Personality Disorders

What is a personality disorder? People with a personality disorder: 1. Have difficulty interpreting situations and/or people. 2. Typically demonstrate rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking regardless of situation. 3. Face problems and barriers in their social lives because of their behavior patterns.

Symptoms Frequent mood swings Instability of relationships Social isolation/Difficulty forming friendships Angry outbursts Suspicion and mistrust of others A need for instant gratification/Poor impulse control Alcohol or substance abuse

Types of Disorders Personality Disorders are categorized into three separate clusters(A, B, C), based on similar characteristics. Individuals may show signs of different personality disorders.

Cluster A Disorders Common link: Eccentric thinking/behavior 1.Paranoid: individual that others are out to cause them harm -Distrust others, may display hostility -Emotionally detached 2. Schizoid (see schizophrenia notes) 3. Schizotypal (see schizophrenia notes)

Cluster B Disorders Characterized by overly dramatic emotions/behavior 1. Antisocial (aka sociopath) - characteristics seen early in adolescence -More common in males -Realize the difference between right/wrong, But do not care -manipulative, deceitful, unemotional, lack of personal responsibility - Those with the disorder unlikely to seek treatment, or to succeed with it.

Cluster B Disorders 2. Borderline Personality Disorder: -Significant emotional instability/mood swings -Feeling of low self-worth -Stormy interpersonal relationships -Engagement in impulsive, risky behaviors -Self injury/suicidal thoughts -Common for those afflicted to have history of childhood abuse/neglect -More common in females

Cluster B Disorders 3. Narcissistic : inflated sense of self, deep need for admiration -Belief of superiority, little regard for others -Behind mask of confidence, the person is fragile and cannot handle criticism -Monopolize conversations/social siuations -Putting yourself on a pedestal - rarely diagnosed, more common in males

Cluster C Disorders Characterized by fearful/anxious behaviors and thoughts 1.Avoidant Personality: socially awkward, extremely sensitive to negative evaluation 2.Dependent Personality: Extreme need to be taken care of; sense of urgency to be in a relationship; willingness to be treated poorly within a relationship 3.Obsessive-Compulsive Personality: extreme need for order/perfection, rigidity to rules, seeks control over situations