Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is a way of interpreting other people’s actions as the ones, intentionally causing a threat to the person. This disorder is usually shown by mistrust and suspicion and may lead to people being misunderstood or misinterpreted. It becomes evident in early adulthood where negative thoughts, attitudes and feelings are rejected.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Paranoid Personality Disorder specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The people suffering from this disorder feel mistreated and exploited, thereby failing to interpret good comments and others’ behavior. As a result, they do not accept reality as it is and remain rigid in their way of thinking (Alper 28). This condition is characterized by paranoia, mistrust and uncertainty. Fear harbors hidden motives and wrong intentions rendering the people with paranoid personality to be unable to work with the others. They end up socially withdrawn, detached and hostile. They tend to scan the environment for clues that can prove their prejudicial knowledge as valid. Their minds are preoccupied with looking for some sources of danger and fighting very hard to find any suggestive sign. They hold many grudges and mistrust towards others. People with this disorder show lack of self-sufficiency. Others may develop poor self-image and an inability to incorporate right attitude. In addition, they have a poor sense of humor and are unable to adapt to participation quickly in a group activity. As a rule, they appear cold, rigid and litigious. People with this disorder have poor relationship with the others as they seem odd and eccentric. According to Freeman, â€Å"People with paranoid personality disorder doubt being committed , loyal, trustworthy as they believe they may be deceived or used in a wrong way † (32). Sometimes, they are quite reluctant to confide in the others or fear of revealing some perso nal information that might be used against them. In addition, they do not easily forgive and tend to harbour a grievance. They are hypersensitive, poorly take criticism and innocently read the remarks. They wrongfully judge their spouses or lovers as being unfaithful. They do not fulfil their role, while trying to handle their desease, and always believe that they are right. In addition to being hostile, they are stubborn and argumentative. Researchers still do not know the exact cause of the paranoid personality disorder. Some argue that it occurs due to biological and psychological factors. It is genetically common in families with psychotic disorders. However, the environment may also have a great influence on its cause.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus there are biological or psychological causes. They include schizophrenia and delusional disorder. It is more common in men than women. Paranoid personality disorder can be associated with negative childhood experiences and a pure replication of hostile domestic environment. Sometimes, parental influence and rage may foster child insecurity. It is important to note that treatment of paranoid personality disorder is possible unless the patient fears the doctor or becomes suspicious. Early treatment is necessary since the disorder may become chronic. The common way of treating this disorder is by medication and therapy. It is evident that mostly, this disorder is caused by disruption of family, and employment loss. Perhaps, comprehensive therapy may be applied to recovery and prevent further stigmatization. It is recommended to carry out some consumer education programs, family counseling and advocacy and vocational assistance (Alper 41). Proper diagnosis should be done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. The psychologist should be able to understand the extent of symptoms. Examples of symp toms are such as fear of being rejected, suspicion of others and a habit to distort events. These conditions must be keenly monitored not to interfere with normal interpersonal relationships. Careful inspection of person’s normal life should be done. At this point, it is also important to be careful not to confuse the symptoms of paranoid personality disorder with schizophrenia or any manic depressive disorder. This will require a careful examination and evaluation of person’s mental health (Freeman 122). Appropriate and individualized psycho-therapical program should be considered. This will help find the initial causes and the best treatment possible. The person is sometimes reluctant to seek therapy. This is because he/she does not trust any therapist so his/hewr way to recovery may take a lot of time. Group therapy may be necessary for addressing some positive behavior. It also provides a person with an opportunity to interact in a constructive way. It allows a per son to relate to likeminded peoplem, though this may develop more paranoid conditions. An individual gets rid of distrust and isolation by developing a sense of belonging and also a normal relationship with the others. This is when this program should be combined with self-help group. (Freeman 56).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Paranoid Personality Disorder specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Giving medications causes high level suspicion, and this in turn leads to withdrawal from therapy. Such an action is, therefore, not encouraged. Medication is preferred for treatment of specific conditions associated with this disorder. It is only administered in cases where symptoms impede normal functioning. Medications for severe anxiety or delusion should be used within the shortest possible period. Psychotherapy is considered as the best method of treating paranoid personality disorder. People who have this dis order develop problems which require intense therapy. It is, therefore, necessary for a therapist-client relationship to be good enough to ensure great care and a given level confidence (Alper 58). One way of managing the paranoid personality disorder is through self-care. This does not require any kind of treatment as social groups help in alleviating mistrust and suspicion in an individual. After examination, the doctor should begin to evaluate the medication to be prescribed and patien’s medical history, if any. Absence of any biological tests makes it necessary to use diagnostic approach as a way of evaluating any physical illness. Patients may also seek for some health care professionals to check and diagnose any mental illness. Tools for assessing and evaluating the disorder are supposed to be designed by the psychologist. People suffering from paranoid personality disorder do not seek for any medical attention on their own. This is because they cannot judge themselves as suffering from such a condition. Any treatment offered should focus on developing more skills for coping with every situation that may occur. This will further enhance developing more communication, interaction skills and feeling of self-esteem. Trust is regarded as a tool for treating this disorder. Distrust of the others makes it difficult for people with paranoid personality disorder to be treated as it becomes almost impossible to implement treatment plans. The use of antidepressant or anti-psychotic drugs may be prescribed if condition goes extremely beyond a certain level (Freeman 102). In conclusion, paranoid personality disorder affects individual’s way of life. It totally ruins the relationship with the others, even at the workplace. Affected individuals find it hard to adapt in any work situation. They usually fight or sue people whom they regard as their enemies.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This disorder can last for the entire life of a person, if not effectively addressed and treated. Some people suffering from paranoid personality disorder may marry and get employed while others may intensively be disabled by this condition. Their resistance to treatment is quite alarming as it worsens the outcome of any treatment strategy. Prevention of this disorder is impossible nowadays but treatment, if not well managed, may cause even more problems than no treatment at all. Works Cited Alper, Gerald. Paranoia of Everyday Life: Escaping the Enemy Within. New York: Prometheus Books, 2005. Print. Freeman, Daniel. Overcoming Paranoid and Suspicious Thoughts: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques . New York: Basic Books, 2008. Print. This research paper on Paranoid Personality Disorder was written and submitted by user Valentin E. to help you with your own studies. 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