Paranoid Personality Disorder - How To Track It?

The mind is a very intricate organ and controls the entire body functioning with great precision. Any small change in its wiring would mean changes in the way a person functions, including changes of emotions and feelings.

There is a group of personality disorders known as “cluster A” personality disorders. One of the most common forms in this is a paranoid personality disorder, also known as PPD. The onset of the problem is in early adulthood and men are more likely to have this condition as compared to females. People with paranoid personality disorder are very odd or have eccentric ways of thinking. The most common way of thinking is suspicion with no reason to do so.

Symptoms:

1. They are always on watch or guard and believe that others are out to harm or demean them.
2. Their belief and distrust are often unfounded, and they find it very difficult to form close relationships, either at work or at home.
3. There is always a doubt in terms of other people’s commitment and trust, and believe that others are out to use them and often end up deceiving them
4. Find it very difficult to confide in people, and think the information they tell others may be used against them.
5. They are always known to hold grudges from past experiences and find it very difficult to forgive others
6. They are not open to criticism and are extremely sensitive to what others think of them or tell them
7. Try to read between the lines and interpret more than the obvious
8. They are very quick to retaliate and think others are constantly attacking what they say and/or do
9. There is a constant thread of suspicion especially of their spouses or partners, which would be completely unfounded, and add unwanted strain on the relationships
10. Refrain from forming close relationships and keep some distance even in close relationships. They are generally cold and can be jealous and controlling of their near and dear ones
11. Firmly believe that their thoughts and words and actions are always right and do not believe in conflict resolution. They are usually argumentative, hostile, and stubborn
12. They always present as tense and cannot relax very easily

Causes: There is usually a past history of emotional or physical abuse, which is unresolved, leading to these symptoms. Hypnosis, which is often used to diagnose the condition, is very helpful in identifying the cause.

Diagnosis: There are specific assessment tools and questionnaires which are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

Management: Psychotherapy where the person is taught to manage the above feelings and taught to communicate and cope with others. This is often combined with antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics.