Paranoid Personality DisorderParanoid personality disorder is a kind of psychological disorder in which sufferers experience paranoia, lack of trust, and suspicion of other people. Those who suffer from PPD are often loners, and tend to bring out hostile reactions in the people that they interact with. This type of disorder can often be a self fulfilling prophecy for those afflicted with it, since the negative interactions with people that result from PPD tend to lead sufferers to conclude that their paranoia has a basis in reality. Most often, those who suffer from PPD have a hard time forming close bonds with other people, and are typically seen as being hostile and withdrawn by those around them. The disorder causes PPD sufferers to doubt the loyalty and sincerity of even friends and family, and grudges tend to be held for a long time and out of proportion to the perceived offense.
This disorder is often marked by strange behaviors, and is related to Schizoid and Schizotypal personality disorders. Sufferers of PPD often display a host of seemingly odd behaviors, including baseless suspicions or conspiracy theories about other people hurting or lying to them in some way; a fixation on doubts about the loyalty of family, friends, and coworkers; and an inability to confide in other people because of unfounded fears that the information will be used against them in some way. Other symptoms of PPD include holding longstanding grudges and being unwilling to forgive even seemingly minor offenses; unfounded paranoia and suspicion about a spouse or partner's fidelity; interpreting harmless comments or occurrences as derogatory or demeaning; and a swift and angry response to any perceived attack on the person's character.
The cause of PPD isn't well understood, but most theories postulate that a hostile atmosphere during a child's formative years can lay the foundation for the fears and insecurities that give rise to symptoms of this personality disorder. The disorder is more prevalent in men than in women, and it typically develops in early adulthood. Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to paranoid personality disorder.
According to conventional medicine, the two paths to PPD treatment are psychotherapy and medication. However, psychotropic medications can be risky and debilitating, and many who suffer from the disorder are unwilling to take these medications. Medication is not effective as long term management strategy for paranoid personality disorder. One-on-one psychotherapy is the most promising form of treatment. Unfortunately, treating paranoid personality disorder presents a challenge, since most sufferers of the disorder are unwilling to accept the diagnosis, and instead believe that that those who diagnose or attempt to treat the disorder are conspiring against them in an attempt to cause harm. The major hurdle is getting the patient to accept the diagnosis, and establishing a bond of trust between the patient and therapist. In addition to psychotherapy, there are alternative treatment options for sufferers of paranoid personality disorder that may help diminish the symptoms of the disorder. Psychotherapy and alternative therapies provide PPD sufferers with the best chance at controlling symptoms. While PPD is considered a chronic disorder, appropriate treatment can help sufferers normalize interactions with other people to lead a more normal and productive life.
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