Personality Disorder Clusters in Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology focuses on the features, causes, and symptoms of mental conditions that interfere with an individual’s ability to lead a full, healthy life. Personality disorders are an important concept within the field.

Broadly, a personality consists of an individual’s beliefs, thoughts, and actions, and influences how the individual interacts with and interprets their surroundings. Most people have useful and harmful aspects to their personality, which can be refined through personal development.

In the case of a personality disorder, the defining features of an individual’s personality are so beyond the expectations and norms of their culture that they may find it difficult to reach their full potential.

There may be genetic factors that predispose an individual to personality disorders. Patient history often shows childhood trauma or neglect. However, positive factors such as healthy friendship or emotional support can prevent an individual from internalizing harmful traits. Symptoms of personality disorders tend to appear in mid- to late adolescence.

Since any individual can exhibit traits of these disorders to some degree, diagnosis only applies to individuals who meet most of the criteria. Further, a clinical psychologist would not diagnose a patient without analyzing the individual’s behavior patterns over a long period. People are rarely diagnosed before the age of 18, as the personality is still under development.

In the United States, mainstream psychology recognizes 10 personality disorders, each of which falls into one of three clusters.

Cluster A includes odd or eccentric disorders. Personality disorders in this cluster are characterized by social isolation and withdrawal, albeit for different reasons. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder experience distorted thinking patterns that amplify feelings of distrust and defensiveness, while schizoid personality disorder manifests as a limited range of emotions and a lack of interest in social situations. Schizotypal personality disorder shares many of the features of schizophrenia, including unique and fantastical belief systems and perceptual hallucinations.

Cluster B disorders are defined by dramatic or erratic behaviors. The outcomes of these disorders include difficult relationships, impulsive behaviors, and unstable lifestyles.

Within Cluster B, borderline personality disorder involves an immense fear of abandonment and impulsivity. Individuals with histrionic personality disorder, meanwhile, may perform exaggerated actions to garner attention. Both narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder entail viewing others as a means to an end. However, the antisocial personality does not consider the emotions or feelings of themselves or others, whereas in the narcissistic personality, the individual believes their own feelings prevail over others.

Cluster C disorders share the same traits of fearfulness and anxiety. The triggers and coping mechanisms differ in each personality type. The avoidant personality harbors a severe fear of rejection. Individuals with this disorder may completely avoid interacting with others as a way to manage their fear.

On the other hand, individuals with dependent personality disorder are afraid of responsibility and independence. In this case, they may lean too heavily on others, which can put them at risk for abuse. The obsessive-compulsive personality is marked by rigidity and a need for control. For these individuals, their excessive perfectionism interferes with daily life.

Due to the nature of these conditions, it can be difficult to treat individuals with personality disorders. They may not realize that their internal experience differs so greatly from other people’s. However, there are effective treatments for those who do seek help. Most psychologists recommend a multifaceted approach that includes talk therapy and medication targeted to specific symptoms.

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