- 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. Click on a personality disorder below for more detail.
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. |