Paranoid personality disorder, or PPD, is a psychiatric condition in which a person is very suspicious and distrustful of others and up to 4.4-percent of Americans are currently living with it. For a person with Paranoid Personality Disorder, almost everyone is a source of suspicion and mistrust, though sufferers are usually unable to acknowledge their own negative feelings towards other people. Although these feelings of mistrust and suspicion are nearly constant in a PPD sufferer's life, these misgivings tend to be unfounded. Still, people with PPD are always on their guard, believing that they are about to be deceived, demeaned or harmed. As such, individuals suffering from the disorder are often reluctant to confide in others, for fear that information will be used against them later. There is concern that other people have hidden motives, and coupled with the PPD sufferer's expectation that they will be exploited by others, there is a general inability for them to work together with others. They also tend to read hidden, malicious meanings in casual remarks or glances. Similarly, people with Paranoid Personality Disorder frequently perceive attacks on their characters or reputations that are not evident to others. It is also not uncommon for individuals with PPD to be hostile and argumentative and to have a hard time relaxing. Because of these symptoms, people with Paranoid Personality Disorder are often socially isolated, detached and have poor self-images. They are prone to holding grudges about both real and perceived insults and injuries. Similarly, these individuals are more likely to become suspicious and jealous of spouses or lovers. Often, PPD sufferers become entangled in legal battles in which they sue others for imagined wrongdoing. No one knows what causes these symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder. But, it has been noted that people with PPD are more likely to have family members with schizophrenia, suggesting a genetic link between the two. Unfortunately, PPD is difficult to treat, because people with the disorder do not see themselves as having problems. In addition, the mistrust with which PPD sufferers regard others makes it difficult for medical professionals to offer assistance. When treatment for Paranoid Personality Disorder is sought, psychotherapy is the preferred method. Psychotherapy for PPD focuses on improving social interactions and teaching a sufferer better coping mechanisms. Because therapy can indeed limit the impact of paranoia, it's important for affected individuals to seek help for Paranoid Personality Disorder.