What are the different types of personality disorders?

Personality disorders diagnoses are grouped into 3 groups, A, B, and C.


Why classify mental health disorders?

DSM 5 contains descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It provides a common language for clinicians to communicate about their patients and establishes consistent and reliable diagnoses that can be used in research on mental disorders. However, some psychologists argue that it is not helpful to be seen as "labelling" an individual and that this 'label' may blind the psychologist from identifying other factors affecting the patient, or cause the clinician to conceptualise all of the client's behaviour from a single framework. Dr. Richard Smith from the London Psychologist Clinic believes that classification should only be used when it will be helpful to the individual, 'some patients come to the clinic and actively seek out a formal diagnosis to help them better understand their condition and seek out the best therapy options, however sometimes classifying the mental health problem will not help the individual and it is not necessary to label the situation before solving it. Psychologists know the reason, causes, effects, and treatment plans best suitable for the problem and if a classification will not help the patient, or could cause distress, then it doesn't need to be provided'.

Group A personality disorders

People who live with group A personality disorders can find it hard tolerate to other people. Their behaviour might seem odd or eccentric. They may have issues in social situations. Paranoid personality disorder. If you have been diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder, you may be suspicious of others without good reason. This can make you feel that other people are being unpleasant to you, even though this isn't true. You might feel easily rejected or hold grudges.

Schizoid personality disorder
If you live with schizoid personality disorder, you may have few social relationships and might prefer to be alone. You may not enjoy or want to be part of a close relationship. This might include being part of a family. You might appear cold and removed from situations.

Schizotypal personality disorder
If you live with schizotypal personality disorder, you may have problems with starting and keeping relationships with other people. You might have strange thoughts, feel paranoid and have odd behaviour or appearance. You might have an inappropriate display of feelings.

Group B personality disorders

People with group B personality disorders can find it hard to control their emotions.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
Being diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder may mean you are impulsive and reckless. It might mean you don't think about how your
actions affect other people. You may get easily frustrated, aggressive and be prone to violence. You may lie to get what you want. Others may see this as acting selfishly and without guilt. You may blame others for problems you are having in your life.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
You may have strong emotions, mood swings, and feelings you can't cope if you live with BPD. You may feel anxious and distressed a lot of the time. You might have problems with how you see yourself and your identity. You may self-harm or use drugs and alcohol to cope with these feelings. This can affect the relationships you have with other people. BPD is also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and emotional intensity disorder (EID).

Histrionic personality disorder
If you live with histrionic personality disorder, you may like being the centre of attention. You may feel anxious about being ignored. This can
cause you to be lively and over-dramatic. You may become bored with normal routines, worry a lot about your appearance and want to be noticed. You might be easily influenced by others. This can sometimes lead to experiencing depression.

Narcissistic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder can mean you have a high sense of self importance. You may fantasise about unlimited success and want attention and admiration.
You may feel you're more entitled to things than other people are. You might act selfishly to gain success and be unwilling or unable to acknowledge the feelings or needs of others. You may also find that you're very sensitive to criticism or comments that others make about you.

Group C personality disorders

People with group C personality disorders have strong feelings of fear or anxiety.

Dependent personality disorder
If you live with dependent personality disorder, you may allow other people to take responsibility for parts of your life. You might not have much self confidence or be unable to do things alone. You may find that you put your own needs after the needs of others and feel hopeless or fear being alone or abandoned. You might also feel abandoned by others or let them make decisions for you.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
This is also known as anankastic personality disorder. If you live with this condition, you may feel anxious about things that seem unorganised or 'messy'. Everything you do must be just right, and nothing can be left to chance. You may be very cautious about things and think a lot about small details. You might have problems completing tasks due to your own high standards. Others may see you as being controlling. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is different to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, you may believe your actions are justified. People with OCD tend to realise that their behaviour isn't rational.


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