Authors: Simone Hoermann, Ph.D., Corinne E. Zupanick, Psy.D., & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. Show
Intro to Personality DisordersWe have previously reviewed the four defining features of personality disorders. These are: 1) Distorted thinking patterns, These four core features are common to all personality disorders. Before a diagnosis is made, a person must demonstrate significant and enduring difficulties in at least two of those four areas. Furthermore, personality disorders are not usually diagnosed in children because of the requirement that personality disorders represent enduring problems across time. Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health NeedsExplore Your Options Today These four key features combine in various ways to form ten specific personality disorders identified in DSM-5 (APA, 2013). Each disorder lists asset of criteria reflecting observable characteristics associated with that disorder. In order to be diagnosed with a specific personality disorder, a person must meet the minimum number of criteria established for that disorder. Furthermore, to meet the diagnostic requirements for a psychiatric disorder, the symptoms must cause functional impairment and/or subjective distress. This means the symptoms are distressing to the person with the disorder and/or the symptoms make it difficult for them to function well in society. The Three ClustersFurthermore, the ten different personality disorders can be grouped into three clusters based on descriptive similarities within each cluster. These clusters are: Cluster A (the "odd, eccentric" cluster); Oftentimes, a person can be diagnosed with more than just one personality disorder. Research has shown that there is a tendency for personality disorders within the same cluster to co-occur (Skodol, 2005). Later, this issue of co-occurrence will be discussed in greater detail. The alternative model of personality disorder, proposed for further study in DSM-5 (APA, 2013), hopes to reduce this overlap by using a dimensional approach versus the present categorical one. These different models are discussed in another section. Now let's look at how all four core features merge to create specific patterns called personality disorders. Cluster ACluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders. Cluster A is called the odd, eccentric cluster. It includes Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders. The common features of the personality disorders in this cluster are social awkwardness and social withdrawal. These disorders are dominated by distorted thinking. Paranoid Personality DisorderThe Paranoid Personality Disorder* is characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of other people.
Schizoid Personality DisorderThe Schizoid Personality Disorder* is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social detachment and a restricted range of emotional expression. For these reasons, people with this disorder tend to be socially isolated. They don't seem to seek out or enjoy close relationships.
The Schizoid Personality Disorder appears to be rather rare. Schizotypal Personality DisorderPersons with Schizotypal Personality Disorder* are characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal limitations. They experience acute discomfort in social settings and have a reduced capacity for close relationships. For these reasons they tend to be socially isolated, reserved, and distant.
Read about Cluster B Personality Disorders: Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. *It is important to remember that everyone can exhibit some of these personality traits from time to time. To meet the diagnostic requirement of a personality disorder, these traits must be inflexible; i.e., they can be repeatedly observed without regard to time, place, or circumstance. Furthermore, these traits must cause functional impairment and/or subjective distress. The above list only briefly summarizes these individual Cluster A personality disorders. Richer, more detailed descriptions of these disorders are found in the section describing the four core features of personality disorders. Myndfulness App Designed to Help You Feel Better Daily Download Now For Free
Learn More > Which is part of the odd cluster of personality disorders?Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder.
What are the clusters of personality disorder?Personality disorders are characterized by unhealthy thoughts and actions, which interrupt one's day-to-day living. These disorders can be further divided into three clusters: A, the odd and eccentric; B, the dramatic or erratic; and C, the anxious or fearful.
What are the 4 types of personality disorders?Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) Borderline personality disorder (BPD) Histrionic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder.
What is the most common cluster of personality disorders?According to a major study, the most prevalent personality disorder is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The second most common is narcissistic personality disorder, followed by borderline personality disorder.
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