What is Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is a mental health disorder in which you have a strong distrust of other people. You may be constantly suspicious that other people are against you or want to harm you.

Although many people have these feelings sometimes, people with this disorder have them almost all the time. If you have this condition, these feelings and beliefs are severe enough to cause problems in your personal life and relationships.

Paranoid personality disorder is a lifelong disorder. It may begin in childhood or the teen years, and it may be worst during the early to mid-20s. Long-term treatment may help you manage your condition.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of paranoid personality disorder is not known. The following factors may have a role in causing this disorder:

• A problem with brain chemistry.
• Abnormal genes that are passed down through families (inherited).
• Emotional or physical abuse during childhood.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You are male.
• You have a family history of paranoid personality disorder.
• You were abused or bullied during childhood.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition are beliefs that only you have. Others may disagree with you about these feelings and beliefs. These symptoms are:

• A strong and false suspicion that other people are taking advantage of you, hurting you, or tricking you.
• Being worried that people you know are not reliable or trustworthy.
• Being fearful of sharing information and thoughts with others because you think those may be used against you.
• Believing that comments made by others have hidden, hostile, or threatening meanings.
• Strongly holding grudges against people for what you believe are good reasons.
• Being very defensive, angry, and quick to strike back at anyone you think has disrespected you or wronged you.
• Believing that your spouse or partner has been unfaithful.

How is this diagnosed?

To diagnose this disorder, a mental health care provider may:

• Ask you questions about your life and your beliefs.
• Talk to people in your life about your beliefs and behaviors.
• Have you take a personality test.
• Test you for drug or alcohol use.
• Look for symptoms of other mental health disorders.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of talk therapy that can help you learn how to make choices about what you feel and believe. It is important to trust your therapist and follow his or her recommendations.

You may be prescribed medicine to help relieve some symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Learn as much as you can about your disorder so that you have an active role in your treatment. Work with your therapist to build trust and make a treatment plan that works for you.
• Find ways to reduce stress, such as doing meditation or yoga.
• Stay active and try to exercise every day. Exercise may reduce stress.
• Do not use drugs or drink alcohol.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You are struggling to manage your condition.
• You have feelings of depression or anxiety.
• You are abusing drugs or alcohol.

Get help right away if:

• You have thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else.

If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:

• Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
• A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.

Summary

• Paranoid personality disorder is a mental health condition that causes you to have strong feelings of distrust and suspicion that others are against you or trying to harm you.
• Paranoid personality disorder is a lifelong condition that requires long-term treatment.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy, is the best treatment for paranoid personality disorder.
• Stay active and try to exercise every day. Find ways to reduce stress, such as doing meditation or yoga.