We often celebrate individuality, but what happens when our differences begin to interfere with our daily lives? That’s where personality disorders enter the picture.
The reason certain personalities are considered “disorders” is because they deviate or stray away from what society would define as “normal,” and they show their symptoms during adolescence and develop into lifelong struggles, particularly in relationships or social functioning. There are three categories of personality disorders: cluster A, B, and C.
Cluster A personality disorders are characterized as “odd” or “eccentric” behavior. An example of this is Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD), not to be confused with Schizophrenia. Similar to schizophrenia, however, afflicted individuals hold odd beliefs that interfere with their everyday lives and social abilities.
Individuals with STPD usually have few, if any, close relationships. They tend to misinterpret others’ motivations and have a deep-seated distrust of others. What separates STPD from schizophrenia is that afflicted individuals do not have intense hallucinations; in fact, people with STPD do not hallucinate at all.
Another cluster A personality disorder is Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD). PPD is characterized by long-term patterns of distrust and suspicion towards others without adequate reasoning as to why. People with PPD often believe people are trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. People with PPD do not experience hallucinations either.
Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by “dramatic” or “erratic” behavior. An example of this would be Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), not to be confused with Bipolar Disorder (BD), is characterized by self-image issues, extreme impulsivity, mood swings, and anger. People with BPD often get into intense, unstable relationships.
BPD individuals have a strong fear of abandonment, which is why this disorder is so hard to tease apart from Dependent Personality disorder (a Cluster C personality disorder). People with BPD want to have loving and lasting relationships however, the fear of being abandoned often leads to mood swings and anger. It also leads to impulsivity and self-harm that might push others away.
Another Cluster B Personality Disorder is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), not to be confused with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). NPD is arguably one of the most stigmatized personality disorders. Narcissism is characterized by an extremely high sense of self-importance; they seek attention and want people to admire them. While everyone wants to be admired every now and then, this is to an extent that interferes with everyday life.
People with this disorder lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. They are extremely confident, but beneath the surface, they are unsure of their self-worth and are upset by even the slightest of critical remarks. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be disappointed when they don’t receive admiration or special favors they believe they are entitled to. People with NPD may find their relationships troubling and unfulfilling; others may not enjoy being around them. The main difference between NPD and HPD is that HPD is characterized by excessive emotionality
Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by “anxious” or “fearful” behaviors. An example of this is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). DPD is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of by others. They can’t make everyday decisions for themselves, such as what to wear or what to eat. Others may describe them as clingy or needy. Less than 1% of adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for a diagnosis of DPD.
Another Cluster C Personality Disorder is Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD). AVPD is not to be confused with social anxiety disorder (SAD). AVPD is characterized by chronic feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism. They’re afraid to develop close relationships due to extremely low self-esteem.
It is important to note that these personality disorders are extremely difficult to tease apart. Sometimes they’re so difficult to diagnose that some people are diagnosed with “Personality Disorder Not Specified (PD-NOS).”
It is also important to know that you cannot genetically inherit a personality disorder. While genetics can put you at a higher risk for developing one, personality disorders are more nurture than nature. Symptoms of personality disorders start in early to late adolescence and remain lifelong disorders.
Treatments for most of these personality disorders include mostly psychotherapy, which is talk therapy. It is meant to help change problematic thoughts, behaviors, and to help manage symptoms and harmful behavioral patterns.
All of these personality disorders are stigmatized, but perhaps the most stigmatized personality disorder is Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This is because the media has always portrayed NPD in a negative light, and the overuse of the term “narcissist” has led people to believe that it is a chosen maliciousness rather than something that the afflicted cannot control. This makes it harder for people with NPD to seek treatment, and misdiagnoses of NPD are common.
Personality disorders are complex and affect people in many different ways, from how they think and feel to how they relate to others. While these disorders can make everyday life and relationships challenging, understanding them — and reducing the stigma around them — can help those affected find support and lead meaningful lives. Recognizing the person behind the disorder is just as important as understanding the disorder itself.
