Which symptom is most characteristic of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

• A. Pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness
• B. Detachment from social relationships
• C. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking
• D. Grandiosity and need for admiration

Answer: (A)

Paranoid Personality Disorder centers on a pervasive pattern of distrust and suspiciousness toward others, with motives interpreted as malevolent. This lasting tendency shows up across many situations and leads to guardedness, constant vigilance for signs of betrayal, and a readiness to interpret others’ actions as harmful. That signature distrust makes the symptom described—the pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness—the best representation of the disorder.

The other options reflect different personality patterns: detachment from social relationships aligns more with schizoid features, excessive emotionality and attention seeking with histrionic traits, and grandiosity with narcissistic traits.