What are the common signs of a paranoid personality disorder?

The signs of paranoid personality disorder are characterized by a pervasive and enduring pattern of distrust and suspicion toward others. Individuals with this disorder typically interpret others' motives as malicious, even without evidence to support such views. This ongoing distrust affects their relationships and perceptions, leading to a tendency to perceive criticism or hostility in benign situations.

The other choices highlight characteristics that are not typical of someone with paranoid personality disorder. For example, open-mindedness and sociability (the first option) are qualities that suggest a willingness to accept differing viewpoints and engage positively with others, which contrasts sharply with the closed-off and mistrustful nature seen in this disorder. Trust in others and fragile emotions (the second option) similarly imply a degree of vulnerability and acceptance that does not fit with the defensiveness and wariness of paranoid personality disorder. Lastly, overbearing optimism and high self-esteem (the fourth option) would be more suggestive of a positive outlook or personality type rather than the negative and suspicious viewpoint characteristic of paranoid personality disorder. Therefore, the chosen answer reflects the essential traits associated with this condition.