Personality disorders

A personality disorder or character disorder is a type of disorder where a person thinks, feels and behaves differently from how society expects them to. Where these traits would be flexible in most people, these traits are rigid and unworkable in someone with a personality disorder and create lasting patterns and often lasting problems. These thoughts, feelings and behaviours can cause problems for the person, and for other people around them. In the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries, personality disorders are classed as a kind of mental disorder and are treated by medical professionals. About ten percent of adults have PDs.

Types

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a book about mental illness written by the American Psychiatric Association, there are ten personality disorders. They are split into three "clusters" or groups.

Cluster A

Cluster A is the odd or eccentric group of personality disorders. They are:

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder: these people are solitary, secretive, quiet, and unemotional.
• Schizotypal personality disorder

Cluster A disorders are more common in men.

Cluster B

Cluster B is the dramatic or emotional group of personality disorders. They are:

• Antisocial personality disorder: these people habitually victimize. They do not care about people or the law. Around three percent of men and one percent of women have ASPD. It is the most common PD in men.
• Borderline personality disorder: these people have unstable relationships, self-image and moods. They are very impulsive. Around one percent of men and three percent of women have BPD.
• Histrionic personality disorder: these people are very emotional and need to be the center of attention. They are flirtatious and seductive. Around one percent of men and four percent of women have HPD. It is the most common PD in women.
• Narcissistic personality disorder: these people think that they are better than other people. They boast about themselves and need other people to look up to them. They use other people to achieve their goals. Around one percent of people have NPD; it is more common in men.

All Cluster B disorders are comorbid with each other. There are things that are in more than one PD. For example, selfishness and lack of empathy are major parts of ASPD and NPD. Needing to be admired is a major part of HPD and NPD.

Cluster C

Cluster C is the anxious or fearful group of personality disorders. They are:

• Avoidant personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

ICD

The World Health Organization has a different way of describing PDs. It is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).