Since the concept of the "paranoiac," or one who is paranoid, was introduced into psychiatry, it has garnered controversy. Some claim that paranoia is simply a variation of normality, while the American Psychiatric Association has limited its use of the term to only those suffering delusions of persecution.
But Italian psychiatrist and author Paolo Cioni argues that European psychiatry offers a more realistic description of the paranoiac and, more importantly, that dismissing paranoia as a variant of normal behavior represents a serious danger in today's always-online world.
Cioni makes the bold statement that, unlike other mental disorders, paranoia is contagious. He divides paranoiacs into two groups. The first consists of the "weak" paranoiacs, whose fear and isolation make them socially dangerous. The second group consists of the far more threatening "strong" paranoiacs who, armed with their delusional convictions and abetted by the Internet's ability to attract like-minded individuals, build a base of followers and become social or political leaders...with predictably damaging results.
With patience and expertise, Cioni reveals how to identify and deal with paranoiacs. Readers will ultimately learn a series of specific rehabilitation interventions designed to combat their faulty understanding and help them lead healthier, less disruptive lives.
About the Author: An experienced psychiatrist, Paolo Cioni has worked at the community, hospital, and university levels. The coauthor of Neuroslaves, which discusses mental manipulations of all kinds, Cioni has also published psychiatric manuals and scientific articles through Italy's major editors.
In addition to the study of paranoia, Cioni is interested in the evaluation and measurement of emotions. He also studies the forensic aspects of psychiatric disorders, acting as a consultant for the Court of Florence, Italy.
