All individuals are made up of unique character traits and behaviors, which form personality. When individual’s traits become inflexible and maladaptive, the ability to perform adequately in societal roles becomes hindered, which concludes a personality disorder. The DSM discusses personality disorders as pervasive, inflexible, stable, long duration, and clinical significant distress or impairment in functioning (Butcher, Hooley, & Mineka, 2013). I find personality disorders fascinating because of the complexity of each disorder. One of the reasons I selected psychology as my major, was for the intriguing information I discovered about personality disorders. I researched Paranoid Personality Disorder, the treatment involved, …show more content…
The DSM describes Paranoid Personality Disorder as pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others motives. Paranoid Personality Disorder is diagnosed in the beginning of early adulthood and present with four or more of the following criteria. 1) Suspects without sufficient basis, other are exploiting, harming, or deceiving. 2) Individuals are preoccupied with unjustified doubts about others trust and loyalty. 3) Individuals are reluctant to confide in others because they fear the information will be used against them. 4) Individuals read into hidden meanings. 5) Individuals hold grudges constantly. 6) Individuals act with anger when they believe their character is being attacked. 7) Constant suspicion, without justification a spouse or sexual partner is being unfaithful. The DSM makes it clear, Paranoid Personality Disorder cannot occur with any psychotic disorder, disorder with any psychotic features, or due to a medical condition (APA, …show more content…
Individuals who are diagnosed with Paranoid Personality Disorder do not believe they need help and only a few come to treatment willingly. Treatment is difficult for the fact the client does not trust the clinician and believes treatment is inferior. Psychotherapy and drug therapy both are limited in effect (Comer, 2008). I would implement Client-Centered Therapy since it has been studied to be the most effective approach for Paranoid Personality Disorder. Client Centered Therapy emphasizes support for the client and has a large emphasis on building rapport. Clinicians build a trusting foundation with clients and are able to guide them in a therapeutic manner (Psych Central, 2013). I believe working with individuals who suffer with Paranoid Personality Disorder will be difficult to work with, nonetheless need as much support and help they can