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The paranoid lives in a hostile and unpredictable world. He or she distrusts others and suspects them of ulterior motives. He or she is firmly convinced that people are out to exploit, harm, get, or deceive him or her - usually without good or sufficient cause. In most cases, such nagging doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of others extends only to the paranoid's family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Persecutory delusions are not uncommon with the paranoid, as he or she may sense being at the center of conspiracies and collusions.
Persons suffering from PPD (paranoid personality disorder) may experience social isolation, and exhibit eccentric behaviour. They may cower at home, planning a defense against perceived attacks, yet may reject any attempts by others to communicate with them. They may become reclusive, maintaining suspicions that others may use information against them. From others, even the most benign gestures, comments, or events, assume threatening proportions, nefarious meanings or malicious intent. Even benign encounters may be misinterpreted as threats.
Paranoid persons may dwell on the trivial. They may be hypersensitive, bear grudges and be unforgiving. Remarks by others may be immediately interpreted as an insult, injury, attack, or slight directed at their personality or reputation, and may provoke aggressive responses. They may eventually be shunned because of their eccentric behaviour; moreover, this may include close family members, as well as friends.
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