Querulant

Querulant (also querulous paranoia or litigious paranoia) is a type of paranoid personality disorder in which the affected individual feels persistently wronged.

Definition

The term querulant is derived from the Latin word querulus, which means "complaining". It is used to describe a person who obsessively feels wronged, particularly about minor causes of action. In particular, the person may be convinced that they are the victim of a widespread conspiracy that causes them to be discriminated against or persecuted. This can result in the individual engaging in long and complex legal actions, or other forms of protest, in an attempt to get justice for the perceived wrongs.

History

The concept of querulous paranoia was first described in the 19th century by Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum, with the term itself being coined by Ernst Kretschmer in 1907. It was initially considered a form of paranoia, but was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1952 and is not present in the current version (DSM-5).

Symptoms

The main symptom of querulous paranoia is a feeling of being persecuted, along with an obsession with a perceived wrong or injustice. Other symptoms may include:

• A sense of entitlement
• A belief that one's importance or worth is not being recognized
• Feelings of injustice and a strong desire for revenge
• Persistent complaining
• Unjustified suspicion of others
• Difficulty in social relationships

Treatment

Treatment for querulous paranoia can be challenging, as individuals with this condition often have a strong mistrust of mental health professionals. However, treatment options can include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants.

See also

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Persecutory delusion
• Paranoia
• Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum
• Ernst Kretschmer

References

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