What is a characteristic feature of paranoid personality disorder?

A characteristic feature of paranoid personality disorder is a persistent feeling of mistrust and suspicion towards others. Individuals with this disorder typically believe that others have malicious intentions, leading them to misinterpret benign actions as threatening or hostile. This pervasive sense of mistrust is foundational to the disorder, affecting the person's ability to form close relationships and often resulting in a defensive or confrontational attitude.

While social isolation and withdrawal, heightened sensitivity to criticism, and an excessive need for admiration can occur in other personality disorders, they do not define paranoid personality disorder. Hence, the core aspect of mistrust and suspicion distinctly characterizes this condition.