Understanding Cluster A, B, and C Personality Disorders
Classified in Psychology and Sociology
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Personality Disorders and Their Characteristics
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder project their own internal conflicts and hostility onto others. They are typically cold and distant.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Characteristics often include:
- Being introverted, detached, and solitary.
- Appearing cold and distant.
- Being absorbed in their own thoughts and feelings, often fearing intimacy.
- Feeling indifferent to both criticism and compliments.
- Exhibiting little sexual desire.
- Preferring theoretical speculation to action; not very talkative.
- Using fantasy as a common way of dealing with reality.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Individuals with Schizotypal Personality Disorder, similar to those with Schizoid Personality Disorder, are emotionally and socially isolated. They often develop unusual thoughts, perceptions, and communication patterns, and may dress in a peculiar manner.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
People with Histrionic (or hysterical) personality seek attention and exhibit dramatic, theatrical behavior. Their demeanor often results in personal relationships that are easily formed but remain superficial.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder possess a pervasive sense of superiority and an exaggerated belief in their own importance. They may also be overly sensitive to perceived failures or criticism.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (most commonly diagnosed in males) demonstrate insensitivity to the rights and feelings of others. They frequently exploit others for personal gain or profit.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), often diagnosed in women, exhibit instability in their self-image, mood, behavior, and personal relationships (which are frequently stormy and intense).
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder are highly sensitive to rejection and fear initiating new relationships due to the possibility of disappointment or criticism. Despite this fear, they possess a strong desire for affection and acceptance.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder transfer important decisions and responsibilities to others. They allow the needs of those they depend on to take precedence over their own needs, often demonstrating a lack of self-confidence and intense insecurity.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
Individuals with OCPD are typically formal, reliable, orderly, and methodical, but they often struggle to adapt to change. They are cautious and tend to over-analyze all aspects of a problem, which frequently makes decision-making difficult.