Personality traits and disorders | Behavioral science

Personality traits are persistent, repetitive patterns of thinking and behaviors which do not interfere with functioning or work. Personality disorders are diagnosed if there is significant impairment in interpersonal functioning or work (occupation) as a result of excessive or maladaptive personality traits. Personality disorders are ego-syntonic as the individuals themselves are not aware of the problem. There is no treatment for personality disorders but they can be managed by psychotherapy. Other psychiatric conditions may be associated like depression and OCD and they can be treated accordingly.

Personality disorders

Cluster A

Type	Characteristics
Paranoid	Excessive distrust and suspiciousness of others, excessive jealousy, interprets others actions as threatening, demeaning, exploitative; cynical view of the world
Schizotypal	Excessive beliefs without frank delusions, cognitive and perceptual disturbances, impaired social interactions; eccentric, magical thinking and odd beliefs
Schizoid	Restricted affect, voluntary detachment from social interactions; do not yearn for social interaction; like to stay alone and aloof

Cluster B

Type	Characteristics
Borderline	Insecurities about self, chronic feelings of emptiness, instability of interpersonal relationships, volatile emotions, self harming behavior, suicidal risk, hypersensitivity to rejection, commonly use splitting as a defense mechanism
Narcissistic	Self-centered, need for admiration, lack of empathy, arrogant and exploitative, grandiosity in speech and behavior, sense of entitlement
Histrionic	Excessive emotionality and attention seeking behavior, overly concerned about appearance, “drama queen”, dramatic speech and behavior
Antisocial	Lack of empathy, does not respect law or other person’s rights, lack of remorse, criminality, impulsivity, sociopath. Must be >18 year old to diagnose, as similar behavior before 18 years of age will be categorized as “conduct disorder”

Cluster C

Type	Characteristics
Avoidant	Feelings of inadequacy, low self esteem, rejection hypersensitivity, socially inhibited although they want to have close interpersonal relationships
Dependent	Extreme difficulty making own decisions, submissiveness, feelings of inadequacy, avoidance of confrontation
Obsessive-compulsive	Preoccupied with details and rules, excessive organization, perfectionism and control