Mental Health Wiki
Comprehensive information about mental health disorders, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and resources.
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Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)
Overview
Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent.
Symptoms
- Suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them
- Is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates
- Is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against them
- Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events
- Persistently bears grudges
- Perceives attacks on their character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of PPD is unknown, but it likely involves a combination of biological and psychological factors. Early childhood experiences, including trauma and emotional abuse, may contribute to its development.
Treatment
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment. Building trust is essential but challenging. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may help individuals recognize and change distorted thinking patterns.
Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)
Overview
A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings.
Symptoms
- Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family
- Almost always chooses solitary activities
- Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person
- Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities
- Lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives
- Appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others
- Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity
Causes & Risk Factors
May involve a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Childhood experiences of emotional neglect or having cold, unresponsive parents may contribute.
Treatment
Psychotherapy focused on increasing social skills and connections. Group therapy may be beneficial. Medication may be used if co-occurring conditions like depression are present.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD)
Overview
A pattern of acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentricities of behavior.
Symptoms
- Ideas of reference (excluding delusions of reference)
- Odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior
- Unusual perceptual experiences, including bodily illusions
- Odd thinking and speech
- Suspiciousness or paranoid ideation
- Inappropriate or constricted affect
- Behavior or appearance that is odd, eccentric, or peculiar
- Lack of close friends or confidants
- Excessive social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity
Causes & Risk Factors
STPD appears to have a strong genetic component and may share genetic risk factors with schizophrenia. Brain chemistry and structure differences may also play a role.
Treatment
Combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help address distorted thoughts. Low-dose antipsychotics may help with perceptual distortions.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Overview
A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years.
Symptoms
- Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors
- Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
- Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
- Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
- Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
- Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations
- Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic factors play a significant role. Environmental factors such as childhood trauma, abuse, or inconsistent parenting may contribute. Brain abnormalities in areas responsible for impulse control and emotion regulation have been observed.
Treatment
Treatment is challenging as individuals often lack insight. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches, may help. In some cases, medication may be used to address specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Overview
A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Symptoms
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Causes & Risk Factors
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Genetics, brain chemistry, hormone levels, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, or high stress can contribute.
Treatment
Effective treatments include psychotherapy (such as CBT or interpersonal therapy), medication (antidepressants), or a combination. Lifestyle changes, support groups, and in severe cases, brain stimulation therapies may be recommended.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overview
A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Symptoms
Inattention:
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Is forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:
- Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
- Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
- Is "on the go," acting as if "driven by a motor"
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
Causes & Risk Factors
ADHD is highly heritable. Other factors include brain injury, exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy or at a young age, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed. Behavioral therapies can help develop organizational skills and address problematic behaviors.