What Is a Personality Disorder?
Psychology's premier diagnostic reference, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-Revised (DSM-IV-TR) describes people suffering from Personality Disorders as having traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways.
PD Traits
The specific traits vary from disorder to disorder, but, overall, these personalities are generally described in negative terms such as hostile, detached, needy, antisocial or obsessive., and those with personality disorders usually experience instability in many areas of their life.
Disorder Stability
Many other categories of psychological disorder fluctuate with respect to symptom presence and intensity, but, as with normal personality, personality disorders remain relatively constant throughout life.
PD Clusters
According to the DSM-IV-TR , there are currently 10 types of personality disorder which fall into into 3 main clusters: Cluster A, Cluster B and Cluster C.
The following are links to the PD Clusters and each will take to to the specific areas of the site that explore each of the 10 types of personality disorder.
Quick Links to Types of Personality Disorder:
Cluster A Personality Disorders are marked by odd, eccentric behavior. Paranoid, Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders fall into this category.
Cluster B Personality Disorders are evidenced by dramatic, erratic behaviors such as those seen in Histrionic, Narcissistic, Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders.
Cluster C Personality Disorders are distinguished by the anxious, fearful behavior often seen in Obsessive-Compulsive, Avoidant and Dependent Personality Disorders.
Personality Disorder Research
New Research! This link will take you to the latest discoveries relating to personality disorders.
Additional Articles on Personality Disorder:
Personality versus Mood Disorder
Personality disorder and mood disorder are often thought to mean the same thing. Here is a summary of key differences between these distinct categories of mental illness.
Overview of Personality Disorders: Article Series on the Basics of PDs
Here are quick links to help you easily find recent Suite101.com articles on the general topic of Personality Disorders and PD Clusters.
This website is for informational purposes only, it is not intended as a substitute for psychiatric evaluation or professional counseling. If you are in need of help, please see a mental health professional, not a computer.
Sources:
Dobbert, Duane (2007) Understanding Personality Disorders. Praeger Publishing.
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Personality DisordersMood Disorders
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