Introduction to the DSM Personality Disorders

Introduction to the DSM Personality Disorders BPD Related Conditions Print Introduction to the DSM Personality Disorders By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 06, 2020 Joe Houghton/Getty Images More in BPD Related Conditions Diagnosis Treatment Living With BPD Personality disorders include 10 diagnosable psychiatric conditions that are recognized and described in the fifth and most recent version of the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  (DSM-5). Each is a distinct mental illness and not, as the name suggests, a flaw or quirk in someones personality but rather are defined by personality styles that can be troubling enough to create problems with relating to other people in healthy, normal ways. Note, though, that there are many comorbidities between personality disorders, meaning that a person who meets the criteria for one personality disorder will often also meet criteria for one or more additional personality disorders.?? One recent study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, found that about 85% of people with borderline personality disorder also meet diagnostic criteria for at least one other personality or mood disorder. Personality disorders tend to appear in adolescence or early adulthood, continue over many years, and cause a great deal of distress. During that time they can cause enormous conflict with other people, cause relationships to fail or prevent them from developing in the first place, interfere with someones ability to function appropriately in social situations and get in the way of reaching life goals. How to Cope With a Personality Disorder Clusters The DSM-5 organizes the ten personality disorders into three groups, or clusters, based on shared key features. Cluster A These personality disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior. People with Cluster A personality disorders tend to experience major disruptions in relationships because their behavior may be perceived as peculiar, suspicious, or detached. Cluster A personality disorders include: Schizotypal Personality Disorder features odd speech, behavior, and appearance, as well as strange beliefs and difficulty forming relationships.Paranoid Personality Disorder affects between 1 percent and 2 percent of adults in the U.S. Symptoms include chronic, pervasive distrust of other people; suspicion of being deceived or exploited by others, including friends, family, and partners; angry outbursts in response to deception; and cold, secretive, or jealous behavior.Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by social isolation and indifference toward other people. It affects more men than women. People with this relatively rare disorder often are described as cold or withdrawn, rarely have close relationships with other people and may be preoccupied with introspection and fantasy. Cluster B The Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic or erratic behavior. People who have a personality disorder from this cluster tend to either experience very intense emotions or engage in extremely impulsive, theatrical, promiscuous, or law-breaking behaviors. Cluster B personality disorders include: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by emotional instability, intense interpersonal relationships, and impulsive behaviors.Histrionic Personality Disorder features a need to always be the center of attention that often leads to socially inappropriate behavior in order to get attention. People with this disorder may have frequent mood swings as well.Antisocial Personality Disorder tends to show up in childhood, unlike most other personality disorders that dont appear until adolescence or young adulthood. Symptoms include a disregard for rules and social norms and a lack of empathy for other people.Narcissistic Personality Disorder is associated with self-centeredness, exaggerated self-image, and lack of empathy for others. Cluster C   Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxiety. Individuals with personality disorders in this cluster tend to experience pervasive anxiety and/or fearfulness. Cluster C personality disorders include: Dependent Personality Disorder involves fear of being alone and often causes those to have the disorder to do things to try to get other people to take care of them.Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and control of relationships. Its not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Avoidant Personality Disorder can show up during childhood. Its characterized by a disregard for rules and lack of empathy and remorse. Treatment   Unlike with mood disorders such as clinical depression and bipolar disorder, there are remarkably few studies on how to effectively treat personality disorders. And In general, many experts believe that personality disorders are difficult to treat because they are, by definition, long-standing patterns of personality. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lists several types of psychotherapy that may be useful for treating personality disorders:?? Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teaches coping skills and strategies for dealing with urges related to self-harm and suicide, regulating emotions, and improving relationships.Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT as stated by NAMI is to recognize negative thoughts and learn effective coping strategies.Mentalization-based therapy (MBT)  teaches people to notice internal states and to develop empathy for others. Medication can be useful to treat depression or anxiety thats caused by a personality disorder. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs