Whispers: The Voices of Paranoia

by Ronald K. Siegel

From a renowned scientist, a vivid and "utterly fascinating" ( Los Angeles Times ) exploration of the suspicion, terror, and rage that possess the mind of the paranoid.

The paranoid inhabits a different realm of being, one that tilts the world ever so slightly. Delusions and hallucinations feed on each other, flourishing with amazing speed. Locked in a new mode of thinking the paranoid views life as from a cell. In a dozen case studies Dr. Ronald Siegel takes us on a chilling but mesmerizing journey into the dark mysteries of the human mind.

We meet a woman who hears her teeth whispering; a beautiful ballet dancer who is in love with a shadow; a UCLA student who believes Hitler is speaking to him through a stolen computer program; and a cocaine addict for whom the invasion of imaginary bugs was strong enough to drive him to commit murder.

A dedicated and compassionate scientist, Dr. Siegel follows his patients into the shadowlands where paranoia flourishes—drug addiction, prison, organized crime, and terrorism often at risk to himself. He explores mild cases of patients who vaguely believe something is stalking them to serious cases of patients with apocalyptic visions so intense that they shake the foundations of an entire community. Fascinating, enlightening, and immersive, “reading Whispers is like reading about an exotic and dangerous travel adventure” ( The Washington Post ).

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Science, Mental Illness, Medicine, Memoir

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

American psychiatrist, research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (as recently as 2005), and the author of several noted studies and books on psychopharmacology, hallucination, and paranoia.

Reviews

[Marc Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Immensely disappointing really. While each of the case studies is both interesting in subject matter and the style Siegel presents them, all bar two were cases of paranoia prompted by drug abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine or in one case, a dentist's laughing gas which was not being abused but just utilised normally). I really wanted to read cases that weren't prompted by chemical manipulation, but maybe by upbringing or mental disease. Because Siegel posits the interesting premise that paranoia is adaptively in all of us, historically helping our alertness to external threat and informing out fight or flight response. But any furthering of this notion is undermined by taking extreme examples of drug abusers. Several were drug dealers or traffickers, so for them paranoia was actually a requirement of the job to stay out of the clutches of law enforcement.

[Laura]

This book is about a man named Ronald K Siegal that is a psychopharmacologist and works at a university. He has documented his little "adventures" of meeting people who are paranoid. It is hard to describe because each chapter has a different story that takes place in a different setting, so I am going to focus on my favorite chapter, which is "Chapter 10. The Tenth Plague". All of these stories have unpleasant things and sometimes endings, this one has both. It is about a woman who kills her daughter who is almost 7 years old I believe. There is evidence that she stabbed her daughter with a knife found in the closet, but she can't remember doing anything of that nature. She seems like a normal mother that is going through the trauma of having her daughter taken forever. Dr. Seigal talks to her boyfriend that lives with them and pieces together what happened that morning when the woman and her daughter were alone.

He finds out that the woman, her daughter and her boyfriend went to get a movie that night before and got "The Ten Commandments", as they were watching it the woman started to act as if she were frightened of something outside. Halfway through the movie she stops it and everyone goes to bed. She can't sleep so she wanders the house looking around corners and screaming whenever something moves. In the morning after her boyfriend leaves for work, she starts seeing hallucinations talking to her through her daughters cartoons. After breakfast she starts to see a greenish smoke, like in the movie, come through the window and kills her daughter so she won't go through the movie again. Later she calls the police and they come and you know the rest. Dr. Seigal finds that she was taking prescribed drugs as well as cocaine. This made her mind perceive the movie as a warning of some kind and lead to the death of her daughter.

I loved this book. It really showed me different forms and reactions to paranoia. In may of the stories Dr. Seigal is put in harms way just because he wants to help people. I think that is amazing and stupid at the same time! But it still inspires me on how he sees life and how he really gives all of himself to helping people.
I don't think that many people would be ok with reading this but if you really like psychology and other professions like that, I think it would be a great book for you. I think that people would like it because of the daily things that you look at differently. I get excited because I can try to sort out my own extremely mild paranoias like thinking someone is behind me or other things that scare all of us.

[Anastacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating account of Dr. Siegel's cases and patients and the paranoia they endured as a result of drug intake or, in some cases, as the result of only their faulty wiring. His account of the delusions and hallucinations are bone tingling and horrifying, a stretch of the imagination that is entirely conceivable given the right circumstances.

What I enjoyed about this book is that he told each entire story in full and, at the very end of the book, wrote a slight blurb on where the individuals are now. ("Now" meaning 1995, presumably, when the book was published.) He avoided an overuse of technical jargon and told the stories from the viewpoint of the particular person who endured the torture of paranoid delusions and, in some accounts, actually *relived* the account so he could see what these people saw with his own eyes and feel with his own body what happened in the mind of the accused. Dr. Siegel relates accounts of individuals he has had to testify for or against in trial cases and also a few that he pursued on his own time and because of his own interests in what the individual was facing.

He uses just the right amount of technical verbiage (not much) and tempers the shocking details of some of his accounts with a small amount of humor, which, for me, helped digest some of the stories. He never belittles, but instead injects a little lightness where needed. All in all, this is a fascinating book that I would recommend to anyone interested in psychopharmacology, psychiatry, the abnormal brain, behavior, bio-behavior and generally those fascinated with the effect of illegal substances on a person's brain and behavior.

I loved this book and will probably read it again.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book. This is a subject that I am interested in and based on the prologue, it sounded as if the author was personally invested in and passionate about his research. Unfortunately, after the first 6 chapters, I got bored. There is a heavy emphasis on paranoia stemming from drug usage, which while interesting in itself, seemed like a lot of repetition after a while. Writing style is easy and casual, which I thought kind of odd, but Siegel clearly states that the book is a collection of paranoid experiences rather than an academic or medical analysis of paranoia and its treatment.

[Ali Balchunas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written like fiction, which definitely made it a more fun read. But I didn't see any real resolution throughout the studies he shared.

Oh, wait. No, I did: don't do cocaine.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of this book is deeply disturbing, but absolutely riveting. Every time life forced me to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back. The author is a research psychologist at UCLA who wanted to explore paranoia. He found the clinical/academic literature dry and emotionless. Fiction, he found, did a better job of describing what it feels like to believe with every fiber of your being that evil forces are conspiring to destroy you. So he set out to fill the gap by writing a scientific account of paranoia that really captures the feelings of its victims. This book achieves that goal.

As I said, most of this book is deeply disturbing. With the exception of one old lady, "the sweetest paranoid you'd ever want to meet," this is a journey into the world of drugs, violence, and murder. The author is often called in as an expert witness in criminal trials, so that is where the bulk of his case studies come from. But his thesis is that paranoia doesn't just happen to "crazy people;" we all have a paranoid streak which comes out under certain triggers. Just reading about these people is a bit of a trigger, which is why the book is so effective.

I can understand why someone would want to avoid this book. As for me, though, I'm going to try and get hold of more of this author's fascinating and human work.

[Adrienne Kiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting case studies of paranoia... the author's admitted drug usage (in the name of "research") and the lack of equal depth in examining the paranoid individuals detracts from what could be a fascinating book. Instead, we're left with a reasonably interesting book. I'm none the worse for reading it, although I do feel the author could have done a better job.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Italy apparently had a prime minister in the 17th century who was a dwarf. This is not the only thing I have learned from this book. I have also learned that cocaine can be a valuable research tool. Read this book if you don't often wear blue jeans.

[Breanna Lockwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want a reason to not do cocaine? read this book.
given 3 stars because the story was gripping but not what I was exactly wanting. almost all stories deal with drug abuse and I wanted to read about naturally occurred paranoia.

[Kendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this guy is crazy, maybe thats why he can't always help the crazies. but wow, he's crazy.

[Perri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The case histories were interesting but Siegel's attempt to enter his subjects' experiences didn't work well

[Ingrid Nuttle]

Read in 2006. I love books about crazy

[Crystal Beausoleil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psychopharmacologist Siegel takes the reader on a journey of some of his clients cases — mostly about paranoia and how this affiliation affects them in their daily life but also how it can often become contagious in a sense… He has a great understanding of paranoia and discusses how he often gets “inflicted” with it himself by accident or repeating his clients experiences (hence how it can become contagious).

One of the cases I found intriguing was the closing case of Ernest Hemingway’s final year filled with paranoia that ultimately led to his suicide.

The message to this book hints at a connection between paranoia episodes that can be triggered by a combination of aspects (drugs, traumas, thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia, false arrests, social isolation, or humiliating episodes in one’s life).

This book held interesting cases, but was hard to get through for me even with the fascinating stories of paranoid people’s experiences.

[Sheryl V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impulsively picked this up at a moving library @ LINC, KL.
I gravely apologize for not returning it, I enjoyed it way too much. When reading the synopsis, I remember wanting to expand out of just Fiction. I thought this was a good pick.

I was incredibly surprised! I enjoyed the stories very much. I found them consumable, and very memorable. I loved the psychological aspects, and bookmarked a lot of pages because of how engrossed I was. I couldn't put it down!

Would love to pass this to someone else who would appreciate it, or even re-read it before doing so.

[Katherine Chinchilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who deals with paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, I found this book to be really powerful. Although most of the cases were based on drug use, it still provided great insight to the consequences of drugs. The way Ronald talks about paranoia and mental illness shows that he really cares about the people in his cases. He puts himself through their unique experiences to understand these people on a deeper level, rather than just assuming a narrative. Overall, was an interesting read and kept me engaged all the way to the end!!

[Patricia English · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting book into the world of paranoia. There were parts where I needed to skim through but for the most part i read the whole thing. I really took you into their world, although most of it had to do with cocaine use. I thought it was ok for the most part i would give it a 3 out of 5. I did read his other book that he helped with called fire in the brain which was good.

[Kristyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting book. It's interesting what people will end up thinking, seeing, and believing when in a paranoid state. The cases in this book are about drug induces paranoia, so if you're looking for paranoia cases that aren't drug related, look elsewhere.

[Connie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! One of my favorite books

[Joshua Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, loved the book, just complex enough so You can get the hang of it

[Ronai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world is crazy. I really get it.

[Jessica Mccoy]

Whispers: Voices of Paranoia is an autobiography written by Dr. Ronald k. Siegel. Who is a psychoanalysis enthusiast that helps with police cases that involve people with a mental break down, history of paranoia, or some type of narcotics that may have left that person without the ability to think coherently. He makes a connection between their pasts, their experiences, their personalities, and what they’re currently going through.
Now that you know some of the back history of this book, here’s how it goes.
First thing you should know is that there are 13 cases in this book that Dr. Siegel He is a Pharmacologist) brings up in this book. If I had to pick from these said cases and choose the most crucial and significant cases it would be as follows:
The Interview with Hitler’s Brain and his paranoia of Jews, the invasion of bugs, and the most important one of all, the paranoid express. These cases I think are the most in depth and the most informative in my opinion. But you should read it
to find out for your self
This book is a very intellectual and riveting book and it’s potentially the best written book about paranoia that I have read in a long time. I feel this book is not only for readers that like psychoanalysis, but also for people that like a nice trilling adventures story about people that have deep troubles and do some questionable activities.
The way Dr. Siegel has the most intriguing and almost chilling writing style that I have not seen in my personal experience. He leaves out nothing; he adds so much detail and passion to his book. It’s absolutely
In my opinion, everyone should read this thrilling and intriguing book for you. Whispers voices of paranoia by Ronald k Siegel is not only enthralling but it leaves a bigger message. If you want something, go out and grab it. If you want to help somebody, go out and help them. If you want to be something, show the world you can be just that. This book taught me that anyone can be and do what they want to, in the most chilling and vivid way. Dr. Siegel is relatable, cunning, and all and all fantastic protagonist. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be fascinating. In my opinion, Whispers voices of paranoia, gets two thumbs up.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely reminiscent of Oliver Sack's clinical tales of neurological anomalies, but with a slightly less sincere pursuit. As a researcher vs. a clinician, like Sacks, it makes sense that Siegel is more interested in the behaviors themselves and their obscurity rather than on treatment and improving the patients’ quality of life. Although at times, he will half-heartedly attempt treatment, displaying the truth to subjects for reality testing, in hopes of instigating some sort of cognitive dissonance... it is more like a chaotic circus, simply putting them on display. But it was fascinating and never offensive; he always maintained a nonjudgmental and respectful stance.

I found the most intriguing cases were those not solely cocaine-induced or due to paranoid schizophrenia, as these are more well known. I liked the ones that were surreptitiously layered, a complex amalgam of influences, from hypertension-induced paraesthesias to disturbing dwarves in an obsessively viewed film. In these cases, the author would immerse himself in a nearly identical environment and circumstances to that of the subject to determine if the paranoia would emerge. This is how he arrives at his conclusions expressed in the introduction: a deep-seated paranoia is intrinsic to us all, waiting for a synergism of specific triggers to evoke it.

[Savannah Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

“There is an intellectual fixation on this quirk of fear”


This 1994 book is a terrifying collection of perspectives from paranoid, drug troubled individuals. Each chapter explores paranoia from a different reality; all too real to the reader.


It is worth mentioning:


• Whispers is exceptionally written and allows the reader to immerse themselves in the experience.

• Many critics question his morality and obsession with inducing paranoia with drugs for observation.

• Paranoia is defined subjectively, especially in this book. Each chapter offers a perspective that is written to support biological science.

• This book is written with the intention of allowing the reader to experience paranoia. Such simulation contributes to a skeptical and fear based mentality.

• Siegel pushes the readers boundaries by encouraging doubt and confusion for what is real.

• Ideal for satisfying a curious mind

• Because of the nature of paranoia and compelling evidence, it is suggested to read with caution.


Being a student of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Ronald K. Siegel (1943-2019) assisted in high-profile criminal cases. Among other publications, most of his research surrounded the effects of drugs on human behavior.

[Sophy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ronald K. Siegel's books are always a bit of a novelty. Having read Fire In the Brain, I thought I'd move onto this. Whilst Fire in the Brain comes across as a mildly clinical book with excellent anecdotal references, Whispers just seems a bit overly sensationalist to me. Siegel portrays himself as more mentally affected than half of the patients he deals with!!! I mistakenly thought he was a psychiatrist or psychologist, but learned that he is neither! He is a research professor in the psychiatry department. Given that he snorts approximately 6g of cocaine in an abandoned train carriage to "get inside the head" of one of his subjects is bizarre!!! Then he's asked to testify in court as an expert witness in this case!!! O-kayyyyy!!! Just hope I never need the services of Siegel! Some interesting cases here but some feel a bit repetitive, and we never really get into what is happening in the minds of these poor individuals. A bit of a "CBS special" type of book.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of case studies that detail a range of paranoid delusions varying in severity, content, and cause. Though it may be tempting to believe paranoid delusions are reserved for the severely mentally ill, this book forces the reader to acknowledge that given the right combination of circumstances and stressors, anyone can fall victim to the devastating effects of paranoia. As with all case studies, reading this book is an exercise in voyeurism, disturbing and fascinating, frightening and illuminating.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. The author takes you on a wild adventure through crazy, even insane stories. The book is told by a man's perspective, or also known as the author. He doesn't hold back when it comes to his thoroughly stated thoughts, and oppinions. If your interested in paranoia, and how it can horrifyingly damage your life dramatically, this is the book for you!

I coudln't put this book down, it held a pretty tight grip around me until I finished it.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is FREAKY. It contains NON-FICTION short stories of people who suffer from paranoia and how it affects their lives and their loved ones'. While reading the book, I felt so blessed about not having any sort of hallucinations like seeing things or hearing voices. I never thought about those people who struggle everyday in their lives because of Paranoia. at the end, I kinda became paranoid about having paranoia but then the feeling disappeared after a couple of days :P

[Ami Kismet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. I thought this book would go more into the reasons behind paranoia or different triggers... in other words, I thought it was going to be more 'sciencey.' I was pleasantly surprised though. It was neither too jargon-heavy or written like a medical report. It was written more like someone who is really passionate about their work sharing funny (and sometimes disturbing) anecdotes. All in all, I liked it, but did not Love it.

[Ellis Amdur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siegel is a true researcher. He knows the literature, he knows the science, and he puts himself on the line in a most remarkable way. Sometimes he meets his research subjects wearing a bulletproof vest, and given his subjects, he needs the protection! His stories are outrageous, wonderfully written, and both compassionate and horrifying. One finishes the book well-educated about the paranoid state and enormously entertained.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Parts of this book are laugh out loud funny. The stories told about people with paranoia are often about people with drug addictions either currently or in the past. There is also a great deal of factual information about psychology and paranoia that I really appreciated learning.