Although the exact cause of paranoid personality disorder is unknown, it is thought that genetic and environmental factors, especially early traumas, may be effective. It is necessary to consult specialists for diagnosis and treatment.
What is paranoid personality disorder?
Paranoid personality disorder is a psychological condition in which a person has a constant feeling of distrust and suspicion of those around them. These people think that others are trying to humiliate, deceive or harm them. Their thoughts are often unrealistic and they perceive a constant threat from their environment. People may feel emotionally vulnerable and therefore experience serious problems in relationships. Although there is no definitive cause of paranoid personality disorder, it is thought that genetic factors, environmental factors and trauma experienced at an early age may be effective.
What causes paranoid personality disorder?
Genetic predisposition may play an important role in the development of the disorder. The presence of paranoid personality disorder or other psychiatric disorders in the family may trigger this condition. In addition, negative experiences such as childhood trauma, abuse or emotional neglect can also pave the way for the development of paranoid thoughts.
Environmental factors may also be effective in the emergence of paranoid personality disorder. Especially stressful and unsafe family environments can cause a person to develop an overly suspicious personality. This disorder is also more common in individuals with certain personality traits associated with paranoid thoughts.
What are the symptoms of paranoid personality disorder?
Symptoms of paranoid personality disorder include extreme suspiciousness of others, mistrust, hypersensitivity to criticism, and difficulty establishing emotional closeness. It is also frequently observed that the person acts with a constant perception of threat and negative thoughts in relationships. An evaluation by a psychiatrist and sometimes various psychological tests may be required to diagnose this disorder. Paranoid personality disorder test comes between these examinations. It is important that such applications are carried out by an expert. Symptoms of paranoid personality disorder can be listed as follows:
- extreme skepticism
- Insecurity
- Hypersensitivity to criticism
- Inner emotional distance
- Creating a story
- Thoughts of anger and revenge
- Suspicious behavior towards others
Difference between paranoid personality disorder and paranoid schizophrenia
Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by the person being constantly suspicious and distrustful of those around him. However, delusions or hallucinations are not observed and the person believes that his thoughts are true.
Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia and detaches the person from reality with delusions and hallucinations. In this case, the person believes that others are conspiring to harm him. Paranoid schizophrenia requires treatment and is usually managed with antipsychotic medications.