Imagine that a person has gone for an outing with his wife. Suddenly his wife sees her school friend there and starts talking to him. The husband looks at them and thinks that they are talking about him or they must be making a plan to kill him. When this feeling gets intense, we can say that the person has a paranoid personality disorder. A paranoid personality disorder is a mental illness that consists of high suspiciousness & deep mistrust about others. People experiencing this mental illness are hypersensitive to every situation they go through.
Did you know? A paranoid personality disorder is most common in men than women. Paranoid personality disorder comes under ‘Cluster A’ personality disorders which include odd ways of thinking. People with this disorder don’t trust others and look at them with suspiciousness even when there is no reason to be suspicious.
How do you know that someone is having paranoid personality disorder?
People with PPD are constantly thinking that someone will harm or threaten them. Some symptoms can be seen as follows: –
-People with PPD: –
- Believe that others are using them
- Are unforgiving
- Are hypersensitive and don’t accept criticisms
- Have suspicious attitude towards their spouse
- Believe they are always correct.
- Never feel relaxed
- Usually react with anger
- Have sudden behaviour change
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What causes Paranoid Personality Disorder?
The particular cause of PPD is unknown, but both biological and psychological factors play an important role in the development of PPD. Physical or emotionally traumatic experiences, early childhood traumas also play a major part in the development of PPD.
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How is Paranoid Personality Disorder treated?
Mostly, people with PPD don’t opt for treatment on their own as they don’t accept having a problem. When they are taken to a psychiatrist, medications such s anti-depressants, anti-psychotic drugs, and anti-anxiety drugs might be prescribed if the intensity of the disorder is extreme or even if they have another comorbid disorder. But, medication is usually not a major focus of treatment here. Psychologists treat these patients in the form of psychotherapy. This treatment focuses on improving social skills, communication, boosting self-esteem, finding happiness in little things, and most important coping skills.
The treatment of this disorder is pretty challenging as the clients with PPD already have trust issues. Building rapport and good trust play a crucial role in the treatment of PPD. Other forms of psychotherapy such as expressive arts therapy, dance movement therapy let the clients vent out their genuine emotions which then helps the treatment.
How ‘Veda Rehab’ can help you with this?
The most important aspect in treating clients with PPD is trust-building. Veda Rehabilitation and wellness being the best Rehab chain in India, the psychologists at Veda are experts in building trust and a good rapport to foster the growth and positive mindset of a client. Along with the luxuries, Veda has its client-centered treatment program for the treatment of PDD.
Myth Breaker: –
Paranoid Personality Disorder is easily treated, is a myth. The fact is ’NO! Paranoid Personality Disorder can be difficult to treat. As it is not easy, don’t try to face it on your own. If you see someone having symptoms of PDD, approach a counsellor for the best treatment. May you heal very soon.
Kalpesh Kulkarni
Psychologist
Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness