Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder Paranoid Personality Disorder is a disorder commonly mistaken for schizophrenic personality disorders. It is organized into the cluster A of personality disorders making it a dramatic or emotional personality disorder. “a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of distrust and suspicion of others resulting in a tendency to attribute the motives of others to malevolence” (paranoid personality disorder, 2005). Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder always assume that other people are "out to get them" even if there is no evidence that this is true. They are constantly doubting others around them and questioning or over analyzing every action. People with PPD also fear commitment because they trust no one, have difficulties relaxing, and believe that they themselves are always correct. They also nurture their grudges and anger, which over time, gives them more of a sense that it is the outside world which the problem, not themselves. The paranoid personalities see themselves as righteous and mistreated by others. They see other people essentially as devious, deceptive, and manipulative. “The exact cause of PPD is not known, but it likely involves a combination of biological and psychological factors. The fact that PPD is more common in people who have close relatives with schizophrenia suggests a genetic link between the two disorders” (Chakraburtty, 2009). It is also studied that children suffering from emotional or physical trauma show symptoms of PPD. People with this disorder usually have grown up in an environment of frequent blame and aggression. Researchers say that when children are exposed to angry adults, and maybe bi-polar adults, they may develop paranoia as a way to deal with their stress. When turning into an adult this paranoia becomes more than just a stress-releaser, but now their entire personality. “Social positions characterized by powerlessness and by the threat of

References: Chakraburtty, A. 2009.Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/paranoid- personality- disorder DeLisi, M. (2013). Criminal psychology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Paranoia and the Structure of Powerlessness. John Mirowsky and Catherine E. Ross. American Sociological Review , Vol. 48, No. 2 (Apr., 1983), pp. 228-239. Published by: American Sociological Association Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2095107 Paranoid personality disorder. (2005). In Merriam-Webster 's Medical Desk Dictionary, Revised Edition. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com.proxy- library.ashford.edu/entry/mwmedicaldesk/paranoid_personality_disorder