Personality Disorders Plymouth

Types of Personality Disorder

 

There are different types of personality disorders which can be grouped into clusters -

 

Cluster A – ‘Odd/eccentric’

A person who finds it hard to relate to others and can be described as eccentric or living in a fantasy

This cluster includes Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder and Schizotypal personality disorder.

 

 

 

Cluster B – ‘Erratic/emotional’

A person who finds it hard to control their feelings, this can lead to regular extreme change of opinion about others. They can be described as erratic and dramatic.

This cluster includes Borderline personality disorder, Antisocial personality disorder, Narcissistic personality disorder and Histrionic personality disorder.

 

 

 

Cluster C – ‘Anxious/fearful’

A person who often experiences overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear and can be described as withdrawn.

This cluster includes Avoidant personality disorder, Dependant personality disorder and Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (not to be confused with obsessive compulsive disorder).

 

 

 

Personality can also be viewed on a continuum, from healthy functioning personality, problematic traits, many problematic traits, to personality disorder/complex needs.

 

It is often the case that we don't fit into one category and we can be affected by personality traits differently (severity). The key parts of identity which make up our personality have been suggested to be: openness (curious), conscientiousness (organised),  extraversion (sociable), agreeableness (friendly) and neuroticism (anxious, shy). We all have personalities which vary in each of these areas.

 

 

You may have some traits from different personality disorders as they often overlap. Having any of these traits does not mean that you do have a personality disorder. If you feel that you have some of these traits and they are severely impacting your life and others around you negatively then you may have a personality disorder.

In this case you should contact your GP and let them know your symptoms and concerns.

 

Some people find having a diagnosis a relief as they can make sense of their experience. 

Others do not find the diagnosis helpful and it can even be stigmatising. A lot of information about personality disorders paints it in a bad light and as untreatable, but increasing awareness of personality disorders is making a difference to these opinions. It is not treatable by medication (although some symptoms like depression and anxiety can be reduced by medication). However, recent research has found positive results using psychotherapy and support to reduce symptoms. 

 

It is important to note that it has been argued that there is no clear cut-off between someone who has an unusual/troublesome personality and someone with a 'disorder'. 

 

However, the DSM4 and most recent version, DSM5, outline a full list of criteria for personality disorders, which can be found here:

http://www.psi.uba.ar/academica/carrerasdegrado/psicologia/sitios_catedras/practicas_profesionales/820_clinica_tr_personalidad_psicosis/material/dsm.pdf 

 

For a less detailed, more reader friendly version of personality disorder criteria and symptoms Personality Disorders Plymouth have created the links below