A personality disorder, as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, is “a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior of a specified kind that deviates markedly from the norms of generally accepted behavior, typically apparent by the time of adolescence, and causing long-term difficulties in personal relationships or in functioning in society.” There are ten different types of personality disorders that are recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as chronic mental health conditions. Though each has distinctive characteristics, they are categorized into three groups, based on overlapping features, as indicated below:
Cluster A: Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by eccentric, odd thinking and/ or behavior. Although each is a separate condition, they all involve symptoms of exhibiting unusual or eccentric behaviors to others, which can lead to interpersonal and/ or social difficulties. Cluster A personality disorders include:
- Paranoid personality disorder: characterized by a pervasive distrust of others. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious of other’s motives and have a consistent, erroneous fear that others intend to inflict harm.
- Schizoid personality disorder: characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships and difficulty displaying emotion (e.g., emotional coldness, apathy, detachment, etc.).
- Schizotypal personality disorder: characterized by a pattern of intense discomfort with close relationships, social anxiety, and distrust of others.
Cluster B: Cluster B personality disorders, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, are characterized by patterns of overly emotional, unpredictable, dramatic thinking and/ or behaviors. Individuals diagnosed with a cluster B personality disorder are typically faced with difficulty regulating emotions and will likely have issues maintaining relationships. Cluster B personality disorders include:
- Antisocial personality disorder: characterized by a complete disregard for other individuals.
- Borderline personality disorder: characterized by pervasive instability in moods, self-image, and interpersonal relationships.
- Histrionic personality disorder: characterized by constant attention-seeking, seductive, and provocative behaviors.
- Narcissistic personality disorder: characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, an intense need for admiration and a lack of empathy.
Cluster C: Cluster C personality disorders, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. Cluster C personality disorders include:
- Avoidant personality disorder: characterized by the avoidance of social situations or interactions that involve risk of rejection, criticism, or humiliation.
- Dependent personality disorder: characterized by a pervasive, excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissiveness and clinging behaviors.
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: characterized by a pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control (with no room for flexibility) that ultimately slows or interferes with completing a task.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
