Paranoid personality disorder or PPD is one of the personality disorders that can affect a man carrying on with his life. In this mental health condition there is a long term pattern of distrust as well as suspicion without any reason to be paranoid. Such men believe that others are trying to demean, harm or threaten them. Let’s learn more about paranoid personality disorder in men.
When you are being paranoid about something, there is always a good reason behind it. Perhaps you hurt someone’s feelings without meaning to. However, when you are walking down the street or see a stranger and suddenly feel that they want to harm you, you might be dealing with paranoid personality disorder (PPD). This might be true if you feel so all the time.
Paranoid personality disorder or PPD is one of a group of conditions called Cluster A Personality Disorders which involve odd or eccentric ways of thinking. People with PPD also suffer from paranoia, an unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to be suspicious. *From 2.3% to 4.4 % of the general US population are estimated to have paranoid personality disorder. However, it is thought to be more common among men. Let’s learn more about PPD below.
Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder
Men dealing with PPD are always on guard as they believe that everyone is out there to get them. They think that everyone is up to demean, harm or threaten them so they don’t trust anyone. However, these are unfounded beliefs which lead to the inability of forming close relationships. Men with PPD:
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.
Are hypersensitive and take criticism poorly.
Read hidden meanings in the innocent remarks or casual looks of others.
Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others; they generally react with anger and are quick to retaliate.
Have recurrent suspicions, without reason, that their spouses or lovers are being unfaithful.
Are generally cold and distant in their relationships with others, and might become controlling and jealous.
Cannot see their role in problems or conflicts and believe they are always right.
Have difficulty relaxing.
Are hostile, stubborn, and argumentative.
Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder
There is no particular cause of PPD. However, it is believed that biological as well as environmental factors can lead a man to it. The disorder is present more often in families with a history of schizophrenia and delusional disorder. Early childhood trauma may be a contributing factor as well.
The other contributing factors include:
Living in a low-income household.
Being separated or divorced.
Being widowed.
Never marrying.
Conclusion
When we talk about men with paranoid personality disorder, it is very hard for such men to accept that they actually have a mental health disorder. Such men believe that they are completely fine as well as normal, even though they are suspicious of everyone and are unable to trust anyone. Apart from that, men with PPD are unable to form happy relationships and often end up socially isolated. Such men need treatment for paranoid personality disorder to make sure that they live a normal and healthy life.