The DSM-IV defines personality disorders as patterns of behavior and experience that differ from the norm. There are ten disorders grouped into three clusters, including odd or erratic behaviors, drama and emotional disturbances, and fearful or anxious behaviors. These disorders can only be diagnosed if they significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life and often have comorbidity with other psychological disorders.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that is used to diagnose all mental disorders, defines personality disorders as patterns of experience and behavior that are drastically different from the norm. To justify this diagnosis, an individual must exhibit deviant behavior patterns in at least two of the areas of thinking, mood, personal relationships, and impulse control. There are ten of these disorders currently identified in DSM-IV and they are grouped into three main classes, or clusters.
Cluster A, which includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal disorders, identifies odd or erratic behaviors. For example, paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is characterized by persistent feelings of distrust and suspicion of others. A person with PPD may have constant but unwarranted suspicions that others are planning to deceive them.
Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is defined by detachment and lack of interest in relationships with others. An individual with SPD may prefer solitary activities and seem emotionally detached from others. Similarly, schizotypal disorder is also characterized by a need for isolation, but also includes magical or unconventional beliefs. Someone with this disorder may believe they have magical powers.
The second group, also known as Cluster B, contains drama and emotional disturbances. Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is characterized by an apparent disregard for the safety and feelings of others. Known in previous editions of the DSM as a sociopath, an individual with APD may engage in criminal or otherwise reckless behavior with little or no respect for the law.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is indicated by an unstable sense of self, impulsiveness, and a tendency to rigorous “black and white” thinking. Individuals diagnosed with BPD often have histories of volatile relationships and engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as self-mutilation, reckless spending, or binge eating. Histrionic personality disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by extreme theatricality and a constant need to be the center of attention. Narcissistic disorder is indicated by an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement.
Disorders that fall into the Cluster C category are classified as those that cause fearful or anxious behaviors. For example, an individual with avoidant personality disorder may be so fearful of criticism or rejection that they withdraw from social situations.
The second of the fearful and anxious personality disorders is known as dependent personality disorder (DPD). Unlike avoidant patients, an individual with DPD is highly dependent on others, feels uncomfortable when alone, and may have difficulty making decisions without the approval or advice of others. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with lists and order, often to the point of interfering with interpersonal relationships.
Although many individuals experience behavior patterns characteristic of these disorders, this type of disease can only be diagnosed if these patterns are strong enough to drastically interfere with an individual’s daily life. Many have high occurrences of comorbidity with other psychological disorders. For example, it’s not uncommon for a person with avoidant personality disorder to also have depression or an anxiety disorder.
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