PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER

FUN FACT:
Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein, and Richard M. Nixon all were diagnosed with PPD

EXPLANATION

• PPD is one of a group of conditions in cluster A personality disorders that involve odd or eccentric behavior.

CAUSES

• Causes for PPD are not known. However, manny psychologists believe that it is due to social factors in early childhood (interactions,stress,etc.)
• Not widely accepted, there are possible genetic factors.

SYMPTOMS

• Long-standing pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others
• Problems with close relationships
• Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others, and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack

How PPD Affects Daily Life

• Effects a persons ability to build relationship
• Disrupts daily social functions
• Can create hostility towards others
• Symptoms can make a person feel "cold" to others
• May hold longstanding and unnecessary grudges

Treatments & Care

• Long-term psychotherapy
• Prescriptions may include anti-anxiety medication (ex. Diazepam).However, this should only be for more extreme cases to reduce unnecessary suspicion of a client that could result in noncompliance.

CASE STUDY 1

• Brian was under a lot of stress at his workplace. He then was not given a promotion he was hoping for. These items caused extreme anger and depression in Brian. It brought light to his already altered personality. His fellow employees and superiors questioned his personality. Not only did he have poor interpersonal skills, he was also stubborn, belligerent, and appeared paranoid.

CASE STUDY 1

• He then assaulted a colleague for unknown reasons. Professionals believe it was because Brian had delusions that the employee was a threat and was there to exploit him.
• He underwent extensive psychotherapy and, allowing him to focus on his issues in a safe and judgement free environment. His symptoms are getting better, still existing, but being handled safely.

CASE STUDY 2

• Joanna believed that her neighbors were purposely creating noise.She is known around town as the "Mean Old Lady". She always is looking over her shoulder when you goes out and never socializes. She saw a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with PPD. This disorder has caused many problems with her family, because she feels as though the exclude her and was not treated equally as her siblings.
• She was prescribed anti-anxiety medication and goes to sessions each week.

SOURCES

• http://psychcentral.com/disorders/paranoid-personality-disorder-symptoms/
• http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2010/11/paranoid-personality...
• http://psychcentral.com/disorders/paranoid-personality-disorder-symptoms/