Paranoid Personality Disorder

What is Paranoid Personality Disorder?

People who have paranoid personality disorder (PPD) distrust other people and suspect that everyone is out to get them. They constantly fear being exploited or betrayed.

How does it occur?

Paranoid personality disorder usually starts in childhood or in the teen years. The exact cause of PPD is not known. Experts think it may be caused by differences in the brain or nervous system. It might also be related to things such as child abuse or a family history of mental illness. The risk is increased if someone in the family has schizophrenia.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of PPD are:

thinking that others are trying to cheat, hurt, or fool them
worrying that friends or family are not loyal
not discussing things for fear the information will be used against them
becoming easily insulted or insulting others
holding grudges
always thinking that other people are attacking them
worrying that their significant other is cheating on them
having a poor self-image
not having a sense of humor.

Because people with this disorder avoid closeness with others, they may appear calculating and cold. Usually more men are diagnosed with PPD than women.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, relationships, medical history, and substance abuse history. Paranoia is a possible risk of drug use and abuse (for example, alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, and PCP). He or she may also:

give you a personality test
suggest lab tests to rule out medical problems
make sure medicines are not causing or increasing your symptoms
rule out other mental health problems.

How is it treated?

Medicines and therapy are effective ways to treat the disorder. However, you may not seek treatment because you may be suspicious of the health care provider. Without treatment the symptoms will continue.

Medicines may help treat severe anxiety or delusions. Psychotherapy can help you see yourself more clearly. It helps you recognize the effects of your behavior on others. This can help you change behaviors that get in the way of living a satisfying life. Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is a way to help you identify and change thoughts you have that are not realistic.

When should I seek help?

If your symptoms are seriously interfering with your daily life, seek help from your health care provider or a mental health professional. For more information, contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) or the National Mental Health Association (NMHA).

NAMI's toll-free number is 1-800-950-NAMI. The Web site address is http://www.nami.org.
NMHA's toll-free Information Center number is 1-800-969-NMHA. The Web site address is http://www.NMHA.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File BHV3347F.HTM Release 9.0/2006