Personality disorders, what are they:
A personality disorders are types of mental disorder in which an individual has a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. People with personality disorders have trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people, which can cause significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work, and school.
Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on similar characteristics and symptoms:
Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric Disorders):
- Paranoid Personality Disorder: Distrust and suspicion of others.
- Schizoid Personality Disorder: Detachment from social relationships and limited emotional expression.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentric behavior.
Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders):
- Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, impulsivity.
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as marked impulsivity.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder: Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful Disorders):
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Dependent Personality Disorder: Excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
Diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional through clinical assessment and observation, often using standardized questionnaires and interviews. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, and in some cases, medication may be prescribed to address specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 