Personality disorders are mental health conditions in which individuals have long-lasting and disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others individually and/or in group settings. Broadly, there are 10 personality disorders, each having its own unique set of symptoms, clinical manifestations, and characteristics. While personality disorders are wide-ranging, they all can result in distorted reality perceptions; abnormal behaviors; and distress across different stages of life, including in work, relationships, and social functioning.
What are the different types of personality disorders?
- "Cluster A" personality disorders --- usually center around unusual thinking and/or behaviors
- Paranoid personality disorder --- the main feature of this disorder is paranoia, which manifests in having persistent mistrust and suspicion of other individuals, even without a valid reason. People with this disorder tend to believe that others are trying to threaten them and will thus retreat inward as a defense mechanism.
- Schizoid personality disorder --- this disorder is characterized by detachment patterns from others and a disinterest in interpersonal relationships. Individuals will have a small range of emotions when interacting with other people.
- Schizotypal personality disorder --- similar to schizoid personality disorder, individuals with schizotypal personality disorder feel a limited desire and need for close relationships; additionally, individuals will have distorted views of realities, harbor superstitions, and behave unusually.
- "Cluster B" personality disorders --- usually center around dramatic/erratic behavior
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) --- Individuals that have ASPD often have a general lack of respect toward others and don't follow authority figures or socially accepted norms and regulations. They may frequently break the law or cause physical and emotional harm to others. They do not take stock of the potential negative consequences of their actions.
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) --- this disorder is characterized by a difficulty with emotional regulation. Clients may experience low self-esteem, mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulties forming and maintaining relationships.
- Histrionic personality disorder --- clients presenting with symptoms of histrionic PD may experience intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. Their self-esteem may depend on the approval of others, and they may experience a great desire to be noticed by others and obtain external approval.
- Narcissistic personality disorder --- this disorder is characterized by a repeated pattern of perceived superiority and grandiosity, especially in relation to other people; have an excessive need to receive praise and admiration and will lack empathy for others as a result.
- "Cluster C" personality disorders --- usually center around severe anxiety/fear
- Avoidant personality disorder --- individuals with this personality disorder have persistent feelings of inadequacy and are highly sensitive to being negatively judged by other people.
- Dependent personality disorder --- individuals will have a persistent and excessive need to be cared for by someone else; client will usually present with some level of submissiveness toward others (in a caring context); need constant reassurance and have an inability to make personal decisions by themselves; become very close to a person and may spend great effort trying to please that person
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) --- this disorder is characterized by a persistent and excessive need for orderliness and perfectionism and control (lacking room for flexibility); this need for control can begin to interfere with completing tasks and begin to negatively affect relationships.
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to guiding addressing personality disorders to reach your best potential.
*This information was adapted from the Cleveland Clinic. Click here to learn more information.*