Personality Disorder Types: Symptoms And Characteristics

What Are Personality Disorders?

A personality disorder is defined by pervasive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural norms. These patterns are stable over time and can impact a person’s ability to interact with others in a healthy and constructive way. Often, individuals with personality disorders may not recognize that their behavior is problematic, which makes diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

The types of personality disorders are classified into three groups, or clusters, based on their characteristics: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. Each cluster shares certain features that help differentiate one disorder from another.

Clusters of Personality Disorders

• Cluster A: Eccentric or Odd Behaviors

The disorders in Cluster A are characterized by unusual or eccentric behaviors. Individuals with these disorders may seem odd or suspicious to others, often withdrawing from social interactions and displaying behaviors that are perceived as odd or disconnected from reality.

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD): People with paranoid personality disorder tend to mistrust others, believing that others have harmful intentions toward them. They may have difficulty trusting even close friends or family members, feeling easily betrayed or slighted, even without evidence. This can lead to strained relationships and social isolation.
2. Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD): Individuals with schizoid personality disorder prefer solitude and often show little interest in forming close relationships. They may be emotionally detached and appear indifferent to social interactions, often leading a solitary life. While not necessarily unhappy, they typically lack the desire to be around others and find little enjoyment in social activities.
3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD): Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and a significant discomfort in social situations. Individuals with STPD may exhibit magical thinking, such as believing they can influence events through their thoughts. They also tend to have strange or unusual speech patterns and difficulty forming close relationships.

• Cluster B: Dramatic or Erratic Behaviors

Cluster B disorders are defined by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior. People with these disorders often experience intense emotions and have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading to unstable relationships and self-destructive behaviors.

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Individuals with ASPD show a disregard for the rights and feelings of others. They may engage in manipulative or deceptive behavior, lack remorse for harming others, and often break laws or social norms without concern for the consequences. Relationships and social functioning are often impaired, and people with ASPD may struggle with responsibility and commitment.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Borderline personality disorder is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and challenges in sustaining relationships. Individuals with BPD often experience a fear of abandonment, leading to frantic efforts to avoid being left alone. Their self-image may fluctuate, and they may struggle with lack of fulfillment, anger, and self-harm behaviors.
3. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD): People with histrionic personality disorder seek constant attention and validation from others. They may engage in dramatic, exaggerated behaviors to draw attention to themselves, often acting inappropriately to gain admiration. Their self-esteem is highly dependent on the approval of others, leading to an intense need to be the center of attention in social settings.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-worth, an intense desire for praise and recognition, and a limited capacity to empathize with others. Individuals with NPD often believe they are superior to others and expect special treatment. They may exploit relationships for personal gain and show little regard for others' feelings or needs.

• Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behaviors

Cluster C includes personality disorders marked by anxiety and fear, leading individuals to withdraw or avoid situations that may cause distress. These disorders involve excessive fear of rejection or the inability to function independently.

1. Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD): Individuals with avoidant personality disorder experience intense fear of being judged or rejected, leading them to withdraw from social interactions and relationships. They may struggle with low self-esteem and often feel inadequate or inferior to others, making it difficult to form lasting connections.
2. Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be cared for by others. People with DPD may have difficulty making decisions on their own and often feel helpless when faced with personal challenges. They may go to great lengths to gain others' approval, leading to overly submissive behaviors in relationships.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): OCPD involves a preoccupation with perfectionism, orderliness, and control. Individuals with this disorder may have very high standards for themselves and others, often becoming frustrated when things don't go according to their rigid rules. They may find it difficult to be flexible and often struggle with delegation, as they believe that only they can perform tasks to their satisfaction.

Diagnosing Personality Disorders

Diagnosing a personality disorder requires a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, typically a psychiatrist or psychologist. The process involves assessing the individual's behavior patterns, emotional responses, and interpersonal relationships. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides the criteria for diagnosing personality disorders. Symptoms need to be pervasive, enduring, and not attributed to other medical or psychiatric conditions.

It’s important to note that people with personality disorders often do not recognize that their behavior is problematic, making diagnosis more challenging. The symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in functioning, particularly in the individual's ability to work, maintain relationships, and manage day-to-day tasks.

Treatment of Personality Disorders

While personality disorders can be difficult to treat, there are various therapeutic approaches that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for personality disorders, with different types of therapy tailored to the specific disorder. For example:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used for personality disorders involving negative thinking patterns, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) or Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD).
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), particularly effective for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve interpersonal relationships.
3. Schema Therapy is used to address deep-seated patterns of thinking and behavior and is particularly helpful for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD).

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression that often accompany personality disorders. However, medications do not treat the disorder itself but can help manage secondary symptoms.

Professional Help Is Available

With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with a personality disorder, reaching out for help is an important first step. At The Howard Center for Wellness, we offer specialized therapy and support services to help individuals with personality disorders navigate their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. With us, you’ll experience a modern, forward-thinking approach to therapy. Our team of diverse clinicians works with individuals across a wide range of ages and diagnoses, using both in-person and virtual appointments to meet your needs. Make an appointment today to get started!