Paranoid
personality disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person has a
long-term distrust and suspicion of others, but does not have a
full-blown psychotic disorder such as
schizophrenia.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The
causes of paranoid personality disorder are unknown. The disorder
appears to be more common in families with psychotic disorders such as
schizophrenia and delusional disorder, which suggests genes may be
involved. However, environmental factors may play a role, as well.
The condition appears to be more common in men.
Symptoms
People
with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious of other
people. As a result, people with this condition severely limit their
social lives.
They often feel that they are in danger, and look
for evidence to support their suspicions. People with this disorder have
trouble seeing that their distrustfulness is out of proportion to their
environment.
Common symptoms include:
- Concern that other people have hidden motives
- Expectation that they will be exploited by others
- Inability to work together with others
- Social isolation
- Detachment
- Hostility
Signs and tests
Like
other personality disorders, paranoid personality disorder is diagnosed
based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the
symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment
is difficult because people with this condition are often very
suspicious of doctors. If treatment is accepted, talk therapy and
medications can often be effective.
Expectations (prognosis)
The
outlook usually depends on whether the person is willing to accept
help. Therapy and medications can reduce paranoia and limit its impact
on the person's daily functioning.
Complications
- Extreme social isolation
- Interference with work
Calling your health care provider
If suspicions are interfering with your relationships or work, contact a health care provider or mental health professional.
References
- Blais
MA, Smallwood P, Groves JE, Rivas-Vazquez RA. Personality and
personality disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J,
Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 39.
Review Date: 11/14/2010.
Reviewed
by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine; David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of
Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical
Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The more I do my home-work, the more I am convinced that the purported end of the world on 12/21/2012 was not about the end of the physical living world, but was about putting an end to the insanity that plagued many of us in 2012.
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