Which personality disorder is defined by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others’ motives without sufficient basis?

Which personality disorder is defined by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others’ motives without sufficient basis?

• A. Paranoid Personality Disorder
• B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
• C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
• D. Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer: (A)

A pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others' motives without sufficient basis is the hallmark here. People with paranoid personality disorder consistently interpret others’ actions as hostile or deceitful, believe that others intend to harm or exploit them, and often read ordinary remarks as personal attacks. They may guard information, doubt the loyalty of friends or colleagues, and hold grudges for a long time, with these beliefs appearing across many situations and beginning by early adulthood. This contrasts with schizoid personality disorder, where the primary issue is social detachment and limited emotional expression rather than distrust; schizotypal personality disorder involves odd beliefs or eccentric behavior with social anxiety and unusual perceptual experiences; and antisocial personality disorder centers on a disregard for others’ rights and a lack of remorse, not a pervasive fear of others’ motives. The unfounded, pervasive mistrust that shapes interactions makes paranoid personality disorder the best fit.

A pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others' motives without sufficient basis is the hallmark here. People with paranoid personality disorder consistently interpret others’ actions as hostile or deceitful, believe that others intend to harm or exploit them, and often read ordinary remarks as personal attacks. They may guard information, doubt the loyalty of friends or colleagues, and hold grudges for a long time, with these beliefs appearing across many situations and beginning by early adulthood. This contrasts with schizoid personality disorder, where the primary issue is social detachment and limited emotional expression rather than distrust; schizotypal personality disorder involves odd beliefs or eccentric behavior with social anxiety and unusual perceptual experiences; and antisocial personality disorder centers on a disregard for others’ rights and a lack of remorse, not a pervasive fear of others’ motives. The unfounded, pervasive mistrust that shapes interactions makes paranoid personality disorder the best fit.