Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

PPD is a condition that causes someone to be suspicious of other people. People with this disorder think that other people are out to threaten, betray, exploit, or harm them. Individuals with this disorder tend not to trust other people, and they misjudge harmless actions as having bad intentions.

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What are the primary symptoms/signs of the condition?

The primary symptom of PPD is distrust and suspicion towards other people. People with PPD will judge other peoples’ actions as being intended to cause them harm or misfortune. A person can be said to have this symptom if they present with four or more of the following characteristics:

• Suspects without evidence that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her.
• Is preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.
• Is reluctant to confide in others because of unnecessary fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her.
• Reads harmless remarks or events as demeaning or threatening.
• Persistently bears grudges (such as 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 the loyalty of spouse or sexual partner.

2.  These symptoms should not occur exclusively during the course of other disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depressive disorder with psychotic features, or other psychotic disorders. They should also not be attributable to the effects of another medical condition.

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

• PPD first becomes apparent in childhood or adolescence.
•  People who suffer from PPD prefer being alone, have poor peer relationships, social anxiety, poor grades, and are extremely sensitive. They are also reported to have peculiar thoughts, fantasies, and language use.
• Childhood emotional or physical trauma is thought to be a risk factor for the development of PPD.

Can it be hereditary?

• There is some evidence for an increased prevalence of paranoid personality disorder among those whose relatives have schizophrenia.

• A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose PPD by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
• The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the paranoid mood is not caused as a result of an underlying medical condition, or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
• The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for PPD before making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended treatment?

• One thing to be wary of when trying to treat an individual with PPD is that they may be suspicious of the mental health professional who is trying to help them. 
• People with paranoid personality disorder may suffer long-lasting paranoia if left untreated, and as a result they may suffer difficulties at work and at home. Therapy and some medications have proven to be effective approaches to treating this disorder.
• Comprehensive treatment can include both formal and informal approaches.
  •  Informal recovery may include self-help via family support, services for housing, and vocational assistance.

• Use of medications for paranoid personality disorder is mostly discouraged. 
  • Medications may have an adverse effect with increased paranoia and suspicion, causing the individual to not participate in any treatment at all.
  • In the event that the individual suffers specific symptoms such as severe anxiety or delusions that negatively impact functioning or result in self-harm or harm to others, medication is recommended. 
  • Anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam, can be prescribed if daily functioning has been negatively impacted. 
  • Anti-psychotic medication, such as thioridazine or haloperidol, may also be used, but these medications should be prescribed for the shortest period of time feasible.

• The most favourable treatment for paranoid personality disorder is psychotherapy. 
  • People who suffer from this personality disorder have often experienced difficulties that are ingrained in their minds, and that interfere with their relationships. 
  • A healthy therapist-client relationship will offer a great benefit to those who suffer. 
  • It is important to note that those who suffer from a paranoid personality disorder do not normally seek help, and they do normally discontinue therapy. However, this disorder can be lifelong, and people who are diagnosed with it do require regular therapy.

• PPD affects between 2.3% to 4.4% of the population and is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
• It is the second most prevalent personality disorder, after obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional

• • Exercise
  • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
  • Keep a gratitude journal
  • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
  • Practice Mindfulness
  • Practice Yoga
  • Engage in a well-balanced diet
  • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
  • Recognise what you can and can’t handle