Paranoid personality
Paranoid personality is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of distrust and suspicion of others. Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder are generally difficult to get along with and often have problems with close relationships. They lack trust in others, they have an excessive need to be self-sufficient and a strong sense of autonomy.
Symptoms of paranoid personality
- Doubt the commitment, loyalty, or trustworthiness of others
- Are generally cold and distant in their relationships with others, and might become controlling and jealous
- Concern that other people have hidden motives
- Expectation that they will be exploited (used) by others
- Inability to work together with others
- Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others
Paranoid personality disorder is more prevalent in males than females. Like most personality disorders, paranoid personality disorder typically will decrease in intensity with age, with many people experiencing few of the most extreme symptoms by the time they are in the 40s or 50s.
Treatment
People with Paranoid personality often do not seek treatment on their own because they do not see themselves as having a problem. The distrust of others felt by people with PPD also poses a challenge for health care professionals because trust is an important factor of psychotherapy (a form of counseling). As a result, many people with paranoid personality do not follow their treatment plan. When treatment is sought, psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for PPD. Treatment likely will focus on increasing general coping skills, as well as on improving social interaction, communication, and self-esteem.
