Society expects that we should conform to what it states is acceptable behavior. When someone differs from these expectations with regard to character and personality, this person is often said to have a personality disorder. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines a personality disorder as “an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it.” There are ten key personality disorders that are outlined in the DSM-IV, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These personality disorders are arranged into three clusters:

Cluster A, which includes personality disorders that are classified as being odd or eccentric, includes the following:

Paranoid Personality Disorder: It is characterized by the irrational suspicion and mistrust of others. Those who have been diagnosed with this disorder have extreme trust issues, and have difficulty maintaining relationships. Also, paranoid personality disorder patients can often be very reluctant to receive treatment for their illness because of their extremely suspicious and distrustful characteristics.

Schizoid Personality Disorder: Those with schizoid personality disorder have a lack of interest in social relationships, and see no point in sharing time with others. In fact, it has been said that those with schizoid personality disorder don’t even have a hidden desire for social relationships. Patients have a very restricted number of emotions that they will exhibit, and usually express no need for approval or attention from others.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Patients who have been diagnosed with this disorder are characterized by odd behavior or thinking. They can have eccentric dress, bizarre mannerisms, and distorted thinking. Millions of people can be said to be eccentric or have odd ways of thinking, but those with schizotypal personality disorder have problems with cognitive thinking and eccentric behavior to the point that it is persistent and disabling.

Cluster B, which includes personality disorders that are classified as being dramatic or erratic, includes the following:

Antisocial Personality Disorder: It is a common misunderstanding that people with this disorder have poor social skills. People with antisocial personality disorder are often very charming, cunning, and can function socially. Those with this disorder have a pervasive disregard for the law and the rights of others. They have a lack of conscience, and can be very manipulative. This disorder is often referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy, but the clinical term used in diagnosis is antisocial personality disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder: This disorder refers to an individual’s ability to regulate mood. It is characterized by extreme black and white thinking, instability in relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior. Those with this disorder can often have unpredictable anger outbursts, and also may injure themselves. They are also sensitive to rejection and fear abandonment.

Histrionic Personality Disorder: This disorder is characterized by pervasive attention-seeking behavior that may include inappropriate sexual seductiveness, and shallow or exaggerated emotions. Those with histrionic personality disorder behave melodramatically and can often be manipulative. They would rather have negative attention than no attention at all.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Patients with narcissistic personality disorder are self-absorbed, abandon situations where they are not the center of attention, and are insensitive to the needs of others. This disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Those with this disorder will often compare themselves to those who are accomplished or well-known. They feel a sense of entitlement to attention and praise.

Cluster C, which contains personality disorders characterized by fearful or anxious behavior, includes the following:

Avoidant Personality Disorder: Those with this disorder have high levels of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation, and avoidance of social interaction. Patients with avoidant personality disorder often acquire jobs that seek very little social interaction, and are also extremely sensitive to rejection. They secretly want social relationships, but they are afraid of rejection.

Dependent Personality Disorder: This disorder is a way to classify those who have a pervasive psychological dependence on others. Dependent personality disorder patients want to be taken care of, and cling to those who take care of them. They need constant reassurance and advice, and have an extreme fear of rejection to the point that they may become suicidal if a relationship begins to fall apart.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Despite an obvious name similarity, this disorder is not obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder can be found in someone who rigidly conforms to rules, moral codes, and excessive orderliness. Those with this disorder are often workaholics because they feel that they are the only ones who can do a job correctly. They are often overly critical of others, because others can’t live up to their extreme expectations. In addition, patients with this disorder often find it very difficult to enjoy life because they are so consumed by the need for order and perfection.

The diagnosis of Personality Disorder NOS is reserved for someone who has a personality disorder that is not otherwise specified. This diagnosis is used for those who have a personality disorder that does not fit the characteristics of the other classified disorders, or if the physician feels that a patient has a personality disorder that fits one of the general categories, but does not yet have enough information to properly classify it.

It can often be tempting to self-diagnose. If you feel that you may be suffering from one of these personality disorders please contact your physician, psychologist, or other health care professional.