It is difficult to live with a personality disorder. There are many personality disorders, and one that’s lesser-known is paranoid personality disorder (PPD). An individual with this mental health condition may present odd and eccentric behaviors. The symptoms associated with the condition can feel mentally disabling and can severely impact an individual’s social existence. One of the most troubling aspects of PPD is the way it can negatively affect relationships.
There may be no seeming explanation for the mistrust developed and the intense paranoia that is felt. Regardless of the cause, though, different self-help strategies can improve symptoms. Choosing professional treatment with 12 South Recovery can enhance the quality of life of those with PPD. Everybody deserves to find balance and achieve their goals for mental stability.
What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
As stated by Medline Plus, PPD is a mental health disorder defined by a persistent pattern of suspicious thoughts and a pattern of intense distrust toward an individual’s surroundings. This does not mean the individual has schizophrenia which is classified as a serious mental illness. An individual diagnosed with PPD may constantly be on the lookout. They may believe that other people have intentions to hurt, demean, or threaten them in some way. This can leave one feeling intensely alone.
There is no specific known cause for PPD. The condition is known to be more prevalent in males. PPD is typically more common in families with a history of delusional disorders such as schizophrenia. Genetics may play a major role in the development of the condition but other factors may also contribute.Â
Childhood traumas of all kinds can be risk factors for developing PPD, including emotional and sexual abuse. Emotional and physical neglect may play roles as well. Furthermore, recent research and studies have found that individuals who are diagnosed with PPD are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Paranoid Personality Disorder Can Affect Relationships: Symptoms
According to the journal Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, PPD is defined by various symptoms that can negatively affect an individual’s relationships with family, friends, and close partnerships. The effects of PPD can also hinder one’s ability to make new successful relationships. Not every individual experiences the same effects. However, in general, symptoms that interfere with one’s social function may include:
- Mistrust
- Interest in secret motives
- Fault-finding
- Irritability and discontent
- Feelings of being treated unjustly/being oppressed
- Excessive evaluation of the self
- Inability to relax
- Paranoid anxiety
Having intense feelings of mistrust and paranoia can make it extremely difficult to develop closer relationships or keep a good relationship. If an individual feels their loved one has a secret motive to either threaten or hurt them, one may expect they would distance themselves to a great extent. When an individual excessively evaluates themselves, they may have low self-esteem and lack confidence.
How Paranoid Personality Disorder Can Affect Relationships: Self-Help Strategies
It can be challenging to manage the effects of PPD on a day-to-day basis. Feeling like the world is out to get you can feel defeating. We are all meant to be here to connect, lift each other up, and stay strong together. When PPD interferes with this, life can be challenging.
First and foremost, a person with PPD should take time to research their condition to become more educated on what they are experiencing. Doing so can also help them accept their disorder and take the steps needed to move forward for a better future. Going about life feeling lost or helpless can dampen one’s motivation to connect with others. Substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions are often linked as people with PPD may try to self-medicate to escape their symptoms. However, using drugs and or alcohol can worsen symptoms.
Creating a Healthy Routine Although PPD can affect relationships, self-help strategies and practicing a solid self-care routine can help one find comfort with others. Sleep deprivation has been clinically proven to worsen an individual’s condition. Getting enough sleep can help an individual focus and find more direction in their healing. Exercising and eating nutritious foods regularly can boost an individual’s mood significantly to induce a more positive perspective on one’s relationships.
Moving Forward With 12 South Recovery
The effects of PPD can consume one’s mindset. PPD can act as a barrier to new opportunities. Mental health treatment options with 12 South Recovery can help a person with PPD move forward with a sense of peace, trust, greater self-esteem, and feelings of contentment.
Therapeutic approaches such as psychoanalysis and dialectic behavior therapy (DBT) have been shown to be helpful for milder cases of PPD. Holistic therapies may also be useful. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help one relax and focus on the positives in their life. Holistic therapies such as nutritional therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and meditation can help an individual address their entire self. This includes their mind, body, and spirit. Finding relaxation and improving one’s self-esteem improves PPD.Â
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can reduce symptoms of PPD. It is also one of the most effective therapies to treat SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. Talk therapy can also help an individual learn to cope with their current problems rather than focusing on the past. Group therapy can also be a great option for individuals with PPD. Gathering with individuals facing similar problems with their mental health can encourage and teach those with PPD to develop trust and maintain healthy relationships.
PPD can affect relationships. Practicing a healthy self-care routine in addition to receiving mental health treatment can significantly improve one’s quality of life. As a leader in Orange County mental health treatment, 12 South Recovery is experienced in treating personality disorders like PPD. Upon meeting with new clients, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the best course of mental health treatment. Our team then develops an individualized treatment plan to target each client’s specific needs. By working with our licensed, expert mental health therapists at 12 South Recovery, our patients are able to feel heard, understood, and supported. If you are in need of professional support, call 12 South Recovery at (888) 830-8374 to learn more.
