Focus on their feelings Focus on the level of distress they are feeling and offer comfort. It's possible to recognise their alarm and acknowledge their feelings without agreeing with the reason they feel that way. [It helps to] deal with the agitation by focusing on the feelings...
Don't dismiss or argue about their irrational beliefs.
Instead, respect their beliefs while focusing on the fears that underpin them. Talking openly about how they're feeling without validating their paranoid thoughts can assist them in feeling less stressed and anxious.
Most of the time, you simply don't know when your thoughts have become paranoid. Friends, loved ones, or medical professionals often have to point it out and try to help you get treatment.
Let the person know that you recognise the feelings that can be evoked by the delusions. For example, you could say: 'It must feel very frightening to think that there is a conspiracy against you. ' Respond to the underlying feelings and encourage discussion of these rather than the content of the delusion.
Avoid Challenging Delusions
Simply telling your loved one that they are wrong is not helpful. Delusions feel very real to the person experiencing them, and by simply dismissing them or challenging them you can make him or her retreat and withdraw.
Risk Factors for Paranoid Personality Disorder
Extreme stress, especially during childhood. Physical abuse. Emotional and physical neglect from caregivers. Chronic angry and aggressive behavior from caregivers.
Life experiences. You are more likely to experience paranoid thoughts when you are in vulnerable, isolated or stressful situations that could lead to you feeling negative about yourself. If you are bullied at work, or your home is burgled, this could give you suspicious thoughts which could develop into paranoia.
Paranoia is thinking and feeling like you are being threatened in some way, even if there is no evidence, or very little evidence, that you are. Paranoid thoughts can also be described as delusions. There are lots of different kinds of threat you might be scared and worried about.
If someone you know is having delusions, remember that they will seem very real to that person. It is best not to argue with them, try to persuade them with evidence, or to laugh at them.
Left untreated, PPD can interfere with a person's ability to form and maintain relationships, as well as their ability to function socially and in work situations. People with PPD are more likely to stop working earlier in their lives than people without personality disorders.
Personality disorders that are susceptible to worsening with age include paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, obsessive compulsive, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent, Dr. Rosowsky said at a conference sponsored by the American Society on Aging.
Some evidence suggests that paranoid personality disorder runs in families. Emotional and/or physical abuse and victimization during childhood may contribute to the development of this disorder. Other disorders are often also present.
They may feel the need to control others around them. It can prevent you from maintaining other healthy relationships with family and friends as they are excessively attached and resistant to you engaging in activities without them.
Of the typical antipsychotics Pimozide (Orax) has been found to be useful for paranoid delusions whereas of the atypicals, Risperidone and Clozapine have had good results.
Paranoid personality disorder (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.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPDs) become overwhelmed and incapacitated by the intensity of their emotions, whether it is joy and elation or depression, anxiety, and rage. They are unable to manage these intense emotions.
As much as you might love or care for the individual, if they are emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive, it is okay to step away from the situation. Some examples of emotional, mental, and physical abuse include: Emotional & Mental Abuse: Being dissatisfied, no matter how hard you try or how much you give.
Do not reason, argue, or challenge the delusion. Attempting to disprove the delusion is not helpful and will create mistrust. Assure the person that they are safe and no harm will come. Do not leave the person alone – use openness and honesty at all times.
People with delusional disorder often don't seek treatment for the condition on their own because most people with delusional disorder don't realize their delusions are problematic or incorrect. It's more likely they'll seek help due to other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.