Personality Disorder Overview
The combined and consistent patterns of emotion, thought and behavior that make an individual unique comprise personality. These characteristics are a product of your heredity and early life experience, and are generally fixed by the time you reach adulthood. All aspects of personality exist in a range or spectrum, such as: introvert to extrovert, selfless to narcissistic. But in some instances individuals can possess personality traits that represent unhealthy extremes; extremes so disabling that they are considered psychological disorders of personality.
General PD Articles Include:
What Is a Personality Disorder?
Those with personality disorders have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways. Depending on the specific disorder, these personalities are generally described in negative terms such as hostile, detached, needy, antisocial or obsessive. People with personality disorders typically experience discord and instability in many aspects of their lives, and most are prone to blame others for their problems.
Types of Personality Disorders
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR), the reference used to clinically define mental illnesses, there are ten different personality disorders categorized into three main groupings or clusters; Cluster A, Cluster B and Cluster C. This article provides information on each cluster as well as a summary of each individual disorder.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
This grouping consists of those disorders marked by odd, eccentric behavior, including Paranoid (PPD), Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders. PPD is characterized by an extreme level of distrust and suspiciousness of others. Individuals with Schizoid personality tend to be detached from social relationships and show a restricted range of expressed emotions. Schizotypal personality is typified by odd forms of thought, perception and beliefs.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Disorders in this cluster are evidenced by dramatic, erratic behaviors and include Histrionic (HPD), Narcissistic (NPD), Antisocial (APD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Antisocial Personality, also referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy, is characterized by lack of empathy or conscience, a difficulty controlling impulses and manipulative behavior.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
This cluster of PDs is distinguished by the anxious, fearful behavior commonly seen in Obsessive-Compulsive (OCPD), Avoidant (AvPD) and Dependent Personality Disorders (DPD). People suffering from OCPD, also called Anankastic Personality Disorder, are so focused on order and perfection that their lack of flexibility interferes their ability to get things done, and to enjoy life in general. Those with Avoidant personalities experience an intense level of social anxiety. DPD is a psychological personality disorder characterized by an extreme level of clinginess and neediness.
Medication, Self-Destruction & PDs
What do we know about the effectiveness of drug therapies used in the treatment PD suicidal behavior? In the June 2007 issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Dr. Robert Cardish, a supervisory faculty member at Mount Sinai Psychotherapy Institute, examines the existing literature for information on the efficacy of pharmacotherapies in PD suicidality.
More Information on Personality Disorders
There are numerous on-line and in print resources with additional information on personality disorders, including: Psychology Prof Online and The Mayo Clinic: Mental Health Center.
This article is a brief summary personality disorders. The contents of this article are not meant to be used for diagnosis and are not a substitute for professional help and counseling.
Additional PD Sources
American Psychiatric Association APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Cardish, R. J. (2007) Psychopharmacologic Management of Suicidality in Personality Disorders. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 52, 6.
Dobbert, D. (2007) Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction. Greenwood Press.
Millon, T. (2004) Personality Disorders In Modern Life. John Wiley & Sons.
