A simplex model of the paranoid process: implications for diagnosis and prognosis

The theory that the paranoid process is gradual and insidious was tested quantitatively by means of LISREL, a computer program designed to trace causal pathways between latent variables. The results clearly confirmed Lorr's simplex model which depicts a progressive sequence of six stages, beginning with hostile attitude and ending with delusions of influence. The model suggests that it is artificial to distinguish paranoid personality, paranoia and paranoid schizophrenia as separate diagnostic entities. Instead, paranoid schizophrenia should be regarded as a more severe form of paranoia which in turn is a more severe form of paranoid personality. The implications of this model for prognosis are also discussed.