Paranoid personality disorder is a condition characterized by long standing extreme distrust and excessive suspiciousness of others. Paranoid personality disorder is diagnosed only when this behavior becomes persistent and very disabling. Paranoid personality disorder may have following characteristics

• Extreme distrust and suspicion for others
• Emotional instability
• Belief that others are trying to harm him/her
• Hostility

Complications

• Excessive suspiciousness and hostility can lead to disturbances in close relationships
• Individuals with this kind of disorder are rigid, critical and are unable to collaborate with others
• These individuals may have difficulty in accepting criticism themselves
• Paranoid persons may be involved in legal disputes
• If stressed these persons may experience psychotic episodes
• Paranoid disorder may progress into delusional disorder or Schizophrenia
• Patients may exhibit unrealistic grandiose fantasies
• Patients may suffer from depression, eating disorders, sleep disorders, suicidal behaviors, child abuse, social isolation and many more.

Risk Factors

• A family history of mental illness or other personality disorders
• Verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood
• An unstable family life during childhood
• Being diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder
• Loss of parents through death or divorce during childhood

Treatment

Various treatment modalities are available for Paranoid personality disorders:-

• Psychotherapy - can be of four types

1. Dialectical behavioral therapy- This is a type of cognitive therapy in which patients are taught behavioral therapy so that they can tolerate stress, maintain their emotional well-being and can improve their relationships with other people.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This therapy combines features of both Cognitive and Behavioral therapy so that besides improving the behavior patient will also be able to identify his/her negative points and belief and will be able to change them with the positive one.
3. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - this helps in developing newer motivations in the patients so that they can live a healthy and productive life.
4. Psychoeducation - This involves teaching of patients, relatives and friends so that they can cope up with the individual and understand his problems

• Medications - Mood stabilizing medications, anti anxiety medications, anti depressants and anti psychotic medications can be used on a case to case basis
• Some patients may require hospitalization and residential training program to ensure that a proper care and treatment will be taken care of