A Quick Look at Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are chronic, maladaptive cognitive-behavioral patterns that are integrated into the individual's personality. Manifestations are usually recognizable by adolescence or even at an earlier age. Since personality is relatively stable, while these disorders are not as intense as other mental health problems, they are difficult to treat. Personality disorders are classified into three clusters:

• odd/eccentric cluster

• dramatic/emotional or erratic cluster

• chronic-fearfulness/avoidant cluster 

A. Odd/Eccentric Cluster 

1. Paranoid. They lack trust, are suspicious, sees themselves as morally correct, but thinks that they are vulnerable and envied by people.

2. Schizoid. They have no adequate social relationships, are shy and have withdrawn behavior. They are what you typically notice as someone "cold," and have difficulty expressing their anger or emotions.

3.  Schizotypal. They have odd thinking patterns or eccentric beliefs, overt suspicion and hostility. They are not as bizarre as those suffering from schizophrenia.

B. Dramatic/Emotional or Erratic Cluster

4.  Histrionic. They try to seek so much attention and tend to overreact to any situation. They are "dramatic" and shows noticeable and intense reaction that what is really required by the situation. This disorder is more common in women than men.

5.  Narcissistic. They have unrealistic sense of self-importance, cannot take criticisms, tend to manipulate people, lack empathy and often, these are the cause of problematic relationships.

source: http://positivemed.com/2013/08/20/narcissistic-personality-disorder/

  

6.  Borderline.  They are emotionally unstable, impulsive, unpredictable, irritable, anxious, easily bored, and have unstable sense of self or identity. Symptoms are the same as schizotypal personality disorder, but those with borderline personality are not consistently withdrawn or bizarre.

7.  Antisocial. These people are guiltless, law breakers, exploitative, self-indulgent, irresponsible and intrusive. They resort to crime and violence. This disorder is more common in men.

C. Chronic Fearfulness/Avoidant Cluster

8.  Avoidant. They are shy and inhibited yet desire interpersonal relationships, unlike the schizoid and schizotypal. They have low self-esteem and very sensitive to rejection. It is almost close to being an anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder/social phobia), but they do not experience much personal distress.

9.  Dependent. Those with dependent personality lack self-confidence and are unable to express their own personalities or individuality. They express a pervasive need to cling to stronger personailities who make decisions for them. This disorder is more common in women than men.

10.  Obsessive-Compulsive. This personality disorder should not be confused with the anxiety disorder with the same name. Those with this kind of personality do not have the same kind of obsessive thoughts and rituals that cause intense anxiety. People with this personality rather show obsessive perfectionism, rigidity, and even follow very strict moral code. They are obsessed with rules, can be emotionally insensitive and typically live a lifestyle of high productivity and efficiency. They only want and have the "right" answers, and there is no such thing as a "gray area" for them.