Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is characterized by a persistent, long-lasting suspiciousness and general distrust of others, and paranoid delusions. Those with PPD believe everyone is out to exploit or hurt them, no matter what is presented as factually true.
Prevalence
PPD affects between 2% to 4% of the general population and is more common in males than it is in females. Symptoms begin in early childhood or adolescence
Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Those with PPD:
Risk Factors for Paranoid Personality Disorder:
PPD can have a profound effect on romantic relationships and can cause severe impairment in social, academic, relational, and occupational settings. Those with PPD tend to be guarded and avoid intimacy with others, interpreting their motives as malevolent.
They can be withdrawn and isolate themselves from society. Those with PPD can also be hostile, argumentative, callous, and aloof, leading to substantial interpersonal difficulties.
Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
The causes of PPD remain unknown; however, biological, psychological, and social factors have all been implicated.
Diagnosis of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Diagnosis is made after other causes are ruled out, such as other medical conditions, physical handicaps, or substance abuse disorders. Paranoid personality disorder should only be diagnosed when symptoms are unchanging and persistent, impair daily function considerably, and cause distress.
According to the DSM-5, for a diagnosis of PPD to be made, symptoms must be present from an early adult age and occur in a range of situations.
- A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:
- Suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her.
- Is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.
- Is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her.
- Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events.
- Persistently bears grudges (i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights).
- Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack.
- Has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner.
- Does not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, a bipolar disorder or depressive disorder with psychotic features, or another psychotic disorder and is not attributable to the physiological effects of another medical condition.
People with PPD often also have other coexisting personality disorders.
Treatment of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Because of the pervasive distrust and suspiciousness that characterizes PPD, it is a notoriously difficult condition to treat.
Medication
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications can all play a role in the treatment of PPD, with antipsychotics such as risperidone or quetiapine being the first choice.
Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Those with PPD:
Risk factors for Paranoid Personality Disorder:
PPD can have a profound effect on romantic relationships and can cause severe impairment in social, academic, relational, and occupational settings. Those with PPD tend to be guarded and avoid intimacy with others, interpreting their motives as malevolent.
They can be withdrawn and isolate themselves from society. Those with PPD can also be hostile, argumentative, callous, and aloof, leading to substantial interpersonal difficulties.
Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
The causes of PPD remain unknown; however, biological, psychological, and social factors have all been implicated.
Diagnosis of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
Diagnosis is made after other causes are ruled out, such as other medical conditions, physical handicaps, or substance abuse disorders. Paranoid personality disorder should only be diagnosed when symptoms are unchanging and persistent, impair daily function considerably, and cause distress.
According to the DSM-5, for a diagnosis of PPD to be made, symptoms must be present from an early adult age and occur in a range of situations.
- A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:
- Suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her.
- Is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.
- Is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her.
- Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events.
- Persistently bears grudges (i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights).
- Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack.
- Has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner.
- Does not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, a bipolar disorder or depressive disorder with psychotic features, or another psychotic disorder and is not attributable to the physiological effects of another medical condition.
People with PPD often also have other coexisting personality disorders.
Treatment of Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Because of the pervasive distrust and suspiciousness that characterizes PPD, it is a notoriously difficult condition to treat.
Medication
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications can all play a role in the treatment of PPD, with antipsychotics such as risperidone or quetiapine being the first choice.