Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) is one of the disorders classified under Cluster A or eccentric personality disorders. The fundamental characteristic of individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder is their unfounded mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no sufficient reason to do so. This disorder typically begins during childhood or early adolescence and is more common in males than females.
What Causes Paranoid Personality Disorder?
The exact cause of Paranoid Personality Disorder is unknown. It is likely the result of a combination of biological and psychological factors. The higher prevalence of Paranoid Personality Disorder among close relatives of individuals with schizophrenia and delusional disorder suggests a genetic link between the two disorders (it can run in families). Additionally, early childhood experiences, including physical or emotional trauma, are believed to play a role in the development of Paranoid Personality Disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. These beliefs are usually unfounded and prevent them from forming close or ordinary relationships, just like other accusatory and distrustful habits. People with Paranoid Personality Disorder may:
- Suspect, without any basis, that others are exploiting or deceiving them, leading to doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of others.
- Be reluctant to confide in others or talk about themselves due to the fear that the information will be used against them.
- Hold grudges and are unforgiving.
- Be excessively sensitive and perceive criticism as a sign of hostility.
- Read hidden meanings into innocent remarks or the actions of others.
- Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others, often reacting with anger and quick to retaliate.
- Unreasonably suspect their romantic partners or spouses of being unfaithful.
- Tend to be cold and distant in their relationships with others and may become controlling and jealous to avoid being betrayed.
- Always believe they are right and fail to see their role in problems or conflicts.
- Have difficulty relaxing.
- Be stubborn and argumentative.
- Develop a tendency to hold negative stereotypes, particularly about people from different cultural groups.
How Is Paranoid Personality Disorder Diagnosed?
A doctor will start evaluating a person with symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder through a complete medical history and physical examination. There are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose personality disorders, but various tests may be used to rule out physical illnesses that could cause similar symptoms.
If no physical cause is found for the symptoms, the person is referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess and treat mental illnesses. Paranoid Personality Disorder is different from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, paranoid type, or delusional disorder, as individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder do not experience perceptual distortions (e.g., hearing voices) or bizarre delusional thoughts. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interviews and assessment tools to evaluate a person’s personality disorder.
How Is Paranoid Personality Disorder Treated?
Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder often do not see a need for treatment themselves. Paranoid Personality Disorder poses a challenge for healthcare professionals as trust is a crucial factor in psychotherapy. As a result, many individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder do not comply with treatment and may even question the therapist’s motives.
For those willing to seek treatment, psychotherapy is preferred. Therapy focuses on improving general coping skills, particularly increasing trust and empathy, enhancing social interactions, communication, and self-esteem.
