- Last edited on April 30, 2020
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Personality Disorders
Welcome to the Personality Disorders section. Below is a summary table briefly describing each type of personality disorder. Each personality disorder has its own main page that explains each in much more detail, including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and more.
Summary of Personality Disorders
| Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric) | Pervasive distrust or suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent. It is characterized by a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness of others. | Lack of interest in social relationships (and happy about it), a tendency towards a solitary or sheltered lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and apathy. Usually begins by early adulthood. | The central features of this disorder are pervasive patterns of “strange” or “odd” behavior, appearance, or “magical” thinking. There is no history of psychosis or schizophrenia. | |
| Cluster B (Dramatic, emotional, erratic) | There is a pattern of disregard for the rights of others and engagement in unlawful activities. They may have a superficial charm and be very deceptive. | Essential features are instability of self-image, interpersonal relationships, and mood. There maybe uncertainty about sexual orientation, goals, types of friends, and self-image. | Flamboyant, attention-seeking, and display excessive emotions (may be shallow or shift rapidly). Typically, are attractive, seductive, also concerned with appearance. | Grand sense of own importance and very sensitive to criticism. Rarely able to empathize with others. Characterized by arrogance, need for admiration, and tendency to exploit others. |
| Cluster C (Anxious, fearful) | Timid and shy, they do wish to have friends, unlike schizoid patients. Because they are so uncomfortable and afraid of rejection or criticism, they avoid social contact. | These patients fear separation and tend to be indecisive and unable to take the initiative. They have difficulty expressing disagreement because they fear abandonment. | Affected individuals are perfectionistic, inflexible, and unable to express warm, tender feelings. They are preoccupied with trivial details and rules and do not appreciate changes in routine. |