Paranoid Personality Disorder

The guidelines set forth in the DSM IV for a diagnosis of a Paranoid Personality Disorder 301.0 are as follows: 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 4 or more of the following: 1) suspects, without sufficient basis that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her; 2) is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the 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 or her; 4) reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events; 5) persistently bears grudges, i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights; 6) perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack; 7) has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse.