Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsCausesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Coping
Paranoidpersonality disorder(PPD) involves persistent or ongoing patterns of thinking and behavior that include distrust, suspicion, hostility, and jealousy toward others. People with PPD often believe that others are malicious or trying to harm them. PPD can cause psychotic symptoms, includingdelusionsandhallucinations.
Read on to learn more about PPD, its symptoms, treatment, and how to cope.
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Definition of Paranoid Personality Disorder
PPD has a set of criteria outlined in the fifth edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association handbook for diagnosing mental health conditions. These diagnostic criteria include:
What Are Personality Disorders?
People with PPD are frequently suspicious of others' beliefs and behaviors, which may create problems in their daily functioning.
Some other symptoms of PPD include:
What Are the Different Types of Personality Disorders?
PPD first presents in childhood and adolescence. Some research indicates there may be genetic causes for PPD, including an association with family members who haveschizophreniaor delusional disorder.
Other researchers indicate that childhood trauma consistently presents as a risk factor for PPD.Specifically, childhood emotional neglect, physical neglect, supervision neglect, and physical abuse are all risk factors for PPD.
In addition, people withpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) are more likely to have PPD.
Brain trauma is often connected to PPD. Up to 26% of people with brain injuries meet the diagnostic criteria for PPD.
How Trauma Therapy Works
Treatments for PPD vary depending on symptoms and other conditions the person may have. Medication and therapy typically work best when used together to treat any personality disorder.
Medication
Medications to treat PPD may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
Therapy
The three types of therapy that researchers believe may be effective in treating PPD are:
Types of Therapy for Mental Health
Coping with PPD can be challenging. While medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective way to treat PPD, there are a few other ways to cope that may be helpful.
6 Ways to Improve Mental Health Without Therapy
Summary
Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) includes ongoing patterns of distrust, suspicion, hostility, and jealousy toward others. It involves a belief that people are behaving maliciously toward the person with PPD.
Childhood trauma is the most likely cause for PPD, though there may be a genetic predisposition. People with PPD can benefit from both therapy and medications.
A Word From Verywell
PPD poses unique challenges. If you or a loved one is struggling with PPD, help is available. Contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineonline or call800-662-4357for more information on how to find support and treatment options.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lee R.Mistrustful and misunderstood: a review of paranoid personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(2):151-165. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0116-7American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington D.C.; 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Esposito CM, Enrico P, Sciortino D, et al.Case report: the association between chromosomal anomalies and cluster a personality disorders: the case of two siblings with 16p11. 2 deletion and a review of the literature.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:689359. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689359Nanthakumar C.Yoga for anxiety and depression – a literature review.JMHTEP. 2020;15(3):157-169. doi:10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2019-0050Chételat G, Lutz A, Arenaza-Urquijo E, Collette F, Klimecki O, Marchant N.Why could meditation practice help promote mental health and well-being in aging?.Alz Res Therapy. 2018;10(1):57. doi:10.1186/s13195-018-0388-5
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lee R.Mistrustful and misunderstood: a review of paranoid personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(2):151-165. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0116-7American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington D.C.; 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Esposito CM, Enrico P, Sciortino D, et al.Case report: the association between chromosomal anomalies and cluster a personality disorders: the case of two siblings with 16p11. 2 deletion and a review of the literature.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:689359. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689359Nanthakumar C.Yoga for anxiety and depression – a literature review.JMHTEP. 2020;15(3):157-169. doi:10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2019-0050Chételat G, Lutz A, Arenaza-Urquijo E, Collette F, Klimecki O, Marchant N.Why could meditation practice help promote mental health and well-being in aging?.Alz Res Therapy. 2018;10(1):57. doi:10.1186/s13195-018-0388-5
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lee R.Mistrustful and misunderstood: a review of paranoid personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(2):151-165. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0116-7American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington D.C.; 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Esposito CM, Enrico P, Sciortino D, et al.Case report: the association between chromosomal anomalies and cluster a personality disorders: the case of two siblings with 16p11. 2 deletion and a review of the literature.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:689359. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689359Nanthakumar C.Yoga for anxiety and depression – a literature review.JMHTEP. 2020;15(3):157-169. doi:10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2019-0050Chételat G, Lutz A, Arenaza-Urquijo E, Collette F, Klimecki O, Marchant N.Why could meditation practice help promote mental health and well-being in aging?.Alz Res Therapy. 2018;10(1):57. doi:10.1186/s13195-018-0388-5
Lee R.Mistrustful and misunderstood: a review of paranoid personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(2):151-165. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0116-7
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington D.C.; 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Esposito CM, Enrico P, Sciortino D, et al.Case report: the association between chromosomal anomalies and cluster a personality disorders: the case of two siblings with 16p11. 2 deletion and a review of the literature.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:689359. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689359
Nanthakumar C.Yoga for anxiety and depression – a literature review.JMHTEP. 2020;15(3):157-169. doi:10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2019-0050
Chételat G, Lutz A, Arenaza-Urquijo E, Collette F, Klimecki O, Marchant N.Why could meditation practice help promote mental health and well-being in aging?.Alz Res Therapy. 2018;10(1):57. doi:10.1186/s13195-018-0388-5
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