Paranoia

Paranoia is a psychological condition in which the sufferer is under the delusion that powerful agencies or large numbers of people are plotting to harm them, despite the absence of any real evidence in support of this belief. Indeed, absence of evidence is often cited by paranoids in support of their delusion; obviously, the conspiracy against them has covered this evidence up, clearly showing how powerful and pervasive their influence is. Not all cases of paranoia are this extreme, and in less severe cases a paranoid may be able to live a relatively normal life.

Paranoia is often associated with psychotic illnesses, particularly schizophrenia.