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Paranoid personality disorder - Overview

Alternative Names

Personality disorder - paranoid

Definition of Paranoid personality disorder:

Paranoid personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme distrust and suspicion of others.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are chronic patterns of behavior that cause lasting problems with work and relationships. The cause of paranoid personality disorder is unknown, but it appears to be more common in families with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and delusional disorder, which suggests a genetic influence.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/15/2006
  • Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.