Grænselandet: Ordinær og patologisk paranoia

This article explores paranoia as a complex psychological structure existing on a
continuum between the ordinary and the pathological. Drawing on Freud’s
concept of narcissism and Lacan’s theory of the mirror stage, paranoia is examined as a fundamental aspect of ego formation, where the subject’s relation to the other is marked by alienation and aggression. Empirical research on subclinical psychotic phenomena supports the view of paranoia as a general psychological experience rather than a purely pathological condition. Through clinical vignettes, the article illustrates how paranoid ideation can range from transient reactions to deeply entrenched psychotic convictions. Adopting a dialectical perspective, the argument is made that paranoia should be understood as a multifaceted part of human psychological functioning rather than as an unequivocal symptom of mental illness. The article concludes by reflecting on the clinical implications of this view, emphasizing the importance of a therapeutic space that enables creative engagement with paranoid fixations.