Personality Disorders

Personality Disorders are characterized by persistent and pervasive patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that significantly deviate from cultural expectations and cause considerable distress or impairment in daily life. These disorders typically manifest in adolescence or early adulthood and continue over time, affecting various aspects of an individual’s functioning. Personality Disorders are classified into three main clusters: Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric), Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic), and Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful), each with distinct traits and symptoms.

Cluster A Personality Disorders include Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Individuals with these disorders often exhibit behaviors that are perceived as odd or eccentric. For example, Paranoid Personality Disorder is marked by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, whereas Schizoid Personality Disorder involves a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Schizotypal Personality Disorder is characterized by eccentric behaviors and cognitive distortions that can significantly affect social and occupational functioning.

Cluster B Personality Disorders involve dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors and include Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder features intense emotional instability and impulsivity, while Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. Cluster C disorders, such as Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, are marked by anxious and fearful behaviors, including a pervasive fear of criticism, excessive dependence on others, and a preoccupation with orderliness. Effective treatment often includes psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), aimed at addressing maladaptive patterns and improving interpersonal relationships and overall functioning.