Psychological Disorders 577Personality Disorders: I’m Okay, It’s
Everyone Else Who’s Weird
Personality disorders are a little different from other psychological disorders in that the dis-
order does not affect merely one aspect of the person’s life, such as a higher-than- normal
level of anxiety or a set of distorted beliefs, but instead affects the entire life adjustment
of the person. The disorder is the personality itself, not one aspect of it. However, despite
personality disorders affecting the entire person, current research suggests they are not
always life-long in nature as once believed.
Categories of Personality Disorders
14.15 Classify different types of personality disorders.
In personality disorder, a person has an excessively rigid, maladaptive pattern
of behavior and ways of relating to others (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). This rigidity and the inability to adapt to social demands and life changes
make it very difficult for the individual with a personality disorder to fit in with
others or have relatively normal social relationships. The DSM-5 lists 10 primary
types of personality disorder across three basic categories (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013): those in which the people are seen as odd or eccentric by oth-
ers ( Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal), those in which the behavior of the person is
very dramatic, emotional, or erratic (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic),
and those in which the main emotion is anxiety or fearfulness (Avoidant, Depen-
dent, Obsessive-Compulsive). These categories are labeled Cluster A, Cluster B, and
Cluster C, respectively.
ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER One of the most well researched of the per-
sonality disorders is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). People with ASPD
are literally “against society.” The antisocial person may habitually break the law,
disobey rules, tell lies, and use other people without worrying about their rights or
feelings. The person with ASPD may be irritable or aggressive. These individuals
may not keep promises or other obligations and are consistently irresponsible. They
may also seem indifferent or able to rationalize taking advantage of or hurting oth-
ers. Typically they borrow money or belongings and don’t bother to repay the debt
or return the items, they are impulsive, they don’t keep their commitments either
socially or in their jobs, and they tend to be very selfish, self-centered, and manipula-
tive. There is a definite gender difference in ASPD, with many more males diagnosed
with this disorder than females (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER People with borderline personality
disorder (BLPD) have relationships with other people that are intense and relatively
unstable. They are impulsive, have an unstable sense of self, and are intensely fearful
of abandonment. Life goals, career choices, friendships, and even sexual behavior
may change quickly and dramatically. Close personal and romantic relationships are
marked by extreme swings from idealization to demonization. Periods of depression
are not unusual, and some may engage in excessive spending, drug abuse, or suicidal
behavior (suicide attempts may be part of the manipulation used against others in
a relationship). Emotions are often inappropriate and excessive, with a pattern of
self- destructiveness, chronic loneliness, and disruptive anger in close relationships
( American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The frequency of this disorder in women is
nearly three times greater than in men (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
personality disorders
disorders in which a person adopts
a persistent, rigid, and maladaptive
pattern of behavior that interferes
with normal social interactions.antisocial personality disorder
(ASPD)
disorder in which a person uses other
people without worrying about their
rights or feelings and often behaves
in an impulsive or reckless manner
without regard for the consequences
of that behavior.borderline personality disorder
(BLPD)
maladaptive personality pattern in
which the person is moody, unstable,
lacks a clear sense of identity, and
often clings to others with a pattern
of self-destructiveness, chronic
loneliness, and disruptive anger in
close relationships.