Symptoms

Persistent and inflexible behavior patterns

Begin in adolescence or early adulthood

Cause distress or impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning

Are not due to another mental disorder, substance use, or medical condition

Types of Personality Disorders (Grouped into 3 Clusters)

Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Behavior

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder – Distrust and suspicion of others

2. Schizoid Personality Disorder – Detachment from social relationships, limited emotional expression

3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Discomfort in social settings, eccentric behavior, and thoughts

Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder – Disregard for others’ rights, often criminal behavior

2. Borderline Personality Disorder – Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions

3. Histrionic Personality Disorder – Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking

4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy

Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behavior

1. Avoidant Personality Disorder – Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy

2. Dependent Personality Disorder – Excessive need to be taken care of, submissiveness

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) – Preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism

Causes:

Genetics

Childhood trauma or abuse

Family dynamics

Brain structure and function

Treatment:

Psychotherapy (main method, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Medications (in some cases, to manage symptoms)

Supportive therapies – group therapy, social skills training