Paranoid personality disorder is a serious mental health condition. But, it is not considered a psychiatric delusional disorder such as schizophrenia. It’s part of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders. These disorders involve odd or eccentric ways of thinking. People with paranoid personality disorder may have a family history of paranoia. Or there may be schizophrenia in the family tree. Extreme suspicion and distrust of others causes problems in working with others. It makes them cold and distant, leading to social isolation.
Managing PPD and Co-Occurring Conditions
People need comprehensive treatment to manage behaviors associated with paranoid personality. At Promises, our mental health professionals are there for anyone who seeks treatment. Paranoid personality disorder often co-occurs with substance abuse and other mental disorders. Clients may be assessed for other mental illnesses such as:
- Schizotypal personality disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality
- Antisocial personality disorder
We treat all issues at the same time using individualized treatment plans. These plans address each client’s specific physical, mental and spiritual needs.
What Is a Paranoid Personality Disorder Treatment Program Like?
Residential treatment of paranoid personality involves a combination of medications and behavioral therapies. It depends on the severity of the client’s personality disorder symptoms. Treatment options include individual and group therapies, as well as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is effective in reducing paranoia and limiting its impact
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help regulate emotions
- Family therapy to help repair strained family ties
- Alternative and experiential therapies
- Antipsychotic medication when appropriate
Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder
A person with paranoid personality disorder often feels in danger. They feel vulnerable and as if others are out to do them wrong. They search for evidence to support their feelings. But what they feel is grossly disproportionate to reality.
Common symptoms of paranoid personality disorder include:
- Constant concern about the hidden motives of others
- Belief that they are always right
- Cold and distant with others, or controlling and/or jealous
- Detachment
- Difficulty relaxing
- Expecting to be exploited by others
- Hostile, stubborn and argumentative
- Inability to work with others
- Reluctant to confide in others or give personal information
- Social isolation
- Unforgiving
- Extreme isolation
- Problems with work or school
People experiencing many personality disorder symptoms should seek help from a mental health professional. Sometimes outpatient therapy is enough. Other times, paranoid personality disorder treatment in a residential facility is most effective.
Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder
The cause of paranoid personality disorder is unknown. It seems to happen in families with other psychotic disorders. For example, there is a genetic link between delusional disorder and schizophrenia. Researchers believe that environmental factors also have an impact. Early childhood experiences play a role. For instance, physical or emotional trauma may make someone vulnerable to developing paranoid personality disorder.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, paranoid personality disorder is common in men. It estimates 2.3 to 4.4% of Americans suffer from this disorder.
