What is Paranoid Personality Disorder?

A person with paranoid personality disorder commonly displays symptoms such as intense distrust and suspicion of other people. In order to be diagnosed with this psychiatric condition, a patient must experience debilitating paranoia that interferes with the patient's functioning and quality of life. This condition can occur in concert with other psychiatric conditions or on its own, and there are treatments available, although some patients with paranoid personality disorder have difficulty accessing treatment because they are distrustful of mental health professionals.

The origins of this condition are not known. In families with a history of psychosis, the risks of having paranoid personality disorder increase, suggesting that there is a genetic component. It can onset at any age, and while it may be related to stress and life events, these do not appear to be causative factors. As with many mental health conditions, it can onset at a low level and grow worse over time, and people may have the condition for an extended period before a problem is identified.

People diagnosed with this disorder are highly suspicious about the motivations of others. They may view innocuous or even friendly attempts at communication as hostile, they are very sensitive to rejection, and they tend to hold grudges against people who they feel have done them wrong. Social isolation is common as a result of having difficulty feeling comfortable around people. The paranoia and suspicion can also have a somewhat self-centered aspect, as people may read things as being about them when a completely different person or topic is under discussion.

In order to be diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder, a meeting with a mental health professional is needed. A screening can be conducted to evaluate symptoms and determine if the patient meets the criteria for diagnosis and is experiencing a debilitating level of paranoia. Patients who report difficulty at work or in personal relationships as a result of feeling distrustful and suspicious, for example, would meet the diagnostic criteria, as well as satisfying the requirement that they experience severe interruptions in their life.

Some medications are available to help people with paranoid personality disorder. These medications are taken for life and can help the patient deal with the intense emotions sometimes associated with this condition. Psychotherapy is usually recommended in conjunction with pharmacological treatment. In psychotherapy, patients can discuss issues with a mental health professional, develop coping strategies, and talk about ways to address the paranoia and suspicion they experience.