Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions that
involve persistent and disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood, and relating
to others. These patterns cause significant distress and impair a person’s ability to
function effectively .
Here are some key points about personality disorders:
1. Definition: Personality is the unique way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that
distinguishes an individual from others. When an individual’s way of thinking,
feeling, and behaving deviates from cultural expectations, causes distress, and
persists over time, it may be classified as a personality disorder.
2. Characteristics: Personality disorders exhibit long-term patterns of behavior
and inner experiences that significantly differ from what is expected. They affect
at least two of the following areas:
o Way of thinking about oneself and others
o Way of responding emotionally
o Way of relating to other people
o Way of controlling one’s behavior
3. Types: There are 10 specific types of personality disorders recognized in the
DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,
Text Revision). Some examples include:
o Antisocial Personality Disorder: Characterized by a pattern of
disregarding or violating the rights of others.
o Avoidant Personality Disorder: Involves extreme shyness, feelings of
inadequacy, and sensitivity to criticism.
o Borderline Personality Disorder: Exhibits instability in personal
relationships, intense emotions, poor self-image, and impulsivity.
o Dependent Personality Disorder: Features a pattern of needing to be
taken care of and submissive behavior.
o Histrionic Personality Disorder: Displays excessive emotion and
attention-seeking behavior.
o Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Manifests as a need for admiration
and lack of empathy for others.
4. Causes: Personality disorders are believed to result from a combination
of genetic and environmental factors.
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) no
longer uses the multi-axial system that was present in the previous edition (DSM-IV).
In the DSM-IV, diagnoses were organized into five different axes, each providing distinct
information about a diagnosis. Let’s explore the previous multi-axial system and its
components:
1. Axis I: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders:
o This axis focused on clinical disorders, including conditions
like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
o It encompassed a wide range of mental health issues.
2. Axis II: Personality Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities:
o Axis II covered personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality
disorder, narcissistic personality disorder) and intellectual
disabilities.
o These conditions often persisted over time and influenced an individual’s
overall functioning.
3. Axis III: General Medical Conditions:
o This axis included any physical health conditions that might impact
mental health.
o Examples were diabetes, hypertension, or chronic pain.
4. Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Factors:
o Axis IV considered psychosocial stressors and environmental
factors affecting an individual.
o These factors could include life events, trauma, or social support.
5. Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF):
o The GAF score represented an overall assessment of an
individual’s psychosocial functioning.
o It ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better functioning.
Cluster A- Weird- characterized by odd, quirky, or eccentric behaviors and thoughts.
People with these disorders often appear strange or peculiar to others.
Cluster B- Wild- characterized by dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable
thinking or behavior. Individuals with these disorders may have intense, unstable
emotions and relationships.
Cluster C- Worried- characterized by anxious and fearful behavior or thoughts.
Individuals might appear extremely shy, fearful, or overly dependent on others
