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The Psychology of Personality

Personality Disorders

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are long-standing patterns of behavior, thought, and feelings that are significantly different from cultural expectations and cause distress and problems in functioning. These disorders are typically diagnosed in adulthood and can be difficult to treat.

Clusters of Personality Disorders

There are three clusters of personality disorders:

  • Cluster A, which includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders;
  • Cluster B, which includes borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders; and
  • Cluster C, which includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Borderline Personality Disorder

One of the most well-known personality disorders is borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by instability in relationships, mood, and self-image. People with borderline personality disorder often have intense and unstable emotions, difficulty regulating their emotions, and a fear of abandonment.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Another personality disorder that is often discussed is narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.

Causes and Treatment

Personality disorders are often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for personality disorders typically involves therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy. In some cases, medication may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.

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