paranoid personality disorder

Clinical manifestations

• features must be present since young adulthood to meet criteria for personality disorder
• pervasive suspicions of other's motives
• irritablity & hostility
• elderly: episodes of paranoid psychosis, agitation & hostility

Management

• assess for & treat comorbid psychosis
• do not force social interactions
• offer support & problem-solving assistance
• do not challenge paranoid ideation
• solicit & empathize with emotions, turmoil, fear

More general terms

• cluster A personality disorder

Additional terms

• paranoia