OverviewA personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school. Show In some cases, you may not realize that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving seems natural to you. And you may blame others for the challenges you face. Personality disorders usually begin in the teenage years or early adulthood. There are many types of personality disorders. Some types may become less obvious throughout middle age. SymptomsTypes of personality disorders are grouped into three clusters, based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people with one personality disorder also have signs and symptoms of at least one additional personality disorder. It's not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed. Cluster A personality disordersCluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster B personality disordersCluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder
Cluster C personality disordersCluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. They include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Avoidant personality disorder
Dependent personality disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. When to see a doctorIf you have any signs or symptoms of a personality disorder, see your doctor or other primary care professional or a mental health professional. Untreated, personality disorders can cause significant problems in your life that may get worse without treatment. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine
this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesPersonality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes you unique. It's the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself. Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of:
Personality disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of these genetic and environmental influences. Your genes may make you vulnerable to developing a personality disorder, and a life situation may trigger the actual development. Risk factorsAlthough the precise cause of personality disorders is not known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering personality disorders, including:
ComplicationsPersonality disorders can significantly disrupt the lives of both the affected person and those who care about that person. Personality disorders may cause problems with relationships, work or school, and can lead to social isolation or alcohol or drug abuse. Sept. 23, 2016 Can people with paranoid personality disorder work?Left untreated, PPD can interfere with a person's ability to form and maintain relationships, as well as their ability to function socially and in work situations. People with PPD are more likely to stop working earlier in their lives than people without personality disorders.
What are the characteristics of paranoid personality disorder?People with this disorder: Doubt the commitment, loyalty, or trustworthiness of others, believing others are using or deceiving them. Are reluctant to confide in others or reveal personal information due to a fear that the information will be used against them. Are unforgiving and hold grudges.
Who is at risk for paranoid personality disorder?Demographic risk factors include low income (OR = 3.55) and being Black, (OR = 2.15), Native American (OR = 3.12) or Hispanic (OR = 1.43). Additional risk factors include relationship history, with PPD being associated with having been widowed, divorced, or separated (OR = 1.94) or never married (OR = 2.03) [12].
What is the best treatment for paranoid personality disorder?Paranoid personality disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy. With ongoing treatment and appropriate support, people with this condition can manage their symptoms and function more effectively in daily life.
|