What is a defining feature of paranoid personality disorder?

A defining feature of paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of distrust and suspiciousness towards others. Individuals with this disorder typically believe that others have malicious intentions, leading them to interpret benign actions as deceptive or threatening. This deep-seated mistrust can result in significant interpersonal difficulties and often leads to a defensive or hostile stance in social interactions.

While traits like lack of emotional expression or excessive need for attention might be associated with other personality disorders, they do not capture the essence of paranoid personality disorder. Similarly, extreme sociability contrasts sharply with the core symptoms of paranoia, which emphasize isolation and suspicion rather than openness and trust in social relationships.