Mental illnesses are not only about depression, anxiety, and sadness. They can be about various other things you have no clue about, such as personality disorders. Which is why mental health problems must never be overlooked.
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) is one of the many unknown personality disorders. Some people suffer from the condition without knowing that it does exist; therefore, its awareness is extremely important.
What is Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)?
Paranoid Personality Disorder is a type of eccentric personality disorder that shows behaviors that may seem strange to others. It is the condition where a person has unsettling thoughts, patterns, and dysfunctional behaviors. People suffering from PPD have higher chances of experiencing depression, agoraphobia, and substance overdose.
Studies suggest that among the general population, PPD affects 2.3% to 4.4% and the disorder starts in childhood to the initial years of adolescence. It is more common in men than in women. The main characteristics of the PPD sufferers are feelings of paranoia, mistrust, and being persistently suspicious of others for no reason.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are seen in the individuals suffering from PPD.
- Paranoia personality disorder starts with severe symptoms that impact their daily activities such as unjustified suspicion of others that they would cause them harm.
- Their mistrust causes problems in forming relationships with their partners. Even when they start a relationship, they are always doubting their spouse for being unfaithful.
- People suffering from PPD are mostly seen as hostile and perceived as rude and argumentative.
- They often find it difficult to relax and stay calm.
- These people hold grudges on minor issues and are unforgiving.
- They are overly controlling in relationships with a fear of being exploited and cheated on.
- PPD sufferers sometimes have a sudden outburst of anger upon their assumption of deception.
- They tend look for hidden meanings in normal conversations and gestures.
- People experiencing PPD mostly have negative opinions of others.
- They cannot find their fault in conflicts and always believe that the other person is wrong.
- Always feel threatened even with minor mistakes.
- They believe they can work solo and have the excessive need of being alone.
- They are very quick to retaliate even on issues that are not directed to them.
- Their trust issues lead them to confiding in no one or open up to even the closest of their acquaintances.
It is necessary to understand that alongside suspicion and mistrust the PPD symptoms must not be related to bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and psychotic episodes. Although they are the overlapping symptoms between these two conditions but can be distinguished by proper diagnosis from a professional.
Causes
The exact causes of PPD are not known yet. Most researchers believe that it stems from some severe childhood trauma, a strong genetic element, or a history of schizophrenia in the family. Other causes may include
- Experiencing extreme parental rage
- Emotional and physical neglect
- Continuous feeling of being unloved and not taken care of
In a Nutshell
Negligence of the PPD symptoms may lead to complications. Often doctors prescribe Amprexa, Dosik, and Pequit as the medication along with the psychotherapy; however, consultation with the doctor is a must to save yourself from future troubles.