subject: Brisbane Psychologist What Are The Types Of Personality Disorders? Know Your Disorder Type! [print this page] A personality disorder is a condition in which an individual exhibits traits that are markedly different from those accepted by the society the individual is part. The traits are part and parcel of the individual and arise from their upbringing. These traits are not easily identifiable in early childhood but become distinct in late adolescence and early adulthood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM), personality disorders can be grouped into three broad categories:
1) Odd/Eccentric personality disorders. In this group are paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders. The traits associated with the disorders are as shown
i. Paranoid personality disorders:
Harboring of a habitual suspicion of the intention of others
Ever on guard against potential threats
Very low levels of trust in people
Proneness to sudden anger
Harboring of intense jealousy
Chronic irritability
ii. Schizoid personality disorder
Indifference to personal relationships
Emotional shallowness
Inability to sustain close friendships
Inability to experience pressure from positive events
Opting for solitude and solitary occupations
Few to non existent social skills
iii. Schizotypal personality disorder
Shunning of close relationships
Peculiar way of talking, acting and dressing
Social anxiety when in the presence of people
Overly self-conscious even in familiar environments
Inability to maintain close friendships; social interaction limited to close family members.
2) Dramatic/Emotional/Erratic personality disorders. Personality disorders, according to Brisbane psychologist, in this group include histrionic, narcissistic, borderline and antisocial personality disorders
i. Histrionic personalities
Attention getting behavior which include seductiveness
Exaggerated emotional displays
Insatiable longing to be the center of attention
Pretext to having inner confidence when emotionally weak
Fear of genuine autonomy
Need for approval and acceptance
ii. Narcissistic personality disorder
Inflated sense of self importance
Belief in the right to special privileges
Overconfidence in their abilities
Easily outraged when criticized
The lack of empathy for the suffering of others
Emotional exploitation for personal gain
Envious of others and convinced of others envy of them
iii. Borderline personality disorder
Impulsivity leading to poorly thought out decisions
Frequent change in mood
Inconsistent interpersonal relationships
Faltering self-image
Unpredictable behavior
Display of psychotic symptoms when under pressure
Potential to engage in destructive behavior
iv. Antisocial personality disorder
Exuberant display of charm and charisma
Domination of others in relationships
Ease in forming friendships
Lack of remorse and empathy for others
Ease in inflicting physical and emotional hurt
Use of intimidation to achieve selfish ends
Displays of hostility and cruelty
Other personality disorders include dependant, passive aggressive, obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. For further clarification on the personality disorders you should consider visiting a Brisbane psychologist if you live in the areas of Marsden, Bethania, Logan Creek and Loganholme.
