Characterizing paranoia in the DSM-III borderline personality disorder

The relationship between paranoia and the borderline personality disorder continues to be the subject of debate. This study compares the extent and intensity of paranoia in 29 subjects fulfilling DSM-III criteria for borderline personality disorder. The control group consists of 22 subjects with dysthymic disorder. Paranoia was both more prevalent and severe in borderline patients. Results are discussed in light of previous descriptive and research literature.