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).

Doctors think paranoid personality disorder runs in families. Childhood experiences (such as being abused) may make someone more likely to get paranoid personality disorder.

Doctors treat paranoid personality disorder with:

• Therapy

• Sometimes, medicines such as antidepressants and antipsychotics