The DSM criteria for Paranoid personality disorder are:

• A pervasive mistrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts
  • Suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving him or her
  • Is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends and associates
  • Is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her
  • Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events
  • Persistently bears grudges
  • Perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack
  • Has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner
• Does not occur exclusively during the course of another disorder or medical condition