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Personality Disorder

A major deviation from normal patterns of behavior.

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What are factitious disorders?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Mental illness describes abnormal cognitive or emotional patterns related to how a person thinks, feels, acts, and/or relates to others and his or her surroundings. Factitious disorders are mental disorders in which a person acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when, in fact, he or she has consciously created his or her symptoms. (The name factitious comes from the Latin word for ...
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What is paranoid personality disorder (PPD)?
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by Cleveland Clinic
People with PPD also suffer from paranoia, an unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to be suspicious. Learn more about paranoid personality disorder (PPD).
What are the symptoms of PPD?
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by Cleveland Clinic
People with PPD are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. These generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, might interfere with their ability to form close relationships. People with this disorder: Doubt the commitment, loyalty, or trustworthiness of others, believing others are using or deceiving them A...
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What causes PPD?
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by Cleveland Clinic
The exact cause of PPD is not known, but it likely involves a combination of biological and psychological factors. The fact that PPD is more common in people who have close relatives with schizophrenia suggests a genetic link between the two disorders. Early childhood experiences - including physical or emotional trauma - are also suspected to play a role in the development of PPD. Learn more abo...
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How is PPD diagnosed?
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by Cleveland Clinic
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose personality disorders, the doctor might use various diagnostic tests to rule out physical illness as the cause of the symptoms. If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she might refer...
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How is PPD treated?
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by Cleveland Clinic
People with PPD often do not seek treatment on their own because they do not see themselves as having a problem. The distrust of others felt by people with PPD also poses a challenge for health care professionals because trust is an important factor of psychotherapy (a form of counseling). As a result, many people with PPD do not follow their treatment plan. When treatment is sought, psychothera...
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What are the complications of PPD?
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by Cleveland Clinic
The thinking and behaviors associated with PPD can interfere with a person's ability to maintain relationships, as well as their ability to function socially and in work situations. In many cases, people with PPD become involved in legal battles, suing people or companies they believe are "out to get them." Learn more about the complications of PPD.
What is the outlook for people with PPD?
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by Cleveland Clinic
The outlook for people with PPD varies. It is a chronic disorder, which means it tends to last throughout a person's life. Although some people can function fairly well with PPD and are able to marry and hold jobs, others are complete disabled by the disorder. Because people with PPD tend to resist treatment, the outcome often is poor. Learn more about the outlook for people with PPD.
Can PPD be prevented?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Although prevention of the disorder might not be possible, treatment can sometimes allow a person who is prone to this disorder to learn more productive ways of dealing with situations. Learn more about the prevention of PPD.
What is a personality disorder?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Personality is vital to defining who we are as individuals. It involves a unique blend of traits - including attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, and moods - as well as how we express these traits in our contacts with other people and the world around us. Some characteristics of an individual's personality are inherited, and some are shaped by life events and experiences. A personality disorder can de...
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