Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by deeply ingrained patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or impaired functioning. These patterns are typically stable over time and across various situations. There are several types of personality disorders recognized in psychiatric classification systems like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition). Here are some of the main types:
Odd or Eccentric Disorders
Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Characterized by distrust and suspicion of others, interpreting motives as malevolent. Hypersensitivity to criticism or perceived insults.
Schizoid Personality Disorder:
Involves detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression. Preference for solitary activities and indifference to praise or criticism.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Features odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences. Peculiar thinking, appearance, or behavior that may interfere with social interactions.
Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder:
Persistent disregard for the rights of others. Lack of empathy, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and irresponsibility. Often involved in criminal behavior and manipulation of others.
Borderline Personality Disorder:
Intense and unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. Impulsive behaviors, suicidal ideation or self-harm. Chronic feelings of emptiness and intense fear of abandonment.
Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Excessive attention-seeking, emotional overreaction, and provocative behavior. Constant seeking of reassurance or approval. Shallow emotions and rapidly shifting moods.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
Grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Sense of entitlement, exaggeration of achievements, and expectation of special treatment. Fragile self-esteem underneath a facade of confidence.