Answer :
Final answer:
Paranoid personality disorder, classified under Cluster A in DSM-5, is characterized predominantly by pervasive and unjustifiable mistrust and suspicion. Dichotomous thinking (viewing things as 'black and white' with no grey areas) significantly characterizes this disorder. Other behaviours like reluctance to confide in others or defensive demeanour might be present, but they are usually caused by the central mistrust and suspicion.
Explanation:
The term 'paranoid personality disorder' is included in the Cluster A group of personality disorders in the DSM-5 classification. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit pervasive and unjustifiable mistrust and suspicion towards others. The key behaviour in paranoid personality disorder is dichotomous thinking - a simplistic thought pattern that divides things into two categories, often observed as viewing things as either good or bad, with no grey areas.
They may also exhibit suspiciousness or paranoia, and may read hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events. Furthermore, these individuals may demonstrate a reluctance to confide in or get close to others due to their mistrust. They can be sensitive and tend to bear grudges easily.
Though a certain level of dichotomous thinking can be noted in some other disorders, it is a particularly marked feature in paranoid personality disorder. It's also worth noting that while reluctance to answer any questions or deferring questions can be observed, these behaviors aren't defining features of paranoid personality disorder, rather, they could be a consequence of the individual's general mistrust of others.
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