I am seeking in vain for the same type of answer. Where are the experts here??? The delusional/paranoiac will not accept the idea that they need help. If you suggest it, you are part of the plot against them.
Please!!! What do we do? we can't bear to see our loved ones transforming like this and don't know how to intervene.
What can we say? How can we convince them to see a doctor? How do we answer their accusations in an effective way to make them see they are nonesense?

Unfortunately, there is little research done on Paranoid Personality Disorder because it is a fairly rare psychiatric disorder. I read that less that 2% of the American population will ever be diagnosed. My father has paranoid personality disorder, and it is treatment resistant. You are probably already aware of the reasons for treatment resistance. People with personality delusion disorder believe that others are plotting against them; often doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists. In my father's case, it is nearly impossible to get him to listen to someone of "authority" in the area of mental health. The more you attempt to convince him that his beliefs are removed from reality, the more persecuted he feels. As I have read, a key trait of Paranoid Personality Disorder is that the more you attempt to convince a person that they are being delusional, the more they believe their delusions are real. Your attempt to diffuse their delusional beliefs is actually fueling their paranoid emotions. As a result, I acknowledge my father's emotions; his emotional state of of isolation, anger and resentment; without being drawn into the temptation of disproving him of his false beliefs. It is EXTREMELY difficult to be impartial and I often fail. But social connection is shown to be a benefit among those with any mental illness. So, if the person you care about is seeking your advice, guidance or even just your ability to listen, this is a form of social connection. They trust you to some extent, and this connection may enable them to get better. It's a terrible burden, but at the same a fulfilling responsibility.

Unlike the other posts, I am someone who is actually recovering from this type of thing. 20 mg of Zyprexa did the trick, but I made the mistake of reducing the dosage after 6 months when I thought I no longer needed it. My recommendation is if you stabilize on a good medication, MAKE NO CHANGES.

Bob12

Being a bit paranoid myself. I can offer my opinion.
I think trying to convince is not effective. But asking very logical questions To help her come to the conclusion on her own might help. But I wouldn't push her too far.
Like I think u said, u don't want her to think u r part of it.

I am having a similar situation with my husband. He is just now going to the doctor for what he thinks is anxiety over thinking I am cheating on him. He has almost all the symptoms of paranoia, but doesn't see this. He won't talk to me or believe me that I am not cheating on him. His doctor has just put him on a whole bunch of different meds but with no follow up visits. He won't let me talk to the doctor because he thinks I'll try to get him on "my side".

It is total hell and he wants a divorce. I now look back and see all the other paranoia symptoms: thinking people are following him, spreading rumors about him, thinking people are giving him dirty looks. It now all adds up. But what do you do? How do you handle this.? If he divorces me he will literally have no friends, family or any support what so ever. He even wants to quit his job of 30 years. Its' a total mess.

THere are only prayers.

I don`t really know if you can `make someone`start getting treatment or help.
My family has been telling me for over 10 years to see someone but I wouldn`t. When I felt it was time I just knew inside of me that things were beyond me being able to control them (not like I did a very good job by myself anyways) but I just got up one day and went to the mental health hospital in the area and have been recieving treatment since.

Keep in mind that most people dealing with paranoia or anxiety will soon find out they have other issues going on as well, and going to get help could be a huge trigger for them. it was for me, I was so paranoid of being diagnosed as the word `CRAZY` because I didn`t understand enough about mental health. I refused help for years out of fear of being locked up, and fear of losing my own say about things and my basic HUMAN RIGHTS.
so just keep in mind people could be refusing out of paranoia ....it really sucks...and I hope your wife takes the step soon so she can start feeling better =)
hugs

I have paranoid delusional schizophrenia and my delusions start out like Paranoid Delusional Disorder (kind of light delusions), but then they morph and evolve and cross pollinate into extremely complex and terrifying delusions.

Maybe your loved one is just schizophrenic at an early stage.

I read in a NAMI.org article that people respond better to requests to see doctors if you simplify the request to...

Please come with me to see someone for help.
Please come this once just to see how it feels.

Don't ask them to take medicine, leave that to the doctor after they are there.

If they are a threat to themselves or others you may need to contact police and psychiatrist and have them committed for evaluation. I dont know much about that, but it's been done to me even though I was NOT a threat. People will actually lie at times to get their loved ones help. I dont recommend lying unless it's an absolute last resort, but if you do, just say they are a risk to themselves and not others (unless they are), because the docs take it all very seriously and sometimes overreact and commit people longer than they need to be there. But usually psychosis takes a long time to come down from.

Just don't pressure the person, and it's important that they feel safe around you. Some people say never try to argue about stuff not being real. Maybe just ask them lots of questions instead and hope that maybe the questions can help them question their own delusions.

Sorry I wish I could be more helpful. It's not easy, and I dont' know a lot. Contact NAMI.org and choose your location for a local support network. They are really good people.