Deconstructing 'paranoia': towards a discursive understanding of apparently unwarranted suspicion

Article

Harper, D. 1996. Deconstructing 'paranoia': towards a discursive understanding of apparently unwarranted suspicion. Theory & Psychology. 6 (3), pp. 423-448.
AuthorsHarper, D.
Abstract

`Paranoia' is a construct which is currently associated with types of `schizophrenia', `personality disorder' and `delusional disorder' in DSM-IVTM (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). In this paper, the concept of paranoia is deconstructed by examining six dominant and six opposed and subjugated presuppositions within both the psychiatric and abnormal psychology literature. In an argument which aims to provide a positive deconstruction, a discursive approach is suggested as a perspective which transforms these oppositions and enables more creative theorizing.

Keywordsschizophrenia; Paranoia; positive deconstruction; mental health discrimination
JournalTheory & Psychology
Journal citation6 (3), pp. 423-448
ISSN0959-3543
1461-7447
Year1996
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-ND
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0959354396063005
http://hdl.handle.net/10552/645
Publication dates
PrintAug 1996
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Mar 2010
Additional information

Citation:
Harper, D.J. (1996) ‘Deconstructing 'paranoia': Towards a discursive understanding of apparently unwarranted suspicion.’ Theory & Psychology, 6 (3) 423-448..

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