Personality disorders are conditions in which a person has a deeply ingrained, unhealthy pattern of behavior, functioning, and thinking. As a result, the way they perceive and relate to other people and situations is affected, often causing significant problems or limitations in areas such as relationships, work, and education.
In some cases, someone with a personality disorder may view their own actions as completely normal and tend to blame others for the problems they experience.
Personality disorders often begin during adolescence or early adulthood.
Currently, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) groups the 10 recognized types of personality disorders into three clusters.
Types of Personality Disorders and Their Symptoms
Cluster A: people with these disorders are often perceived as odd or eccentric. This includes:
- Paranoid: characterized by suspicion or distrust of others.
- Schizoid: lack of interest in other people.
- Schizotypal: eccentric or unusual behavior or beliefs.
Cluster B: people in this group tend to appear dramatic, emotional, or erratic:
- Antisocial: disregard for others, manipulating or deceiving people for personal gain, along with a lack of social responsibility.
- Borderline: unstable relationships and a persistent feeling of inner emptiness.
- Histrionic: excessive emotionality and a constant need for attention.
- Narcissistic: a constant need for admiration and a sense of self-importance, combined with a lack of empathy.
Cluster C: people in this group tend to experience anxiety or fear:
- Avoidant: avoids interpersonal contact due to high sensitivity to rejection.
- Dependent: a strong need to be cared for, along with submissive behavior.
- Obsessive-compulsive: known as OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder), characterized by rigidity, stubbornness, and perfectionism.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)The World Health Organization (WHO) considers obsessive-compulsive disorder the tenth most disabling illness worldwide, affecting between 1% and 3% of the population to some degree. Of these cases, 8 out of 10 begin during childhood or adolescence.
Diagnosing a Personality DisorderTo diagnose a personality disorder, a doctor may order physical exams and a psychiatric evaluation and apply the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
Once the specific type of disorder, its severity, and the patient’s overall situation have been identified, the doctor may recommend a treatment approach that includes support from psychiatrists, psychologists, medication, a period of hospitalization, or other forms of therapy.
Every patient is unique, as is the way they experience their condition. That’s why personalized treatment is so important for achieving the best possible results.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care, learn more about approaches to treating personality disorders. Contact us!
