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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