The paranoid personality disorder is classified with Cluster A in the DSM classification of personality disorders.
Risk factors may include childhood trauma and stress.
Clinical features:
(1) pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others
(2) belief that others have a malevolent intent
(3) guardedness
(4) anger over perceived threats
(5) behavior that may be perceived as hostile, stubborn, defensive and uncompromising
(6) excessive jealousy
The diagnosis should be considered when the features are persistent. It is important to exclude a transient state due to stress, illness or medications.
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