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Alternative names
Personality disorder - paranoidDefinition Return to top
Paranoid personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characaterized by extreme distrust and suspicion of others.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Personality disorders are chronic patterns of behavior that cause lasting problems with work and relationships. The cause of paranoid personality disorder is unknown, but it appears to be more common in families with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and delusional disorder, which suggests a genetic influence.Symptoms Return to top
People with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious of other people. They are usually unable to acknowledge their own negative feelings towards other people.
Other common symptoms include:
Signs and tests Return to top
Personality disorders are diagnosed based on psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is difficult because people with this condition are often extremely suspicious of doctors. If accepted, medications and talk therapy can both be effective.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Therapy can limit the impact of the paranoia on the person's daily functioning.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
If suspicions are interfering with relationships or work, a health care provider or mental health professional should be consulted.
Update Date: 1/25/2003 Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |