Which condition is characterized by false beliefs and suspicion?

The condition characterized by false beliefs and suspicion is paranoia. This phenomenon often manifests as an irrational distrust of others, leading individuals to interpret benign actions as threatening or malevolent. Paranoia can involve a range of delusions, including the belief that one is being persecuted or conspired against, which creates a heightened sense of anxiety and vigilance.

In contrast, conditions like depression primarily involve persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Anxiety is centered on excessive worry and fear about future events and situations, while obsessive-compulsive disorder involves the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). These conditions do not encapsulate the specific combination of false beliefs and suspicion inherent to paranoia. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why paranoia is the correct identification in this context.