.What is a Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder is a mental illness in which there are long-lasting unhealthy behaviors, thought patterns, and inner experiences. Which seem to hold true across many areas of an adolescent’s life. These patterns tend to develop early and are typically unchanging or inflexible, bringing about significant distress in life.
Symptoms of Teen Paranoid Personality Disorder
A teen exhibiting traits of Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) might be suspicious, argumentative, paranoid, and continually on the lookout for deceit. He or she might have a tendency to be jealous, blame others, and be cold and humorless. Teen Paranoid Personality Disorder is marked by a profound, long-term, and unjustified conviction that other people are hostile, dangerous, and out to get them. It often leads to social isolation.
Symptoms of PPD include:
- Suspicious, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her
- Preoccupation with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates
- Reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her
- Interprets hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events
- Persistently holds grudges (i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights)
- Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others. And is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
- Has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner
It is important to note the some teens might experience minor paranoia and some moodiness as a part of adolescence, without interference in their ability to function. However, if these symptoms are around for a lengthy amount of time and if they get in the way of their ability to do well at school or perform well at work, PPD might be an option. Sometimes, however, paranoia can be a symptom of depression. In a depressed, a teen might feel as though they cannot trust anyone. As a result, he or she may begin to withdraw from social activities, friends, and school events. Of course, paranoia might also be the side effect of certain drugs, such as marijuana. These symptoms of paranoia need to be clinically assessed to be sure that PPD is the appropriate diagnosis.
Treatment for Paranoid Personality Disorder
If PPD is in fact the mental illness that a teen exhibits, treatment can be difficult. Because symptoms are typically long lasting and enduring. Furthermore, after reading the list of symptoms above, it might be clear that attempting to develop a level of trust with a PPD will have its obstacles. That adolescent will likely not believe in or confide in a therapist due to consistent suspicions, doubts, and possible perceived attacks by the therapist. For this reason, teen paranoid personality disorder treatment usually consists of ongoing, long-term psychotherapy with a mental health professional that specializes in this disorder. Medication might also be used as a part of the treatment plan in order to manage symptoms. However, the bulk of the treatment and the source of change will be within the therapeutic environment.
The ideal treatment is a combination of therapy along with medication, which can provide some relief of symptoms. If there are any signs that indicate an enduring pattern of paranoia, the next step is to seek the professional assistance of a mental health professional.
