In Paranoid Personality Disorder, pharmacotherapy is primarily used to treat what?

• A. Treat delusions only
• B. Treat agitation and anxiety
• C. Cure the disorder
• D. Manage physical symptoms

Answer: (B)

Pharmacotherapy in Paranoid Personality Disorder is aimed at relieving distressing symptoms rather than correcting the personality pattern itself. The most relevant targets are agitation and anxiety, which often accompany paranoid thoughts and can impair functioning. Medications aren’t expected to “cure” the disorder or to address fixed personality traits; they’re used to make the person more comfortable and able to engage in psychotherapy or daily life. Antianxiety or antidepressant meds can help with anxiety and sleep, while low-dose antipsychotics may be considered briefly if there is severe agitation or paranoia, but these medications don’t change the enduring pattern of thinking that characterizes the disorder. Delusions aren’t treated in isolation, and managing physical symptoms isn’t the primary purpose unless there’s a separate medical issue.