In previous discussions about this disorder (see links below), we looked at how the sufferer of paranoid personality disorder (PPD) differs from individuals who experience an episode of paranoia as a result of a schizophrenic or a manic depression episode. Unlike the latter, PPD is a pervasive disorder of the personality, meaning that it is always present and colors the life outlook and beliefs of the sufferer. This is turn causes enormous interpersonal problems, which may or may not be present in the other disorders mentioned above. Patrick is a typical sufferer of PPD. Obsessively religious, he has taken to … Continue reading →

Peter is a typical sufferer of paranoid personality disorder (PPD) and finds it difficult to function in both the workplace and in his personal life. Because this condition affects the core personality of the sufferer, it is permanent, pervasive and, as such, the person so afflicted in effectively unaware that there is something wrong with them. As with most of the personality disorders, the sufferers have little insight into their own behaviors, instead blaming others for what is isn’t right in their lives. Peter was by his own admission in a bad situation. He believed his father to be mentally … Continue reading →

All of us have a tendency to be wary of new situations or people who behave unusually. This is quite normal and is hard-wired into our brains as a vital survival tool. But sometimes being too distrustful of others and their motives can interfere with all aspects of a person’s life. Interpersonal relations become strained as the person concerned questions the actions of others, often creating elaborate scenarios in their mind as to the true meaning of what another person said or did. Hence personal relationships with family becomes strained, friends disappear because they tire of the ongoing interrogation of … Continue reading →