Paranoid Personality Disorder

The main feature of Paranoid Personality Disorder is consistent feelings and/or thoughts of distrust/suspiciousness of others. This disorder typically begins in early adulthood.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), paranoid personality symptoms are as follows…

Four or more of these symptoms need to be present...

• Illogical reasons to believe that others are "exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her."
• Extreme amount of time and energy is invested into doubting loved ones' honesty/loyalty/trust.
• Reluctance in sharing information with others out of fear that the information will be used against him/her somehow.
• Preoccupied with finding reasons to distrust someone.
• Typically holds grudges against others.
• Believes that others are purposely attacking his/her personal character when others are not intending to do so.
• Constantly believes/suspects that his/her significant other is cheating even when there is no indication that this behavior is occurring.

If you feel that you may have a paranoid personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems in your relationships or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, confident manner.

Resource:

American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.

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