Did you know that around 10% of individuals globally suffer from a personality disorder (1)?
Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a type of personality disorder that can cause the individual to develop unreasonable suspicion of others. If you observe an individual being constantly suspicious in relationships or hypersensitive to criticism, there is a high probability that he/she could have PPD.
To know more about this disorder and how to manage it, read on.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
- Symptoms Of Paranoid Personality Disorder
- What Causes Paranoid Personality Disorder?
- How To Diagnose Paranoid Personality Disorder
- How To Treat Paranoid Personality Disorder
- What Are The Complications Of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a type of personality disorder that causes the affected person to behave oddly or eccentrically. This disorder falls under a group of personality disorders called “Cluster A” (2).
Individuals who have PPD usually also have paranoia. This may lead to unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others even when there is no reason to do so.
Another hallmark of this disorder is being reluctant to confide in others and bearing grudges. PPD usually surfaces by early adulthood and is more common in men than in women.
The main signs and symptoms associated with paranoid personality disorder are discussed below.
Symptoms Of Paranoid Personality Disorder
Individuals with PPD are constantly on guard as they believe that others out there are trying to demean, threaten, or harm them. Such unfounded beliefs can interfere with the affected person’s ability to form close relationships.
The symptoms exhibited by a person who has PPD are (3):
- Believing that others are trying to harm or demean them
- Doubting the loyalty, commitment, or trustworthiness of others
- Reluctance in confiding in others
- Being hypersensitive when it comes to criticism
- Getting angry/hostile quickly
- Recurring suspicions when it comes to their spouse/partner, without reason
- Being cold and distant in relationships
- Difficulty in relaxing
These are some common traits seen in those who have PPD. Let’s now look at the factors responsible for triggering paranoid personality disorder.
What Causes Paranoid Personality Disorder?
While the exact cause of PPD is not yet found, it is believed to be triggered by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Paranoid personality disorder is often seen in individuals who have close family members with a history of schizophrenia and other delusional disorders (4).
Emotional or physical trauma during early childhood is another contributing factor to the development of PPD.
If you think that you (or someone close to you) are exhibiting symptoms of paranoid personality disorder, it is best to see a doctor.
How To Diagnose Paranoid Personality Disorder
Once you visit a doctor, they may begin by asking you questions about the symptoms you exhibit and your family and medical history.
They might carry out a physical examination to look for any other possible conditions you may be affected with. If the examination or the symptoms you exhibit indicate PPD, you will be sent to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental healthcare provider for further testing.
The mental healthcare provider will do a comprehensive or detailed assessment that may include asking you about your childhood, work, school, and relationships. You may also be asked how you deal with or respond to an imaginary situation. They gauge your reaction to various situations and then make a diagnosis.
If you are found to have paranoid personality disorder, your doctor will discuss and create a treatment plan for you.
How To Treat Paranoid Personality Disorder
The main drawback of treating PPD is that most affected individuals have difficulty in accepting treatment. However, in general, treatment for this disorder can be very successful.
Individuals who are willing to go ahead with treatment for PPD can avail talk therapy or psychotherapy (5). These therapies aim at:
- Helping the individual cope with the disorder
- Teaching how to communicate with others in social situations
- Helping reduce the feelings of paranoia
Certain medications can also help in the treatment of paranoid personality disorder. Some medications work especially well if the patient has other related conditions like depression and anxiety disorder. Such medications include (3):
Combining these medications with talk therapy/psychotherapy can help in managing PPD successfully.
It is important to avail treatment for paranoid personality disorder to avoid the complications discussed below.
What Are The Complications Of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
People with this disorder live less functional lives. The unusual and suspicious behavior associated with PPD can interfere with the affected individual’s relationships as well as their ability to function socially and at work.
You must know that there is no cure or prevention for paranoid personality disorder. Treatment aims at improving the symptoms, and affected individuals may have to continue with the treatment throughout their lives. PPD causes a lot of emotional turmoil. Hence, support and care have a great role to play in managing its symptoms.
Hope you found this post helpful. For any further queries, you can get in touch with us through the comments below.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
What part of the brain is damaged when someone has paranoid personality disorder?
Paranoid personality disorder is more of a problem with belief than the damage of the brain.
Is paranoid personality disorder similar to schizophrenia?
Paranoid personality disorder was initially associated with schizophrenia due to the similarities in symptoms like suspiciousness and paranoid delusions. However, the evidence for such an association is not strong enough (6).
What are the 10 personality disorders?
The 10 types of personality disorders are:
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Avoidant (or anxious) personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCDP)
- “Personality Disorders, Functioning and Health” Psychopathology, Karger.
- “Paranoid personality disorder.” Journal of Personality Disorders, US National Library of Medicine.
- “Pharmacological interventions for paranoid personality disorder” The Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, US National Library of Medicine.
- “Schizotypal and paranoid personality disorder in the relatives of patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders: a review.” Schizophrenia Research, US National Library of Medicine.
- “Psychotherapy of Personality Disorders” The Journal Of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, US National Library of Medicine.
- “Mistrustful and Misunderstood: A Review of Paranoid Personality Disorder” Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, US National Library of Medicine.
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