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Personality Disorders
Those
who struggle with a personality disorder have great difficulty dealing with
other people. They tend to be inflexible, rigid, and unable to respond to
changes and demands of life. Although they feel that their behavior patterns are
"normal" or "right," people with personality disorders tend to have a narrow
view of the world and find it difficult to participate in social activities.
Types of Personality Disorders
There
are many formally identified personality disorders, each with their own set of
behaviors and symptoms. Many of these fall into three different categories or
clusters:
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Cluster A: Odd or eccentric behavior
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Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional or erratic behavior
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Cluster C: Anxious fearful behavior
Cluster A
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Schizoid Personality Disorder-
Schizoid personalities are introverted,
withdrawn, solitary, emotionally cold and distant. They are often absorbed
with their own thoughts and feelings and are fearful of closeness and intimacy
with others.
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Paranoid Personality Disorder-
The essential feature for this type of
personality disorder is interpreting the actions of others as deliberately
threatening or demeaning. People with paranoid personality disorder are
untrusting, unforgiving, and prone to angry or aggressive outbursts without
justification because they perceive others as unfaithful, disloyal,
condescending or deceitful. This type of person may also be jealous, guarded,
secretive, and scheming, and may appear to be emotionally "cold" or
excessively serious.
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Schizotypal Personality Disorder-
A pattern of peculiarities best describes
those with schozotypal personality disorder. People may have odd or eccentric
manners of speaking or dressing. Strange, outlandish or paranoid beliefs and
thoughts are common. People with schizotypal personality disorder have
difficulties forming relationships and experience extreme anxiety in social
situations. They may react inappropriately or not react at all during a
conversation or they may talk to themselves. They also display signs of
"magical thinking" by saying they can see into the future or read other
people's minds.
Cluster B
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Antisocial Personality Disorder-
People with antisocial personality disorder
characteristically act out their conflicts and ignore normal rules of social
behavior. These individuals are impulsive, irresponsible, and callous.
Typically, the antisocial personality has a history of legal difficulties,
belligerent and irresponsible behavior, aggressive and even violent
relationships. They show no respect for other people and feel no remorse about
the effects of their behaviors on others. These individuals are at high risk
for substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse, sense it relieves tension,
irritability and boredom.
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Borderline Personality Disorder-
Individuals who suffer from borderline
personality disorder are unstable in several areas, including interpersonal
relationships, behavior, mood, and self-image. Abrupt and extreme mood
changes, stormy interpersonal relationships, and unstable and fluctuating self
image, unpredictable and self-destructive actions characterize the person with
borderline personality disorder. These individuals generally have great
difficulty with their own sense of identity. They often experience the world
in extremes, viewing others as either "all good" or "all bad". A person with
borderline personality may form an intense personal attachment with someone
only too quickly dissolve it over a perceived slight. Other features also
include fears of abandonment, self mutilation, recurrent suicidal gestures,
impulsive actions, chronic boredom, and bouts of inappropriate anger.
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Narcissistic Personality Disorder-
People with narcissistic personality disorder
have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, are absorbed by fantasies of
unlimited success, and seek constant attention. The narcissistic personality
is oversensitive to failure and often complains of multiple somatic symptoms.
Prone to extreme mood swings between self-admiration and insecurity, these
people tend to exploit interpersonal relationships.
Cluster C
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Avoidant Personality Disorder-
Avoidant personalities are often
hypersensitive to rejection and are unwilling to become involved with others
unless they are sure of being liked. Excessive social discomfort, timidity,
fear of criticism, avoidance of social or work activities that involve
interpersonal contact are characteristic of the avoidant personality. They are
fearful of saying something considered foolish by others; worry they will
blush or cry in front of others; and are very hurt by any disapproval by
others. People with avoidant personality disorder may have no close
relationships outside of their family circle, although they would like to, and
are upset at their inability to relate well to others.
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Dependent Personality Disorder-
People with dependent personality disorder may
exhibit a pattern of dependent and submissive behavior, relying on others to
make decisions for them. They require excessive reassurance and advice, and
are easily hurt by criticism or disapproval. They feel uncomfortable and
helpless if they are alone, and can be devastated when a close relationship
ends. They have a strong fear of rejection. Typically lacking in self
confidence, the dependent personality rarely initiates projects or does things
independently.
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Compulsive Personality Disorder-
Compulsive personalities are conscientious and
have high levels of aspiration, but they also strive for perfection. Never
satisfied with their achievements, people with compulsive personality disorder
take on more and more responsibilities. They are reliable, dependable,
orderly, and methodical, but their inflexibility often makes them incapable of
adapting to change circumstances. People with compulsive personality are
highly cautious, weigh all aspects of a problem, and pay attention to every
detail, making it difficult for them to complete tasks or make decisions.
Treatment of the Personality Disorder
There
are many types of help available for the different personality disorders.
Treatment may include individual, group, or family psychotherapy. Medications,
prescribed by the consumer's physician, may also be helpful in relieving some of
the symptoms of personality disorders, especially problems with anxiety and
perceptions.
Psychotherapy for consumers with personality disorders focuses on helping them
see the internal conflicts that are contributing to or causing their symptoms.
It also helps people to become more flexible and is aimed at reducing behavior
patterns that interfere with everyday living. In therapy, people with
personality disorders can better recognize the effects of their behavior on
others. Behavior and cognitive therapies focus upon resolving symptoms or traits
that are characteristic of the disorder, such as the inability to make important
life decisions or the inability to initiate relationships.
Personality Disorders
Reference: Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Mental Health
Information Center
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