Which trait is associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Which trait is associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

• A. Excessive need for admiration
• B. Frequent feelings of emptiness
• C. Suspicion that others are exploitative or deceptive
• D. Lack of desire for close relationships

Answer: (C)

Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterized primarily by a pervasive and unjustified suspicion of others' motives. Individuals with this disorder often believe that others are trying to harm them or are being deceitful, even in the absence of significant evidence. This pervasive mistrust significantly impacts their relationships and can lead to social isolation, as they may distance themselves from others whom they suspect may betray them. In contrast, the other traits listed reflect different personality disorders. For example, the excessive need for admiration is more closely associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, while frequent feelings of emptiness are often associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. A lack of desire for close relationships can be indicative of Avoidant Personality Disorder or Schizoid Personality Disorder, but it does not capture the essence of paranoia found in Paranoid Personality Disorder. Therefore, suspicion that others are exploitative or deceptive is the defining trait of Paranoid Personality Disorder.

Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterized primarily by a pervasive and unjustified suspicion of others' motives. Individuals with this disorder often believe that others are trying to harm them or are being deceitful, even in the absence of significant evidence. This pervasive mistrust significantly impacts their relationships and can lead to social isolation, as they may distance themselves from others whom they suspect may betray them.

In contrast, the other traits listed reflect different personality disorders. For example, the excessive need for admiration is more closely associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, while frequent feelings of emptiness are often associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. A lack of desire for close relationships can be indicative of Avoidant Personality Disorder or Schizoid Personality Disorder, but it does not capture the essence of paranoia found in Paranoid Personality Disorder. Therefore, suspicion that others are exploitative or deceptive is the defining trait of Paranoid Personality Disorder.