Digital Health Assistant & Symptom Checker | Symptoma
0%
Restart

Are you sure you want to clear all symptoms and restart the conversation?

About COVID-19 Jobs Press Scholarship Terms Privacy Imprint Medical Device Language
Languages
Suggested Languages
English en
Other languages 0
2.1
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Disorders Paranoid

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD), is a mental condition characterized by prolonged pattern of mistrust and suspicion towards other individuals.

Presentation

People with PPD are always under the belief that others are constantly trying to harm, exploit and demean them. Their habit of mistrust and doubt hampers them from forming close relationships with others. In addition to these, other common symptoms include [5]:

  • Feeling of disbelief
  • Unable to take criticism 
  • They do not forgive others and hold grudges against people
  • Feeling of jealous and ruthless behavior exhibited
  • Social isolation accompanied by detachment is evident
  • Inability to realize and judge one’s own problem

Psychiatrical

  • Fear

    They have very poor judgment in matters relating to their specific fears. Often their judgment is not so impaired in other areas and so can be quite misleading. [ptypes.com]

    Paranoid personality disorder typically manifests as an irrational fear or paranoia that someone is planning to harm you. [news-medical.net]

    There’s no “cure” for paranoid personality disorder, but there are ways to redirect and lift some of the paranoia and fear with professional help. [bridgestorecovery.com]

    He fears that others are out to harm or humiliate him in some way, even if he has no evidence to support this fear. Paranoia disorder symptoms are chronic and exist across all situations. [psychiatric-disorders.com]

    Symptoms Paranoid Personality Disorder Diagnosis Paranoid Personality Disorder Treatment Paranoid Personality Disorder Research Paranoid Personality Disorder Statistics Paranoid Personality Disorder Suggestions Anxiety Disorder NOS – Excessive Worry, Fear [ietherapy.com]

  • Anger

    Please answer … Read More Anger Test This test will help find your anger level. Answer below questions honestly and the anger test will check if your … Read More Psychopath Test Here is an online version of a psychopathic personality test. [illnessquiz.com]

    Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others; they generally react with anger and are quick to retaliate. Have persistent suspicions, without reason, that their spouses or lovers are being unfaithful. [medium.com]

    Rather than responding to comments with anger or hostility, for example, people can learn more appropriate ways of dealing with their emotions. [verywellmind.com]

    Anger - People who suffer from personality disorders often feel a sense of unresolved anger and a heightened or exaggerated perception that they have been wronged, invalidated, neglected or abused. [outofthefog.website]

    Quick anger at perceived attack. Holding grudges, often about imagined slights. Discussion Everyone has a ' theory of mind ' in the way we try to guess what others are thinking. [changingminds.org]

  • Delusion

    The purpose of the therapy was to reduce or eliminate the paranoid thoughts and delusions in subjects with PPD. [tamuct.edu]

    Malignant paranoid (including sadistic features) Belligerent, cantankerous, intimidating, vengeful, callous, and tyrannical; hostility vented primarily in fantasy; projects own venomous outlook onto others; persecutory delusions. [en.wikipedia.org]

    It's often thought about in the same arena as other disorders that involve paranoid thinking but the main difference is, is that in other illnesses, such as schizophrenia, or other illnesses where people can have delusions or were to call paranoid delusions [howcast.com]

    What is a Delusion? A delusion is an odd belief that a person firmly insists is true despite evidence that it is not. Cultural beliefs that may seem odd, but are widely accepted do not fit the criteria for being a delusion. [mentalhealthamerica.net]

    […] personality type with accompanying morbid insecurity disorder. ar ساتو " ، انا لن أقاتلك " en His application was accompanied by medical reports indicating that, at that time, he suffered from severe psychosis with aural hallucinations and paranoid delusions [ar.glosbe.com]

  • Social Isolation

    Symptoms of / Reasons for Paranoid Personality Disorder Detachment Hostility Concern about hidden motives Expectations of exploitation Inability to work well with others Poor self-image Social isolation [gomentor.com]

    Common symptoms include: Concern that other people have hidden motives Thinking that they will be exploited (used) or harmed by others Not able to work together with others Social isolation Detachment Hostility Exams and Tests PPD is diagnosed based on [baptistjax.com]

    Paranoid personality disorder symptoms include social isolation, hostility, aggression, lack of a sense of humor, feeling of certainty without proof, and questioning hidden motives of even close friends and family members. [newsmax.com]

    Complications may include: Extreme social isolation Problems with school or work See a health care provider or mental health professional if suspicions are interfering with your relationships or work. [nlm.nih.gov]

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder

    The History of Personality Disorders by | Feb 19, 2009 | Antisocial Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, Expired, Histrionic Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality [mental-health-matters.com]

    Antisocial personality disorder A genetic contribution to antisocial behaviors is strongly supported. Low levels of behavioral inhibition may be mediated by serotonergic dysregulation in the septohippocampal system. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Neurologic

  • Agitation

    An anti-psychotic medication, such as thioridazine or haloperidol, may be appropriate if a patient decompensates into severe agitation or delusionsal thinking which may result in self-harm or harm to others. [psychnet-uk.com]

    At least four of the following features are present in cases of paranoid personality disorder: Excessive reactions and agitation in response to perceived criticism Tendency to bear grudges Suspiciousness Combative and disproportionate regard for personal [news-medical.net]

    During the initial part of his stay, he was easily agitated, displayed verbal aggression, exhibited paranoia, and refused treatment. [psychiatryonline.org]

    An antianxiety agent, diazepam, is prescribed if the patient suffers from severe anxiety or agitation that interferes with the normal day to day life activities. [symptoma.com]

  • Hyperactivity

    References Other mental illnesses Alzheimer's disease Anxiety Asperger syndrome Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Bipolar disorder Bovine spongiform encephalopathy Bulimia nervosa Childhood amnesia Dementia Depression Dissociative identity disorder [creationwiki.org]

    Depression Anxiety Suicidal Thoughts Bipolar Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Psychosis Child & Adolescent Programs Learn more about youth treatment programs for mental and [columbussprings.com]

    […] landmarks in psychiatry, biological psychiatry, organic psychiatry, psychoanalysis, failure, attitude, psychological tests, psychometry, mental retardation, IQ, MQ, PQ, ADHD, Anorexia nervosa, school phobia, masturbation addiction, attention deficit hyperactive [201tube.tv]

  • Excitement

    High Extraversion Excessive talking, leading to inappropriate self-disclosure and social friction; inability to spend time alone; attention seeking and overly dramatic expression of emotions; reckless excitement seeking; inappropriate attempts to dominate [ptypes.com]

    It's been three months since my 17-year-old son returned to us from his 30-day stay at Paradigm Malibu and, I can honestly say, I have never seen him happier, more optimistic, or more excited about his future. [paradigmmalibu.com]

    acatxù {f} MAHOGANY acaunteu {m} da criedit CHARGE ACC’T acaunteu {m} ACCOUNT acaunteu {m} da banqeu BANK ACCOUNT acauntex {m} ACCOUNTANT acaveil•ar {v} SCUFFLE {v} acavít {m} CLEARANCE (HEIGHT) acav•amáintsch {v} ACHIEVEMENT accend•ar {v} MADDEN, EXCITE [yumpu.com]

    People with this type of personality often crave excitement and attention. Anankastic - this is characterised by feelings of doubt, perfectionism and excessive conscientiousness. There is a compulsion to check and a preoccupation with details. [patient.info]

  • Hypervigilant Behavior

    Does appear to engage in unreasonable scanning and hypervigilant behaviors? Yes No 3. Have you noticed that appears to engage in projection, ascribing malevolent intentions, actions and motives to you and other people? Yes No 4. [nvo.com]

Workup

Paranoid disorders are diagnosed on the basis of personal and family history and if required physical examination. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose these disorders [6]. Following this, a psychological assessment is conducted which would include gathering information about school, work, childhood memories and relationships. Psychologists have specially designed medical tools and interview questions through which they can assess these disorders. The responses given by the individuals help in assessment of the condition [7].

Care must be taken to interact with these people as once mistrust developed, they may lose their chance of being treated. An honest, simple and concrete approach is likely to be benefited from. Current difficulties of life of the patient should be discussed and the therapist should not try to go deep into the aspects of the patient’s life [8].

Treatment

Personality disorder is treated by psychotherapy, which involves teaching coping skills to the patient to help them deal with different situations. Persons are encouraged to develop social interaction, self esteem and communication with others [9].

Medicines generally are not a part of treatment, unless required. Medications like antianxiety, antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants can be given to treat anxiety and depression when these condition appear as secondary complications to PPD.

Medications are contraindicated since they can lead to unnecessary suspicion and treatment dropout. Medications if indicated for any conditions should be given for briefest time possible in order to bring the condition under control.

An antianxiety agent, diazepam, is prescribed if the patient suffers from severe anxiety or agitation that interferes with the normal day to day life activities. An antipsychotic medication, like thioridazine or haloperidol, may be appropriate if a patient presents with symptoms of delusion, selfharm or harm to others [10].

Prognosis

Long-term prognosis for paranoid disorder is not good. Individuals who suffer from the disorder show prominent symptoms throughout their lives. Treatment approach with group and family therapy is not recommended.

People suffering from these disorders hardly present themselves for treatment; hence in most of the cases the symptoms and behavior of these patients are present throughout the lifetime. All mental health personnel who treat individuals suffering from paranoid personality disorder should adopt a straight-forward approach. Humorous behavior and information not received directly from them will create a great deal of suspicion.

Etiology

Paranoid personality disorder may arise due to many factors such as social, psychological and genetic factors. It depends on the individual personality that is shaped by the environment and the surroundings, the temperament as well the ability to deal with stress in daily life.

Other reasons are emotional and physical trauma experienced in the early childhood. People suffering from paranoid personality disorder may have close relatives suffering from schizophrenia which ultimately predisposes them to develop the condition [2].

Epidemiology

PPD is a common occurrence amongst the male population. It has been estimated that about 10 to 15% of the US population are affected by personality disorders. Of these, 0.5 to 2.5% account for PPD [3]. Such a type of personality disorder usually occurs in early adulthood.

Pathophysiology

In patients with paranoid personality disorder, abnormalities are seen in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. These can be a result of trauma, encephalitis and genetics. Diminishing monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serotonin levels may also be a reason. History of psychiatric disorders is present in some cases and the patient has developmental abnormalities in other cases [4].

Prevention

Prevention of paranoid personality disorder involves counseling the person. It includes teaching the person more productive ways of dealing with stress and coping with day to day life situations. Stress management can be taught to the person to cope up with his suspicious behavior. A straight forward approach and healthy interaction with the patient can help to resolve the situation.

Summary

The person with this disorder thinks that people will harm, deceive and exploit them, even when there is nothing obvious to support this. People have a suspicious and malevolent behavior towards others. Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is amongst a group of conditions called "Cluster A" personality disorders that are presented with odd or eccentric ways of thinking and perception. Some kind of Paranoia is normal in every person. People with this disorder have paranoia to extremes; they suspect everyone can harm them. It gravely affects their professional and personal life [1].

Patient Information

  • Definition: People with paranoid personality disorder (PPD) have a tendency to assume that others will exploit, harm, or deceive them, even if there is no evidence supporting this thought. It’s fairly normal for people to have paranoia, but people with this disorder show extreme behavior of doubt and mistrust. Patients with PPD are difficult to get along with others and often have problems with close relationships. 
  • Cause: Causes can be emotion and psychological stress. Several factors such as social, psychological and emotional aspects are known to play foul. Paranoid disorder may also develop due to emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the person in the childhood. It can be associated with many diseases like schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia running in the family.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms include doubt on others, about loyalty and trust. Patient shows self restrictive and argumentative behavior with tendency of being self oriented and stubborn. These people do not socialize and hold grudges against people.
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be made on symptoms and personal history of patient. These people present with a high degree of mistrust and doubt on others. There are no specific lab tests to diagnose this disorder, but there are adequate tools and interview questions which help a mental health care provider to help diagnose paranoid personality disorder.
  • Treatment: No specific treatment line is present. Medications are of little importance. Patient counseling is suggested where he is taught to deal with everyday stress and difficulties in day to day life.

References

  1. Stein DJ. Borderline personality disorder: toward integration. CNS Spectr. Jul 2009;14(7):352-6.
  2. Zanarini MC. Childhood experiences associated with the development of borderline personality disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2000; 23:89.
  3. Widiger TA, Sanderson CJ. Personality disorders. In: Tasman A, Kay J, Lieberman JA, eds. Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa: Harcourt Brace & Co; 1997:1291-1317.
  4. Soloff P, Nutche J, Goradia D, Diwadkar V. Structural brain abnormalities in borderline personality disorder: a voxel-based morphometry study. Psychiatry Res 2008; 164:223.
  5. Walsh Z, Shea MT, Yen S, Ansell EB, Grilo CM, McGlashan TH, et al. Socioeconomic-Status and Mental Health in a Personality Disorder Sample: The Importance of Neighborhood Factors. J Pers Disord. Sep 17 2012
  6. Hopwood CJ, Donnellan MB, Ackerman RA, Thomas KM, Morey LC, Skodol AE. The Validity of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Scale for Assessing Pathological Grandiosity. J Pers Assess. Oct 26 2012
  7. Zimmerman M, Mattia JI. Axis I diagnostic comorbidity and borderline personality disorder. Compr Psychiatry 1999; 40:245.
  8. Ruocco AC. The neuropsychology of borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis and review. Psychiatry Res 2005; 137:191.
  9. Livesley WJ. A practical approach to the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am. Mar 2000;23(1):211-32.
  10. Simeon D, Baker B, Chaplin W, Braun A, Hollander E. An open-label trial of divalproex extended-release in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. CNS Spectr. Jun 2007;12(6):439-43.
Languages
Suggested Languages
English en
Other languages 0
2.1
About Symptoma.com COVID-19 Jobs Press Scholarship
Contact Terms Privacy Imprint Medical Device