Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, interpreting motives as malevolent. Etiology involves genetic predisposition, early attachment experiences, and personality development factors. Clinically, patients are hypervigilant, bear grudges, and are reluctant to confide in others. Diagnosis is clinical, based on DSM-5 criteria, with long-standing patterns causing interpersonal difficulties. Management primarily involves psychotherapy, particularly supportive and cognitive approaches, with cautious pharmacotherapy for comorbid anxiety or depression.