Paranoid personality disorder, also known as PPD, is one of several disorders referred to as “Cluster A personality disorders.” Cluster A personality disorders involve odd or illogical thinking. A person with PPD will have paranoia and an extreme mistrust of others, even when there is no reason to be distrustful. This article outlines some of the symptoms of PPD, as well as treatment options and outcomes.
This article is intended as a reference, not a diagnostic tool. Please seek professional medical advice. Under no circumstances should you attempt to diagnose yourself or a loved one.
What is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder
People with PPD are:
– unwilling to trust others.
– reluctant to open up to others for fear that what they say will be instrumental to betrayal.
– unforgiving and likely to hold grudges for a long time.
– hypersensitive to criticism.
– likely to misread the intentions of others, deciphering “hidden meanings” in the words and actions of those around them.
– quick to retaliate after real or perceived slights.
– often controlling and jealous in relationships.
– unable to perceive their own faults in a disagreement and think they are always right.
– hypervigilant and have a hard time relaxing.
– stubborn, argumentative, and prone to hostile behavior.
Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder
The exact cause of PPD is currently unknown. According to MedlinePlus.gov:
The disorder appears to be more common in families with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder.
This would seem to indicate that there is a genetic component to PPD and other personality disorders. However, environment and upbringing may also play a factor. Childhood abuse, neglect, and negative experiences in relationships can potentially contribute to the development of PPD.
Other Issues that Relate to Paranoid Personality Disorder
People who suffer from PPD are incredibly likely to suffer from a co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety. Due to their lack of trust in others, people with PPD have a difficult time forming meaningful relationships and may self-isolate. This isolation can exacerbate symptoms of depression. The stress of having to be perpetually vigilant can cause general anxiety as well.
A person with mild PPD symptoms may be able to lead a relatively normal life. More severe symptoms may be debilitating, preventing a person from being able to work or have any meaningful interaction with others.
Paranoid Personality Disorder Treatment Options
Because one of the hallmarks of PPD is a sense of always being right, people with PPD are unlikely to seek professional help for their disorder. They do not feel that there is anything abnormal about the way they view the world and believe that they have good reason for their distrust of others. As a result, many people with PPD go untreated. Those who do seek treatment usually do so at the request of friends or family members, but often still do not believe that they have a problem.
PPD is most successfully fought against with psychotherapy, as the client can learn to detect and change abnormal and destructive thought patterns in order to manage symptoms. However, in order for psychotherapy to work, the therapist must be able to establish trust with the client. Unfortunately, a person with PPD may not be able to trust his or her doctor or therapist. Therefore, many people with PPD do not follow through with their treatment, leading to a return of symptoms.
Medication is not typically given for PPD except in cases in which symptoms are severe. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are most commonly the choice to help manage symptoms of PPD. Antipsychotics are sometimes the case, but again, this is only in severe occurances. Psychology Today notes that medications are often ill-advised for people with PPD, as medications…
…may contribute to a heightened sense of suspicion that can ultimately lead to patient withdrawal from therapy.
Therefore, medications should be used only when necessary, and for only a short time whenever possible.
Paranoid Personality Disorder in the United States
The exact prevalence of PPD in the United States is unknown. Because patients with PPD are often not ready to seek help, and those who do seek treatment are likely to discontinue it, statistics on this disorder are currently unavailable. It is estimated that between 2.3% and 5.1% of the U.S. population is afflicted with PPD. Men are more likely than women to develop PPD, and symptoms typically emerge by early adulthood.
While there is no cure for PPD, there is treatment available. Treatment can be quite successful, provided that the person wants help and is engaged in the recovery process. Because people with PPD tend to be vindictive and resentful toward others, therapy may also be warranted for close family and friends to help them learn to cope with their own feelings of rejection. Addressing these feelings can help friends and family be more supportive of the person with PPD by teaching them how to interact with their loved one in a way that fosters trust. This trust will in turn enable friends and family to encourage their loved one to seek and continue treatment for their disorder.
Have you or someone you love had any experience with paranoid personality disorder? How did it affect your relationships? What treatments were helpful? Please share your story in the comments, and be sure to share this article on Facebook to help spread awareness of this disorder.
All images taken from depositphotos.com.
