Which Gender is More Likely to Develop Each Personality Disorder?

Personality Disorders are very complex conditions that have the potential to affect anyone. For those that are impacted, their lives are often impaired in many ways.

Past research has been conducted on personality disorders to try and ascertain which gender is more likely to develop certain personality disorders.

This research was completed by researcher Thomas Widiger, as part of his book The Oxford Handbook of Personality Disorders [1].

There are 10 widely accepted different types of personality disorders. Which gender is likelier to develop such a condition? We take a look.

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.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Paranoid Personality Disorder, as the name suggests, involves persistent and long-standing feelings of paranoia. Research shows that it is more common in men [1].

Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by a lack of interest and detachment from social relationships. This disorder is more common in men [1].

Schizotypal Personality Disorder often involves a person exhibiting a range of eccentric and bizarre behaviours. It is more common in men [1].

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Antisocial Personality Disorder centres around an overall disregard of others, being manipulative and having a lack of empathy. It is more common in men [1].

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterised by intense mood swings, unstable relationships and unpredictable behaviour. It is more common in women [1].

Histrionic Personality Disorder involves a person engaging in attention-seeking behaviour, and they may go to extreme lengths to grab attention. It is more common in women [1].

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterised by a person believing they are superior to others, and believe they should receive special treatment. It is more common in men [1].

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder involves a person having rigid conformity to rules, an innate need for perfectionism, and a need to control circumstances. It is more common in men [1].

Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterised by a person having an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, a fear of rejection from others, and low self-esteem. It is more common in men [1].

Dependent Personality Disorder involves a person having a pervasive need to be cared for by other people. It is more common in women [1].

Summary

This is an interesting analysis, and provides insight into these disorders. As seen, men are likelier to develop personality disorders compared to women.

This is especially the case with Cluster A personality disorders. Cluster B and Cluster C personality disorders are more mixed.

But it should be remembered that this is just a guide, and that anyone has the potential to develop a personality disorder.

See Also

• Personality Disorders Homepage
• How Can Personality Disorders Be Treated?
• Everything You Need To Know About Talking Therapy
• Talking Therapy or Medication: Which is Better for Mental Health Problems?