Bipolar disorder

Ayman OghannaJournalist based near Athens who reports from conflict zones

• Oghanna explained that paranoid beliefs of being watched felt validating because they flattered the ego with the idea that a higher power cared.

  “the idea that someone's watching you appeals to your ego, that there's some higher power that cares about you, whether it's God or an intelligence agency”

  This American Life: 892: Trapped on a Bus (Jul 20, 2026) · Listen from 22:11

• Oghanna stated that delusions involving espionage and religion are very common among people with bipolar disorder.

  “It turns out, delusions about espionage and religion are extremely common in people who have bipolar disorder”

  This American Life: 892: Trapped on a Bus (Jul 20, 2026) · Listen from 18:04

• Oghanna said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a decade ago and has experienced paranoia and psychosis often centered on spies.

  “Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I've had episodes of paranoia, sometimes psychosis, often involving spies”

  This American Life: 892: Trapped on a Bus (Jul 20, 2026) · Listen from 13:58