Types of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experiences that deviate from society’s expectations of neurotypical behavior.

These patterns are inflexible, pervasive, and lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Personality disorders typically manifest in adolescence or early adulthood. They can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to their complexity and the overlap of symptoms with other mental health conditions.

Personality disorders: A definition

Personality disorders are patterns of inner experience and behavior that differ from societal norms. These patterns are seen in at least two of the following areas:

• Cognition
• Affectivity or emotional responses
• Interpersonal functioning
• Impulse control

These disorders are categorized by long-term maladaptive behaviors that significantly impact an individual’s life, often leading to distress or problems in personal and professional relationships.

Common types of personality disorders and their symptoms

These disorders are classified into three clusters based on characteristics and symptoms.

Cluster A: Odd or eccentric disorders

Individuals with these disorders are characterized by a significant discomfort in social situations, eccentric behaviors, and a tendency toward isolation.

Let’s explore Cluster A disorders more closely.

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD): Folks with PPD typically have a persistent distrust and suspicion of others. Despite lacking evidence to the contrary, they believe that others are trying to harm or deceive them. Individuals with PPD are often reluctant to confide in others, bear grudges, and perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others.
2. Schizoid Personality Disorder: Individuals with schizoid personality disorder often prefer solitary activities, show little interest in forming close relationships, and appear emotionally cold or indifferent to praise or criticism. They may seem detached and exhibit a limited range of emotional expression.
3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder also have difficulty forming close relationships and may feel anxious in social situations. Symptoms include acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentric behaviors. Some folks may also exhibit magical thinking, odd speech patterns, and peculiar behavior or appearance.

Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders

These disorders are marked by dramatic emotional responses, a tendency toward conflict in relationships, and challenges with maintaining a consistent sense of self.

They include:

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Individuals with ASPD often engage in criminal behavior and show no remorse for their actions. Symptoms include a disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggression, and failure to conform to social norms.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Individuals with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that last a few hours to a few days. They may engage in self-harming behaviors, have a fear of abandonment, and exhibit impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse or binge eating.
3. Histrionic Personality Disorder: Individuals with histrionic personality disorder often feel uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, may use physical appearance to draw attention to themselves, and may exhibit exaggerated emotions or behaviors in social interactions.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of their own importance, believe they are special or unique, and require excessive admiration. They may exploit others for personal gain and have difficulty recognizing the feelings and needs of others. Symptoms include grandiosity (or an unrealistic sense of superiority), a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Cluster C: Anxious or fearful disorders

These disorders are characterized by an overwhelming fear of rejection, a deep reliance on others for decision-making, or a rigid adherence to rules and perfectionism.

1. Avoidant Personality Disorder: Individuals with avoidant personality disorder often avoid social interactions due to fear of rejection or criticism, feel inferior to others, and are reluctant to take risks or try new activities. Symptoms include social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
2. Dependent Personality Disorder: Those with dependent personality disorder may have difficulty making decisions without excessive reassurance, feel uncomfortable when alone, and go to great lengths to obtain support from others. They exhibit an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Unlike Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviors, OCPD is characterized by a chronic preoccupation with rules, order, and control to the point where it interferes with the ability to be flexible, open, and efficient. Individuals with OCPD may be overly focused on work and productivity at the expense of leisure and relationships, and they may be rigid and stubborn.

Diagnosing personality disorders

Diagnosing these disorders is a complex process that requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.

The diagnosis process typically begins with a clinical interview. A mental health professional asks an individual questions to understand their medical history, symptoms, and behaviors. They’ll explore the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms, as well as their impact on the individual’s life.

A clinician may utilize psychological assessment tools, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). These tools help in identifying patterns of behavior and thinking that align with personality disorders.

These may be used to assess personality traits and psychopathology.

Some professionals may also observe the individual’s behavior during the interview and interactions with others. Observation can provide insights into the individual’s interpersonal functioning and emotional regulation.

A review of the individual’s medical and psychiatric history is essential to rule out other conditions that might explain the symptoms. This includes considering any history of trauma, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders.

And in some cases, input from family members or close associates may be sought to provide a more comprehensive view of the individual’s behavior and its impact on relationships.

Treatments

Treating personality disorders can be challenging. It usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from family and social networks. The goal of treatment is to help individuals manage symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance their quality of life.

Let’s explore how each method can help treat certain disorders.

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for personality disorders. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors and replacing them with healthier alternatives. CBT is particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of CBT specifically designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder. It focuses on teaching skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT has been shown to reduce self-harm behaviors and improve emotional stability.
• Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious patterns of thoughts and feelings that influence behavior. It helps individuals gain insight into their past experiences and how these shape their current behavior. This type of therapy can be beneficial for individuals with narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.
• Group therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can learn from others with similar experiences. It fosters social interaction and helps individuals develop healthier interpersonal skills. Group therapy is often used with individual therapy.

Medication

While there is no specific medication to treat personality disorders, certain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. These may include:

• Antidepressants: Used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany personality disorders.
• Mood Stabilizers: Help manage mood swings and impulsive behavior, particularly in borderline personality disorder.
• Antipsychotic Medications: May be prescribed to reduce symptoms of paranoia or severe mood swings.

Support and education

Education about personality disorders is essential for both the individual and their loved ones. Understanding the nature of the disorder can reduce stigma, improve communication, and foster a more supportive environment.

Family therapy may also be recommended to address relationship issues and develop strategies for managing the disorder.

Key takeaways

Understanding different types of personality disorders and their symptoms is crucial for early identification and effective treatment.

With the right combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support, individuals with personality disorders can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Early intervention and ongoing treatment are key to improving outcomes and helping individuals achieve greater stability and well-being.

If you or someone you love struggles with the symptoms discussed in this post, we can help.