READ: Personality Disorders
Other Personality Disorders
Other Personality Disorders in the DSM
There are 10 personality disorders in the DSM, each defined by experiences and behaviors that differ from societal norms and expectations.
Clusters and Characteristics of Personality Disorders
TheDSM-5 lists ten personality disorders, grouped into three clusters based on common features. Personality disorders are often researched in these "clusters", since they all exhibit common disturbances.
Cluster A (odd and eccentric)
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Paranoid: Characterized by a pattern of irrational suspicion and mistrust of others, and the interpretation of motivations as malevolent. The person is guarded, defensive, distrustful, suspicious, and always seeking confirmatory evidence of hidden schemes .
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Schizoid: Lack of interest and detachment from social relationships, and restricted emotional expression. The individual is apathetic, indifferent, remote, solitary, distant, and humorless. They neither desire, nor need, human attachments, and withdraw from relationships and prefers to be alone.
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Schizotypal: A pattern of extreme discomfort interacting socially, and distorted cognitions and perceptions. One is eccentric, self-estranged, bizarre, absent, and exhibits magical thinking and strange beliefs.
Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic)
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Antisocial: A pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, and a lack of empathy. One is Impulsive, irresponsible, deviant, unruly, inconsiderate, sometimes violent, and meets social obligations only when self-serving.
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Borderline: A pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, identity, behavior and affect, often leading to self-harm and impulsivity. One is unpredictable, manipulative, unstable, and frantically fears abandonment and isolation. One shifts rapidly between loving and hating.
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Histrionic: A pervasive pattern of attention-seeking behavior and excessiveemotions. One is dramatic, seductive, shallow, stimulus-seeking, and vain. One overreacts to minor events and is exhibitionistic.
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Narcissistic: A pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Cluster C (anxious or fearful)
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Avoidant: Pervasive feelings of social inhibition and inadequacy, and extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation. One is hesitant, self-conscious, embarrassed, anxious, and sees self as inept, inferior, or unappealing.
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Dependent: A pervasive psychological need to be cared for by other people. One is helpless, incompetent, submissive, immature, and sees self as weak or fragile.
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Obsessive-compulsive (not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder): Characterized by a rigid conformity to rules, perfectionism, and control. One maintains a rule-bound lifestyle, adheres closely to social conventions, sees the world in terms of regulations and hierarchies, and often follows directions and rules to the point of missing the purpose of the task.