What Are the Different Types of Personality Disorders?

What Are the Different Types of Personality Disorders?

man dissociating while considering types of personality disorders

There are many different kinds of mental health concerns that might lead someone to seek treatment. From depression and anxiety to personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD), these conditions can impact every aspect of someone’s life. Fortunately, with the right treatment, those living with personality disorders can gain insight and understanding into how to manage their symptoms in a positive way. Understanding the different types of personality disorders and the types of treatments available is a crucial first step in finding a path to better mental health.

If you’re in need of personality disorder treatment, Peer Mental Wellness can help. Through both evidence-based and holistic approaches to treatment, we can help you find the best path for your particular needs. Reach out to our team at 714.844.5473 to discover if our outpatient programming can help you heal.

Understanding Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are types of mental health issues that involve disruptions in the way a person thinks, behaves, and relates to other people. People living with personality disorders can often find it difficult to experience and maintain healthy relationships or even complete everyday tasks.

There are ten types of personality disorders that are divided into three types:

  • Cluster A – Paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.
  • Cluster B – Narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
  • Cluster C – Avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Each type of personality disorder has its own set of symptoms that may include impulsivity, a lack of empathy, aggression, difficulties with emotion regulation, and intense fear of abandonment.

Breaking Down the Types of Personality Disorders

Paranoid Personality Disorder

This type of personality disorder causes people to be suspicious and distrustful of everyone around them. This can lead to paranoia, over-analyzing situations, and always expecting the worst.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

This type of personality disorder is characterized by a lack of desire to form social relationships and difficulty with emotional expression.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Those living with this type of personality disorder can find it difficult to form relationships, experience extreme anxiety in social situations, and have unusual ideas or beliefs about the world.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

When it comes to narcissistic personality disorder, people can be overly focused on their own needs and desires. They may also find it difficult to take responsibility for the things they do and have a tendency to blame others.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

While those living with histrionic personality disorder can be charming, they may also be overly dramatic and attention-seeking. This can lead to difficulties forming meaningful relationships.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

People with this type of personality disorder may have difficulty following rules, experience aggressive or reckless behavior, and engage in criminal activity.

Borderline Personality Disorder

People living with borderline personality disorder often struggle with extreme mood swings, difficulty managing emotions, and unstable relationships.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Those living with avoidant personality disorder usually experience extreme social anxiety, feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and fear of rejection.

Dependent Personality Disorder

People with this type of personality disorder have difficulty making decisions and may be overly dependent on other people.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Finally, those living with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder can be overly focused on orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

Personality Disorder Treatment at Peer Mental Wellness Can Help

At Peer Mental Wellness, we understand the difficulties that come with living with a personality disorder. We offer individualized programming to help you identify and work through the challenges that you face. Our team is here to provide support, structure, and guidance throughout your experience with us.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier life, get in touch with us today by calling 714.844.5473 or by reaching out online.