What Are The Different Types of Personality Disorders?

Personality Disorders are complex conditions that can have a very debilitating effect on an individual.

There are a range of different personality disorders – with ten of them widely-accepted. The different personality disorders vary considerably, as do their symptoms.

What is a Personality Disorder?

Personality Disorder: A Personality Disorder is a condition which involves an individual thinking, behaving, feeling or relating in a very different way from the average person. There are ten different personality disorders, split into three clusters. The clusters are “odd and eccentric”, “dramatic, emotional and erratic’” and “anxious and fearful”. The different disorders vary considerably, and thus the symptoms of each differ too. Those with a personality disorder may find their symptoms cause them distress, and results in them not living their life how they want to.

What are the different types of Personality Disorders

There are 10 different personality disorders. There are three sub-types that separate these conditions:

Cluster A: Odd and Eccentric

These disorders are often associated with Schizophrenia, although an individual with one of these disorders do not typically lose touch with reality.

Paranoid Personality Disorder: Paranoid Personality disorder is characterised by feelings of paranoia – especially towards others – hypervigilance and a general mistrust of others. An individual with this disorder may find their paranoia has a marked effect on their life. In the vast majority of cases, their suspicions are irrational. They often find it difficult to form meaningful friendships.

Schizoid Personality Disorder: This disorder is characterised by a lack of interest and detachment from social relationships. A Schizoid individual will often be seen as a “loner”. Other symptoms include a lack of drive or motivation in life, and a lack of emotion throughout multiple contexts. They commonly exhibit a rich fantasy world.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Someone with Schizotypal Personality Disorder will exhibit a range of eccentric and bizarre behaviours, such as peculiar mannerisms, abnormal beliefs, and will struggle to interact socially. They may be seen as being unusual or strange. Someone with this disorder may lose touch with reality, or later go on to develop Schizophrenia.

Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional and Erratic

These disorders are characterised by dramatic, emotional and unpredictable behaviour – especially when involving others.

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Antisocial Personality Disorder is a condition that involves an overall disregard for others. Someone with this disorder may be manipulative, violate the rights of others, showcase an alarming lack of empathy, and will normally act without thinking of potential consequences. Those around them may merely be seen as pawns.

Borderline Personality Disorder (Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder): This is the most well-known personality disorder – being characterised by intense mood swings, unstable relationships and unpredictable behaviour. Someone with this disorder will often fluctuate rapidly between loving or hating someone, or even themselves. They may feel paranoid or depressed. An individual may self-harm due to their impulsive behaviour.

Histrionic Personality Disorder: Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterised by a pattern of attention-seeking behaviour. Someone with this disorder may see the world as their stage, and showcase excessive emotions. They may take particular care in how they look. They may dress in a promiscuous fashion, and act overtly seductive. They may struggle with relationships due to their symptoms.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Someone with this disorder will normally see themselves as superior to others, and believe they should receive special treatment. They will require admiration and acceptance from others. They will lack empathy, and have little regard for the feelings of others. They will often manipulate or take advantage of others for their personal gain.

Cluster C: Anxious and Fearful

These disorders are often associated with anxiety-based conditions. An individual with one of these disorders may be anxious around others, or overly-dependent on them.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (Anankastic Personality Disorder): An individual with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder will show a rigid conformity to rules, an innate need for perfectionism, and a need to control circumstances and events. The person will always try to follow set rules. Their preoccupation with rules and perfectionism will often lead to significant impairment in social activities. In instances where they lack control, they will exhibit considerable anxiety. They may also be judgemental, while also being sensitive to criticism.

Avoidant Personality Disorder: Avoidant Personality Disorder is a condition characterised by overwhelming feelings of anxiety, a fear of rejection from others, and poor self-esteem. A person with this condition may also be very sensitive to criticism from others – owing to their pervasive need for acceptance from others.

Dependent Personality Disorder: Someone with Dependent Personality Disorder will have a pervasive need to be cared for by other people. Typical symptoms include not making decisions, an overriding fear of abandonment, need for reassurance and immaturity. The person may have poor self-esteem – seeing themselves as a weak individual.

Summary

It is important to note that even within clusters, each personality disorder differs. Moreover, symptoms, causes, diagnoses and treatments are different.

An individual will never be diagnosed purely with a “Personality disorder”. They will always be diagnosed with a specific disorder.

See Also

1. Everything You Need to Know About Personality Disorders
2. What Are The Different Types of Personality Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Personality Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Personality Disorders?
5. How are Personality Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Personality Disorders Be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis For Personality Disorders?
8. 10 Tips on Living With a Personality Disorder