N100 and N200, but not P300, amplitudes predict paranoia/suspiciousness in the general population

•No sex differences in score on the paranoia suspiciousness questionnaire (PSQ).•PSQ inversely correlates with left temporoparietal N100 amplitude.•PSQ inversely correlates with right temporoparietal N200 amplitude in women.•PSQ positively correlates with right temporoparietal N200 amplitude in men.•PSQ is not associated with P300 in the general population.

Persecutory delusions are common in schizophrenia and occur in 10–15% of the general population. Brain networks that regulate emotional awareness and recognition are implicated and might be reflected in event-related potential (ERP) indices of basic attention and discriminatory processes. N100, N200 and P300 were measured during an auditory oddball in 74 participants (37 men), who also completed the paranoia and suspiciousness questionnaire (PSQ). PSQ was inversely correlated with left temporoparietal N100 amplitude. Right temporoparietal N200 amplitude was positively correlated with PSQ in men and negatively correlated in women. In men, the N200 association was strongest for the mistrust–wariness subscale, and absent to anger/impulsiveness. In women, weak negative correlations were present across all subscales, excluding anger/impulsiveness. No association was seen for P300. The findings demonstrate, for the first time, an association between cognitive processes reflected in N100 and N200 mechanisms and paranoia/suspiciousness.