IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR A PERSECUTION COMPLEX?

[MICHAELWOLFGANG]

I have a friend who seems to suffer from a persecution complex.  He's highly intelligent but his thought processes are irrational.  His symptoms are:

suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her
is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates
is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her
reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events persistently bears grudges, i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others
is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner

Our friendship has been seriously compromised because he's decided I'm a user.  It's very sad because he's a wonderful human-being...one of the funniest people I've ever met...and well-educated and therefore a great conversationalist.  Our friendship is new and showed great promise...we're talking soul mates...and now he's withdrawn with his irrational thoughts that I'm not to be trusted.  Any treatment?

Thanks!

Mike in Chicago

[greenlydia]

There IS a cure for your friend and it's called a psychiatrist! He needs to get in front of one pronto. But of course, if you suggest this, I can only imagine what he'll make of that.
Since he is a "new" friend, do you know how long he has been feeling this way? If it came on suddenly, he should possibly be seen by a neurologist as well. Either way, he needs help soon.
I wish you luck and applaud you wanting to help your friend.
Peace
Greenlydia

[Winner55]

I was married to a woman that was very much as you described your friend to be. Sometimes we could be having dinner,not talking, and all the sudden out of the blue she will "go off " and tell me I had anger issues. I loved her, and knew this was VERY real to her. There was nothing I could say to convince her  otherwise.It got to the point I was always waitig for the other "shoe to drop". As much as I loved her,there was no way that I could show her that she was being Irrational. I couldn't help her as long as she thought I was the problem.
I knew, as much as I loved her,and hoped I could help her,I couldn't. I had to reach a place where I ask myself, "Is this what I want for me,for the rest of my life" I don't think I was being selfish when I  KNEW..I can't help her,and it's futile to try to help those who may live and die with those "demons".
Mike, I suggest that you find someone to love, that is capable of returning that love. You must be a veru compassionate person to be willin to do whatever it takes to help someone that you love. but, sometimes you can't. So find a good place for your heart to live.That your love may be best given!