Paranoid Personality Disorder (from abnormal psychology notes prior to DSM changes)

A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts as indicated by four or more: 1. suspects without sufficient basis that others are wanting to harm or deceive him. 2. is preoccupied with unjustifiable doubts about loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates. 3. is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him/her. 4. reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings to benign remarks or events. 5. persistently bears grudges, is unforgiving of insults injuries or slights. 6. perceives attacks on his/her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counter attack. 7. has recurrent suspicions without justification, regarding infidelity of spouse or sexual partner. An example of this is about one brother who stabbed his brother and then left town. He was caught and received a 12 year sentence. He reported that his mother always compared the two. The bias one way or another is in interpretation. The mother had brought home made cookies for both men. She told the one son that he was not dressed nicely. She added, “what can you expect you’re not like your brother." After awhile he wanted to kill his brother. Next Borderline Personality