Evolutionary perspectives on paranoid disorder

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1995 Jun;18(2):263-79.

Abstract

Certain subtypes of DD may represent abnormal forms of previously well-characterized, content-specific behaviors that represent evolved adaptations to challenges of social interaction and mating. Such rare delusional states may be manifestations of an adaptive hypersensitivity to important environmental threats or opportunities, or may be a byproduct of behavioral misfiring triggered by unfamiliar environmental cues or perceptions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Delusions / diagnosis
  • Delusions / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Paranoid Disorders / diagnosis
  • Paranoid Disorders / psychology*
  • Reality Testing
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Environment