Wize University Psychology Textbook > Psychological Disorders
Personality Disorders
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Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a group of disorders that are generally characterized by behaviours that go against social norms.
They are often inflexible, stable over time, disrupt daily functioning, strain relationships, and relatively more difficult to treat than other disorders
The DSM-5 categorizes personality disorders (PDs) into 3 clusters:
Cluster A ("eccentric, odd"):
1. Paranoid PD - distrustful and suspicious of others, constantly "on guard"
2. Schizoid PD - social withdrawal, lack of interest in others, apathy
3. Schizotypal PD - eccentric behaviour or thoughts, magical thinking, and distorted perceptions
Cluster B ("emotional, dramatic, erratic"):
1. Antisocial PD - no consideration for social norms or the rights of others, manipulative, impulsive
2. Borderline PD (BPD) - unstable self-image, frequent intense mood swings, difficulty maintaining relationships
3. Narcissistic PD - inflated sense of self, grandiosity, need for flattery, low self-esteem
4. Histrionic PD - attention-seeking behaviour, excessively emotional and dramatic, often sexually inappropriate
Cluster C ("worried, anxious, fearful"):
1. Avoidant PD - strong fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy
2. Dependant PD - fear of being alone, need to be cared for by others
3. Obsessive-compulsive PD - strong preoccupation with order, control, and perfectionism
Watch Out!
Schizoid and Schizotypal personality disorders are not the same as schizophrenia!
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder!
Challenges with treating personality disorders:
- As many symptoms are closely linked to the individual's personality, PDs are often inflexible (difficult to change) and persistent (long-lasting)
- Individuals with PDs often lack insight into their own symptoms or disorder, reducing the likelihood of them seeking treatment
- The symptoms of many PDs (impulsivity, social withdrawal, unstable mood) may make it more difficult to comply with treatment
- Some medications may help manage some of the symptoms of PDs, but they cannot cure the disorder