Paranoid Personality Disorder Treatment

Paranoid personality disorder treatment is difficult because individuals with the disorder are typically suspicious and distrustful of doctors. If an individual with paranoid personality disorder (PPD) accepts treatment, psychotherapy and medication may help.

Treatment For Paranoid Personality Disorder

With commitment from individuals with the disorder, treatment for paranoid personality disorder can help alleviate PPD symptoms. If the patient commits to treatment, the psychiatrist or psychologist will likely use talk or psychotherapy. Paranoid personality disorder therapy seeks to do the following:

• Help the person learn how to cope with PPD
• Teach the person communication skills to use in social settings
• Help reduce the individual's feelings of suspicion and distrust

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) represents a common approach to paranoid personality disorder treatment. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts drive our emotions and resulting behaviors. The therapist will help the PPD client adjust his thought patterns and resulting inappropriate behaviors. Other therapies that may prove helpful include talk therapy and group therapy; although, it may be difficult to convince people with PPD to attend group therapy because of their intense suspicion of others.

Although there are no approved psychiatric medications for treating personality disorders, some have been shown to help reduce severe PPD symptoms. A few paranoid personality disorder medications include:

• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotics

Combining psychotherapy and talk therapy with medications can effectively treat PPD, helping the individual cope with his or her paranoid thoughts and choosing more appropriate responses to others.

Paranoid personality disorder prognosis depends upon the person with the condition. If an individual is willing to accept and commit to treatment, they can sometimes lead normal lives. Even so, since there is no cure for PPD, treatment must continue for life.

Prognosis and the long-term outlook for those who resist treatment is poor. These individuals may have trouble holding down a job and may not have success forming lasting interpersonal relationships.

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