Symptoms and Diagnosis of Paranoid PD

Paranoid PD is considered a Cluster A personality disorder along with Schizoid and Schizotypal, and characterized by odd or eccentric behavior. A diagnosis of PPD should be considered when these paranoid behaviors become persistent and disabling.

Symptoms of Paranoid PD

According to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a patient must fit at least four of the following criteria in order to be diagnosed with PPD:

* unfounded suspicion that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her * preoccupation with unjustified doubts about the loyalty of friends or associates
* reluctance to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used against him or her
* finds hidden demeaning or threatening meanings in benign remarks or events
* persistently bears grudges and is unforgiving
* frequently perceives attacks on his or her character and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
* unjustified suspicions regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner

Information on Personality Disorders

There are numerous on-line and in print resources with additional information on personality disorders, including: Psychology Prof Online, and the article Types of Personality Disorders: Borderline, Narcissistic, Obsessive-Compulsive & Associated Clusters.

This article is a brief summary of the personality disorder PPD. The contents of this article are not meant to be used for diagnosis and are not a substitute for professional help and counseling.

Additional PPD Sources

American Psychiatric Association APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).