Common Personality Disorders and Behavioral Traits

A paranoid personality is one in which behavior patterns are characterized by unwarranted suspicion, tenderness, jealousy, envy, and a general tendency to blame and ascribe evil intentions to others. This often results in significant difficulty maintaining satisfactory interpersonal relationships.

Cyclothymic and Schizoid Patterns

The cyclothymic personality involves behavior patterns characterized by alternating periods of euphoria—marked by optimism, ambition, energy, and enthusiasm—and depression (worry and discouragement). These moods are not attributable to external circumstances.

Schizoid behavior patterns are characterized by reservation, isolation, and the avoidance of intimate relationships or competitive situations. They may involve autistic thoughts without losing the capacity to recognize reality.

Explosive, Obsessive, and Histrionic Behaviors

Explosive behavior patterns are characterized by sudden outbursts of aggression or anger that differ significantly from the individual's usual behavior. Obsessive-compulsive behavior patterns are defined by an excessive concern for standards, compliance, and awareness; the subject may be rigid, overly submissive, or overly scrupulous.

The histrionic personality features behavior patterns characterized by emotional instability, excitability, hypersensitivity, immaturity, and a dramatization of the self that attempts to attract attention.

Anti-Social and Asthenic Personalities

The anti-social personality includes people who are not socialized and are in conflict with society. These individuals are often unable to maintain loyalty; they may be selfish, irresponsible, impulsive, and unable to feel guilt or learn from experience. They typically exhibit a very low tolerance for frustration and a tendency to blame others. This is often because of behaviors caused by mental disorders or abnormal physical or organic types.

In the asthenic personality, behavior patterns are characterized by limited energy, fatigue, a lack of enthusiasm, and an inability to enjoy life. Such individuals are also hypersensitive to stress.

Deviation from Social Norms

The deviation from social norms can be caused by a failure of the elements or factors that influence human behavior. A subject may suffer from mental disorders or a personality structure that hinders social behavior. Alternatively, they may have learned and developed maladaptive behaviors, suffering from deficiencies in the process of internalization, or they may simply disagree with or consider as their own the rules set by the dominant group.