"A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/overcome-paranoia-how-to-get-started","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/answers.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Answers","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"answers"}},"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Carlos Protzel, Psy.D.","url":"/people/carlos-protzel","profileId":"13151","topic":"wellbeing","focus":"Integrative mental health care","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"navigation":[],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/mental-health-conditions","basis":"topic match"},"collections":[]}
