Paranoid Personality Disorder: Causes and Symptoms

As defined in one of my previous articles about personality disorder. I hinted at the hell of being a sufferer of personality disorders. You can check on the signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder for some clues.

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) ( Paranoid behavior ) is yet another popular one in the list of personality disorders. Sufferers of Paranoia are characterized by excessive distrust and suspiciousness.

Even when there is no reason to be suspicious, one with paranoid behavior always suspect and perceive others as threat. Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) being among the group of conditions called eccentric personality disorders, can only be diagnosed if it begins no later than early adulthood.

Just like any other personality disorders, Paranoid Personality Disorder manifests as a response to some personal and social situations. Sufferers of Paranoid Personality Disorder take their degree of paranoia to another level by falsely believing that people are against them and that they are being victimized.

Sufferers of PPD are always hypersensitive to any criticism of themselves as they bear grudges for a long time. More of the symptoms come after a short explanation on the causes.

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Causes of Paranoid Behavior

Though, the exact cause of PPD is yet to be known, however, several studies show that it could erupt from the combination of biological and psychological factors. On this note, it is observed that early childhood experiences like solitariness, poor peer relationships, social anxiety, underachievement in school and hypersensitivity can also play a role in the development of PPD.

 

Another research about the genetic factors also suggests that there is a risk for this disorder to be “passed down” from a sufferer to their children.

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Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder.

In addition to the few symptoms earlier listed, below are more of the characteristics and traits of sufferers of Paranoid Personality Disorder.

• PPD sufferers are found of doubting the loyalty of others, as they believe others are deceiving them.
• Always read threatening meanings into any remarks or events.
• They believe to always be right.
• Are reluctant to share their personal information with others.
• They hold grudges for years.
• They are always quick to retaliate.
• Unnecessary manufacturing of chaos.

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• Perceives attacks on their reputation that are not apparent to others.
• Feeling of emptiness – This leads to an impulsive appetite for strong physical sensations and dramatic relationship experiences.
• Are generally reluctant in their relationships with others, and might become controlling and jealous.
• Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others; they generally react with anger and are quick to retaliate.
• Suspect, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them.
• Have difficulty relaxing.
• Sufferers of Paranoid Personality Disorder are always seen alienating and cutting off their relationships with others.

Read Martin Kantor MD‘s ‘Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families, and Sufferers‘ for better guide on handling this disorder.

 References:

• American Psychological Association. Help for Personality Disorders.
• Internet Mental Health. Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Chapter 3: Paranoid Personality Disorder – Sage Publication.