Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder, also known as Personality Disorder – Paranoid or PPD is a disorder that has a great affect on behavior patterns. People with Paranoid Personality Disorder are usually people who are very suspicious of everyone’s motives. They will not usually share any secrets for fear that they will be exploited. Poor sense of humor, hostility, bad self esteem/image, and social isolation are some of the signs and symptoms of PPD. Self dependence is a very important thing to them, as they do not trust other people.

The causes of this disorder are very unclear, there have been hints as to what may influence this development, but nothing is for certain. Family history seems to have an influence on it. If one or more family members has a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder, there could be a better chance that another family member may have PPD. Some psychologists seem to think that the characteristics of it might have been learned through childhood experiences. Sporadic rage or anger from parents can also develop symptoms. Furthermore, genetics are almost the only cause of this. Studies of both identical and fraternal twins shows that the same genes cause the same kinds of development. Both twins should have PPD.

The risk factors of PPD are difficult to tell. Families with psychotic disorders have a better chance of PPD developing. Medical advice should be sought out after signs of the symptoms, if they start to interfere with the person’s relationships or work. Usually things are not so apparent until early adulthood.

PPD cannot be determined by a simple laboratory tests or imagine study. A diagnosis may be concluded only by the interview with a doctor, through a diagnostic questionnaire. Some input from the patient’s friends/family might be required.

There are five signs that doctors can use to determine whether or not a patient has PPD. First, the patient shows suspicion and distrust if even their friends and family, when there is not a good reason to do so. Second, the patient must not be a long time user of cocaine or amphetamines, paranoid behavior is a result of these. Even prescription medications must be taken into account. Third, if a patient shows symptoms of having hallucinations or schizophrenia, a diagnosis cannot be made. Fourth, these characteristics must be present in the patient since early adulthood. A diagnosis cannot be made if it appears later on. Fifth, the patient must be tested for other mental disorders as they have very similar diagnosis.

The treatment of PPD can be very helpful and effective in controlling it. However, this can be difficult to do as the patient will be suspicious of the doctor. PPD can become chronic without treatment. Therapy and medications are the most frequently used treatment. Complications people can have from PPD can be social isolation or occasional violence the social isolation can include: family disputes, job termination,