Disease: Personality Disorders
Symptoms: Types of personality disorders are grouped into three clusters, based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people with one personality disorder also have signs and symptoms of at least one additional personality disorder. It's not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed. Cluster A personality disorders Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder  Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others and their motives Unjustified belief that others are trying to harm or deceive you Unjustified suspicion of the loyalty or trustworthiness of others Hesitancy to confide in others due to unreasonable fear that others will use the information against you Perception of innocent remarks or nonthreatening situations as personal insults or attacks Angry or hostile reaction to perceived slights or insults Tendency to hold grudges Unjustified, recurrent suspicion that spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful  Schizoid personality disorder  Lack of interest in social or personal relationships, preferring to be alone Limited range of emotional expression Inability to take pleasure in most activities Inability to pick up normal social cues Appearance of being cold or indifferent to others Little or no interest in having sex with another person  Schizotypal personality disorder  Peculiar dress, thinking, beliefs, speech or behavior Odd perceptual experiences, such as hearing a voice whisper your name Flat emotions or inappropriate emotional responses Social anxiety and a lack of or discomfort with close relationships Indifferent, inappropriate or suspicious response to others "Magical thinking" — believing you can influence people and events with your thoughts Belief that certain casual incidents or events have hidden messages meant only for you  Cluster B personality disorders Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder  Disregard for others' needs or feelings Persistent lying, stealing, using aliases, conning others Recurring problems with the law Repeated violation of the rights of others Aggressive, often violent behavior Disregard for the safety of self or others Impulsive behavior Consistently irresponsible Lack of remorse for behavior  Borderline personality disorder  Impulsive and risky behavior, such as having unsafe sex, gambling or binge eating Unstable or fragile self-image Unstable and intense relationships Up and down moods, often as a reaction to interpersonal stress Suicidal behavior or threats of self-injury Intense fear of being alone or abandoned Ongoing feelings of emptiness Frequent, intense displays of anger Stress-related paranoia that comes and goes  Histrionic personality disorder  Constantly seeking attention Excessively emotional, dramatic or sexually provocative to gain attention Speaks dramatically with strong opinions, but few facts or details to back them up Easily influenced by others Shallow, rapidly changing emotions Excessive concern with physical appearance Thinks relationships with others are closer than they really are  Narcissistic personality disorder  Belief that you're special and more important than others Fantasies about power, success and attractiveness Failure to recognize others' needs and feelings Exaggeration of achievements or talents Expectation of constant praise and admiration Arrogance Unreasonable expectations of favors and advantages, often taking advantage of others Envy of others or belief that others envy you  Cluster C personality disorders Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. They include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Avoidant personality disorder  Too sensitive to criticism or rejection Feeling inadequate, inferior or unattractive Avoidance of work activities that require interpersonal contact Socially inhibited, timid and isolated, avoiding new activities or meeting strangers Extreme shyness in social situations and personal relationships Fear of disapproval, embarrassment or ridicule  Dependent personality disorder  Excessive dependence on others and feeling the need to be taken care of Submissive or clingy behavior toward others Fear of having to provide self-care or fend for yourself if left alone Lack of self-confidence, requiring excessive advice and reassurance from others to make even small decisions Difficulty starting or doing projects on your own due to lack of self-confidence Difficulty disagreeing with others, fearing disapproval Tolerance of poor or abusive treatment, even when other options are available Urgent need to start a new relationship when a close one has ended  Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder  Preoccupation with details, orderliness and rules Extreme perfectionism, resulting in dysfunction and distress when perfection is not achieved, such as feeling unable to finish a project because you don't meet your own strict standards Desire to be in control of people, tasks and situations, and inability to delegate tasks Neglect of friends and enjoyable activities because of excessive commitment to work or a project Inability to discard broken or worthless objects Rigid and stubborn Inflexible about morality, ethics or values Tight, miserly control over budgeting and spending money  Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. When to see a doctor If you have any signs or symptoms of a personality disorder, see your doctor or other primary care professional or a mental health professional. Untreated, personality disorders can cause significant problems in your life that may get worse without treatment.