Normal Paranoia?

[amanda]

My husband recently pointed out that he thought I was a terribly person.  When he goes away on business trips, I can't sleep for fear that somebody is going to break into  our home and come after me. If he's gone for 3 or 4 days, I literally do not sleep the entire time he is gone.  When I have to travel on business and have to stay in a hotel, I'm certain somebody is going to break into my hotel room and do me harm.  I do not sleep the entire time I'm gone.
Another example:lastnight I was convinced there was a stranger in the garage.  I never did figure out what it was, but I was certain it was a person and that this person was going to break into our home.
Making matters we live rather close to a prison.  If a prisoner escapes, I'm SURE, without a doubt that he/she will come to our home and get me.  A murdered escaped about a week ago, and when I get home from work at night, I lock all the doors, pull and the blinds and sit in my bedroom with all the lights out, waiting for my husband to get home.  
I am especially paranoid when I am alone.  I HATE being alone, and I typically start to feel this way when I am by myself.
Is this completely ridiculous, or is this a valid condition?  If so, is there some sort of medication that will relieve (Paxil?)this awful feeling?

[HFHS -M.D.-HG]

Dear Amanda,

Paranoia means extreme suspiciousness, usually not based on a realistic assessment of the situation . Fear of being alone is normal to a certain extent, but if it is affecting your functional status, it is a problem. There are several  medications (psychotropic medications such as Risperdal, Zyprexa etc ) that are proven to be effective in the treatment of paranoia. I would recommend that you consider evaluation by a Mental Health Professional for adequate diagnosis and treatment. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely
HFHS-M.D.

[A-a]

In addition to medication/psychotherapy, stop watching bad news and scary movies.  Have an alarm put in if that'll reassure you.  I hang windchimes on my windows.  That made a big difference becasue I know no one can get in without my hearing.  Plus dogs are great for that.

[Joanna]

I am 22 years old and have similar problems to the ones you are describing since 14 yrs. I also could not sleep when I was left alone for fear of burglars. I was convinced that someone would come in at night and attack me. The fear was awful,pure terror.  I was convinced that someone would come in and harm me when I was alone and vunerable,unable to defend myself.  I tried various drugs including risperadal but most of them made me tired and I did not consider myself psychotic as I was fine in the day time.  What really helped was that one night I called the police as I believed someone had broken in, luckily no one had but seeing how quickly they arrived on the scene and how helpful they were reassured me. They checked the house over and said there was NO WAY anyone could get in.  So call the police over to do a safety check on your house they can reccomend good locks etc... (they are happy to do this in England as long as you call in at the station and book an appt. for a safety officer to call round. Don't call the emergency number unless you think there is somebody in the house at the time) Remind yourself also that there are things in life that happen over which you can have no control and you are not going to handle a difiicult situation any worse than the next person. Perhaps assertion training and self-defense classes may help you build your confidence.  I now live in my own flat something that doctors never felt would be possible I don't think about my burglars much any more if it happens which it probably won;t I cannot control it and I'll probably cope with it badly just like every one else would. Sorry this is so long but I really empathise with you