What personality disorder is characterized by distrust and suspiciousness of others?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the material and boost your confidence!

The personality disorder characterized by distrust and suspiciousness of others is Paranoid Personality Disorder. Individuals with this disorder are often preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends and associates. They may interpret benign remarks or events as threatening and believe others have malicious intentions. This pervasive distrust can lead individuals to isolate themselves socially, as they often feel misunderstood or unappreciated by others.

In contrast, Borderline Personality Disorder involves emotional instability and impulsivity, but it does not primarily feature the pervasive distrust characteristic of Paranoid Personality Disorder. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others, while Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. Neither of these disorders aligns with the hallmark trait of distrust and suspicion directed toward others. Thus, Paranoid Personality Disorder is the correct identification corresponding to the described characteristics.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy