Personality disorders are mental health conditions with persistent, maladaptive patterns of behavior that deviate from societal norms. They are categorized into three clusters, each with distinct characteristics. Cluster B, for example, includes disorders like Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders, known for dramatic and erratic behaviors. Diagnosis follows strict DSM-5 criteria, assessing traits across five domains for accurate identification and treatment planning.
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Personality disorders are characterized by inflexible and maladaptive patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that deviate from cultural norms and cause significant distress or impairment
Personality disorders are distinct from normal personality traits in that they are maladaptive, stable over time, and often lead to negative outcomes
Mental health professionals use established diagnostic criteria, such as those found in the DSM-5, to identify and diagnose personality disorders based on consistent, research-backed standards
Cluster A includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders, characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior
Cluster B includes Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders, characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior
Cluster C includes Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders, characterized by anxious and fearful thinking or behavior
Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality, attention-seeking, and a need for approval
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity