Personality disorderscan be described as conditions in which individuals display inappropriate responses and extreme ways of coping with issues that most people consider routine. People with paranoid personality disorders behave in ways that others find odd. The condition is marked by feelings of mistrust toward others. Those with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious of almost everyone, usually without good reason.

Diagnosis

Paranoid personality disorder is diagnosed using a psychological evaluation. Some experts indicate that there is a genetic connection associated with this disorder. Paranoid personality disorder seems to be more common in people with a family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. This condition may also be associated with environmental factors such as an unstable home life during childhood, including physical and emotional trauma.

Symptoms

People with paranoid personality disorder may have a difficult time in a marriage due to constant suspicion that their spouse is cheating. They often feel that they cannot trust the other person and doubt whether the partner is truly committed to the relationship.

Patients with this disorder tend to question the motives of others when there is no justification to do so. They may feel that they will be used or exploited if they get too close to other people and as a result, they tend to be detached socially and may isolate themselves.

Those with paranoid personality disorder find it hard to develop and maintain friendships due to their lack of strust. When they have meaningful relationships with others, they often become jealous and controlling because they fear that the other person(s) may leave the relationship.

People with paranoid personality disorder usually don't see themselves as having any role in their inability to maintain healthy relationships. It is always another person's fault. They project their feelings of inadequacy and mistrust on to those with whom they cannot get along.

Treatment

Like many other psychiatric disorders, paranoid personality can be treated with the right combination of therapy and medication. But for many sufferers of this disorder, treatment is not an option as they don't trust doctors or therapists. Anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed for this condition.

A patient who becomes agitated, delusional or hostile may require stronger anti-psychotic medications. Medications can be helpful if they are taken as directed. In severe cases, persons with paranoid personality disorder may require psychiatric hospitalization where they receive intense psychotherapy.