Download Understanding Personality Disorders: Definition, Clusters, Types, and Notes and more Lecture notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity!
UNDERSTANDING PERSONALITY DISORDERS
DEFINITION, CLUSTERS, TYPES, NOTES
Everyone has their own distinct personality. Everyone thinks, feels, and acts differently. Personality is formed because of experiences, environment, and inherited traits. We frequently refer to someone's "great personality" as a reason for enjoying their company. What exactly is a personality disorder? When aspects of a person's personality become problematic for both the individual and those around them, they may be diagnosed with a disorder. Diagnoses are generally classified into three groups. Personality Disorder A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behavior. A personality disorder makes it difficult for a person to perceive and relate to situations and people. This has a significant impact on relationships, social activities, work, and school. A person's personality typically develops early in life and then remains relatively constant as they age. When someone has a personality disorder, their way of thinking or behaving deviates from their culture's expectations, causing them and others distress as well as problems functioning. You may be unaware that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving appears natural to you. And you may blame others for your difficulties. Personality disorders typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Personality disorders come in a variety of forms. Some types may become less noticeable as they get older.
Symptoms Personality disorders are classified into three types based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people who have one personality disorder also have symptoms of at least one other personality disorder. A disorder does not have to exhibit all of the listed signs and symptoms in order to be diagnosed. Personality disorder has three clusters namely: Cluster A, the odd and eccentric, Cluster B, the dramatic and erratic, and Cluster C, the anxious or fearful. CLUSTER A People suffering from these disorders exhibit unusual or erratic behavior. These unusual behaviors cause social problems. Social awkwardness and withdrawal are common characteristics. Although people with Cluster A personality disorders may have a strong link to a family member who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, these disorders are typically less severe and have a smaller impact on daily functioning than schizophrenia. People with Cluster A personality disorders frequently experience relationship problems because their behavior is perceived as odd, suspicious, or detached. The first cluster includes three types of personality disorders.
1. Paranoid Personality Disorder People with this disorder have difficulty trusting others, even when there is no reason to suspect them. They may harbor long-held grudges, refuse to confide in others, and interpret trivial remarks as slights against them. Symptoms of paranoid personality disorder, which affects between 1% and 2% of adults in the United States, include chronic, pervasive distrust of other people; suspicion of being deceived or exploited by others, including friends, family, and partners;
1. Antisocial personality disorder Antisocial personality disorder appears in childhood earlier than most other personality disorders. Disregard for rules and social norms, as well as a lack of empathy for others, are symptoms. People suffering from this disorder have little regard for the needs and emotions of others. They may also be unconcerned about their own or others' safety. As a result, people with antisocial personality disorder frequently lie, cheat, steal, and con others to get their way. Furthermore, their impulsive behaviors frequently infringe on the rights of others and can even become aggressive. People with antisocial personality disorder do not feel remorse even when they commit violent acts against others. 2. Borderline Personality Disorder Emotional instability, intense interpersonal relationships, and impulsive behaviors characterize it. Cluster B personality disorder patients have fragile egos and believe that the people they care about will abandon them. This combination can lead to unstable relationships, both romantic and non-romantic. When a person with borderline personality disorder detects any slight or downturn in a relationship, they may act out with self-harm threats, angry outbursts, and paranoia. Because of their impulsiveness, they may engage in risky behaviors. 3. Histrionic Personality Disorder This disorder is distinguished by an insatiable need for attention. People with histrionic personality disorder will resort to dramatic outbursts and sexual promiscuity in order to gain the attention they require. They frequently use exaggerated language and have dramatic emotional swings. People suffering from this disorder may believe that their relationships are deeper than the other person believes.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder People with this Cluster B personality disorder believe that their needs and feelings are more important than the needs and feelings of others. They may fantasize about power, lie about their achievements, and expect a lot of attention from others. People who have this disorder are frequently labeled as arrogant by those around them. Linked to selfishness, exaggerated self-image, and a lack of empathy for others. Cluster C Cluster C personality disorders cause people to be afraid of certain things and to avoid confronting those fears. This group has symptoms of both anxiety and depression disorders. This behavior causes conflict in interpersonal relationships. Cluster C disorders include: 1. Avoidant Personality Disorder People with this disorder are terrified of rejection or any form of criticism. Because of their anxieties, they avoid interacting with others at work and at social gatherings. These patients frequently believe they are unattractive and unworthy of affection. This disorder, which is characterized by a disregard for rules as well as a lack of empathy and remorse, can manifest itself during childhood. 2. Dependent Personality Disorder The fear of having to care for themselves or make decisions motivates people with this condition. As a result, they rely on others to meet their needs, make decisions, and provide constant approval. People with this disorder are more likely to stay in abusive relationships and are often afraid of confrontation. It involves a fear of being alone and frequently causes those with the disorder to do things in order to get other people to look after them.
