Written by Elif Gülce Batgi
The element of being ourselves, our personality, has a complicated structure while being formed and after it is completely formed. It can be affected by a lot of variables that we have been exposed to in our lives, such as our childhood, meaning the environment that we grew up in and which society’s behaviors we emulate; our experiences may cause our personalities to change and even reform. Our age is also an effective variable for our personality to form because, while growing up, especially as we become adults, our responsibility for and awareness of things that we were not aware of before increase. These are some of the things that play a role in our personalities. However, this process does not always continue in a healthy manner. Some disorders may occur during the process. These disorders are called personality disorders and have different types.
Cluster A Personality Disorders (Odd or eccentric behavior):
Paranoid Personality Disorder: People who have this disorder are always suspicious of other people. They assume that people will harm or deceive them.
Schizoid Personality Disorder: This disorder represents people who detach from emotional relationships and avoid social activities. It also facilitates awkward interactions with others (1).
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: This disorder consists of being uncomfortable with close relationships and social interactions (2). They have distorted views of reality, superstitions, and unusual behaviors (2).
(Image Credit: https://empowercommunityhealth.org/odd-personality-disorders/.)
Cluster B Personality Disorders (Dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior):
Antisocial Personality Disorder: People who have this disorder may want to break social norms and refuse responsibility for their actions and behaviors. They may go overboard with such actions that may harm other people around them, such as lying and stealing, aggression, violence, or illegal behavior (3).
Borderline Personality Disorder: This disorder reflects the instability of moods, fear of abandonment, extreme emotional outbursts, deliberate self-harm, and fragile sense of self or identity (3).
Histrionic Personality Disorder: People who have this disorder may feel uncomfortable not being the center of attention. They might try different things to draw attention, such as their physical appearance or having rapidly shifting or exaggerated emotions (4).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: This disorder is probably the only one you are familiar with. It represents having an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a lack of empathy and concern for others. These behaviors often stem from low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence (5).
(Image Credit:https://www.thehumancapitalhub.com/articles/cluster-b-personality-disorders-everything-you-need-to-know.)
Cluster C Personality Disorders (Anxious fearful behavior):
Avoidant Personality Disorder: People who have this disorder are afraid of being criticized and rejected by others; they abstain from saying something because they don’t want to be seen as fools; and they are also afraid of blushing or crying in front of others (6).
Dependent Personality Disorder: People with this disorder have close relationships with someone who cannot make independent decisions. They also have a strong fear of being alone and want to be constantly looked after (3).
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: This disorder represents perfectionism, wanting extreme feelings of having control over everything, and being obsessed with orderliness.
(Image Credit: https://empowercommunityhealth.org/anxious-personality-disorders/.)
Personality disorders, like any other disorder type, have treatment models. The most effective long-term treatment is psychotherapy. Psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists can help them to notice themselves and their abnormal behaviors. These insights help them manage their symptoms, reform their behaviors, and develop satisfying relationships. Psychotherapy methods include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. They can consult medicine as well.
References:
Schizoid personality disorder: Symptoms & treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23030-schizoid-personality-disorder.
Schizotypal personality disorder: Symptoms & treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23061-schizotypal-personality-disorder.
Personality disorders: An overview. (2021, December 23). Trusted Health Advice | healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personality-disorders.
Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a moment... https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders/what-are-personality-disorders.
Personality disorders: Types, causes, symptoms & treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview.
Personality disorder. (n.d.). Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/personality-disorder.
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