Your personality is your unique way of thinking, understanding, reacting, and relating to people.
A personality disorder is not just an unusual personality. It's when your personality traits cause significant problems in your life or keep you from relating normally to others.
What is paranoid personality disorder?
Paranoid personality disorder is:
A pattern of mistrust and suspicion when there's no good reason to feel that way
People with paranoid personality disorder often:
See other people as hostile and dangerous and out to harm or cheat them
Misinterpret others' words or actions as insults when they aren't meant that way
Hold grudges, demand loyalty, and overreact when they think someone has betrayed them
Have trouble forming close relationships because they don't trust people
Are quick to lash out when they feel threatened
People with paranoid personality disorder may also have schizophrenia, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder, or another personality disorder (such as borderline personality).
What causes paranoid personality disorder?
Doctors think paranoid personality disorder runs in families. Childhood experiences (such as being abused) may make someone more likely to get paranoid personality disorder.
How do doctors treat paranoid personality disorder?
Doctors treat paranoid personality disorder with:
Therapy
Sometimes, medicines such as antidepressants and antipsychotics
