Personality Disorders

Abnormal Psychology
ADP-1 st -1M (2023-2025 Fall)
Course Instructor: Mr. Ahmed Ikram
Personality

 Personality is defining who we are as individuals.

 It involves a unique blend of traits including attitudes, thoughts and behaviors
as well as how we express these traits in our interactions with others and with
the world around us.
Personality Disorder

 A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting,

disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others.

 These patterns cause a person significant distress and/or impair their ability to
function.

 Personality disorders may cause distorted perceptions of reality, abnormal

behaviors and distress across various aspects of life, including work,
relationships and social functioning.

 Additionally, people with a personality disorder may not recognize their

troubling behaviors or the negative effect they have on others.
Types of Personality Disorders

 The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is

the standard reference publication for recognized mental illnesses, organizes
the 10 types of personality disorders into three main clusters (categories).
 Each cluster has different symptoms in common.
Cluster A Personality Disorders

 Cluster A personality disorders involve unusual and eccentric thinking or

behaviors.
 Paranoid Personality Disorder
 Schizoid Personality Disorder
 Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Cluster B Personality Disorders

 Cluster B personality disorders involve dramatic and erratic behaviors. People

with these types of conditions display intense, unstable emotions and impulsive
behaviors.
 Cluster B personality disorders include.
 Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
 Histrionic Personality Disorder
 Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Cluster C personality disorders

 Cluster C personality disorders involve severe anxiety and fear.

 Avoidant Personality Disorder
 Dependent Personality Disorder
 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
Who do personality disorders affect?

 Almost all people diagnosed with personality disorders are above the age of
18.
 One exception to this is antisocial personality disorder approximately 80% of
people with this disorder will have started to show symptoms by the age of
11.
How common are personality disorders?

 Approximately 9% of adults in the U.S. have some type of personality disorder,

and about 6% of the global population has a personality disorder.
 Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder are
the most frequently diagnosed personality disorders.
Symptoms of Personality Disorders

 Each of the 10 types of personality disorders has its own specific signs and
symptoms.
 But, in general, personality disorders involve problems with:
 Identity and a sense of self People with a personality disorder generally lack a
clear or stable image of themselves, and how they see themselves often changes
depending on the situation or the people they’re with.
 Their self-esteem may be unrealistically high or low.
 Relationships People with a personality disorder struggle to form close, stable
relationships with others due to their problematic beliefs and behaviors.
 They may lack empathy or respect for others, be emotionally detached or be overly
needy of attention and care.
Cont…

 Another different signs of personality disorders is that most people who have one
often have little to no insight or self-awareness of how their thoughts and behaviors
are problematic.
 It’s important to understand the difference between personality types and personality
disorders.
 A person who is shy or likes to spend time alone doesn’t necessarily have an avoidant
or schizoid personality disorder.
 How the person’s personality affects different parts of their life, including:
 Work
 Relationships
 Feelings/emotions
 Self-identity
 Awareness of reality
 Behavior and impulse control
 Some general signs of people with a personality disorder include:

 Their behavior is inconsistent, frustrating and confusing to loved ones and other
people they interact with.
 They may have issues understanding realistic and acceptable ways to treat others
and behave around them.
 They may be unaware of how their behaviors cause problems for themselves
and/or others.
 If they’re a parent, their parenting style may be detached, overemotional,
abusive or irresponsible
 This can sometimes lead to physical, emotional or mental issues in their children.
 Causes Personality Disorders

 Genetics Scientists have identified a malfunctioning gene that may be a factor in

obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
 Brain changes Researchers have identified subtle brain differences in people with
certain personality disorders.
 Childhood trauma One study revealed a link between childhood traumas and the
development of personality disorders.
 Verbal abuse People who experienced verbal abuse as children were three times as
likely to have borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive or paranoid personality
disorders in adulthood.
 Cultural factors Cultural factors may also play a role in the development of personality
disorders, as demonstrated by the varying rates of personality disorders between
different countries.
How are Personality Disorders Diagnosed?

 People with a personality disorder typically don’t seek help or a diagnosis for
their condition.
 Instead, their loved ones or a social agency may refer them to a mental
health professional because their behavior causes difficulty for others.
 Personality disorders are generally underdiagnosed because providers
sometimes focus on the symptoms of anxiety or depression, which are much
more common in the general population than personality disorders.
Prognosis

 Since people with personality disorders often don’t seek proper medical attention, the overall
prognosis for personality disorders is poor.
 Untreated personality disorders may result in:
 Poor relationships
 Occupational difficulties
 Impaired social functioning
 Studies show that personality disorders are associated with elevated rates of:
 Unemployment
 Divorce
 Domestic abuse
 Substance use
 Homelessness
 Crime (especially antisocial personality disorder)
Cluster A Personality Disorders

 1. Paranoid Personality Disorder

 Paranoid Personality Disorder often interpret the actions of others as intentionally
harmful or demeaning.
 They may be hyper-vigilant, constantly on guard for potential threats, and have
difficulty forming close relationships due to their deep-seated fear of betrayal.
Some common features of Paranoid Personality Disorder include:

 Distrust and Suspicion Individuals with PPD are highly suspicious of others
and are reluctant to confide in or trust others.
 Assuming Malevolence They often assume that others have malicious
intentions and are out to harm or exploit them, even in the absence of
evidence.
 Reluctance to Forgive People with PPD may be unforgiving and hold grudges,
as they find it challenging to let go of perceived slights or betrayals.
 Hypervigilance Constantly scanning their environment for signs of potential
threats, individuals with PPD may be hyperaware and overly sensitive to
minor cues that others might overlook.
 Lack of Humor They may have difficulty understanding or appreciating
humor, as they tend to interpret benign remarks as veiled criticisms.
 Isolation Due to their mistrust of others, individuals with PPD may have
difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships, leading to social
isolation.
2. Schizoid Personality Disorder

 Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is a mental health condition characterized

by a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of
emotional expression.
 Some common features of Schizoid Personality Disorder include:

 1. Social Detachment Individuals with schizoid personality disorder tend to avoid

social activities and often prefer solitary activities. They may have few, if any, close
relationships and generally lack a desire for intimate connections.
 2. Emotional Coldness. They may have difficulty expressing emotions, and their facial
expressions, body language, and tone of voice may be limited.
 3. Limited Range of Interests There is usually a narrow range of interests and
activities for individuals with schizoid personality disorder. They may not find pleasure
in many activities that are typically enjoyable for others.
 4. Indifference to Praise or Criticism Individuals with SPD may seem indifferent to
both positive and negative feedback. They may not seek out or react strongly to
praise or criticism from others.
 5. Lack of Close Friends Forming close relationships, including friendships, is
challenging for individuals with schizoid personality disorder. They may not feel a
strong need for social connection.
3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder

 Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition

characterized by a pattern of social and interpersonal deficits, along with
eccentric behavior and cognitive distortions
 Some common features of Schizotypal Personality Disorder:
 1. Social and Interpersonal Deficits
 Difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships.
 Limited capacity for social relationships.
 Social anxiety and discomfort in social situations.
 2. Cognitive Distortions
 Odd or eccentric beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior (e.g., superstitiousness, belief in
paranormal phenomena).
 Unusual perceptual experiences, including bodily illusions.
 Odd thinking and speech patterns.
 3. Eccentric Behavior
 Odd, eccentric, or peculiar mannerisms or appearance.
 Lack of close friends outside of the immediate family.
 Unusual thinking and speech, such as vague or metaphorical language.
 4. Isolation and Suspiciousness
 Excessive social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity and tends to be associated with paranoid
fears rather than negative judgments about self.
 5. Affective Flattening
Cluster B Personality Disorders

 4- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

 Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition
characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for the rights of others,
lying, deceit, impulsivity, irritability, aggression, lack of remorse, and a
failure to conform to social norms.
 It is important to note that the term "antisocial" in this context does not refer
to a preference for solitude but rather to a disregard for social rules and
norms.
Some Common features of Antisocial Personality Disorder include:

 1. Lack of Empathy Individuals with ASPD often have difficulty understanding

or caring about the feelings and needs of others.
 2. Manipulative Behavior They may use charm and manipulation to exploit
others for personal gain.
 3. Impulsivity Impulsive behavior, such as engaging in risky activities without
considering the consequences, is common.
 4. Aggression Aggressive behavior, both physical and verbal, may be present.
This can include a history of fights, assaults, or other violent acts.
 5. Violation of Right Persistent disregard for the rights of others, including
deceitfulness and repeated lying. 5. Legal Issues Many individuals with ASPD
have a history of legal problems, including arrests and incarceration.
5. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition

characterized by pervasive instability in mood, interpersonal relationships,
self-image, and behavior. Individuals with BPD often experience intense and
rapidly changing emotions, have difficulty forming and maintaining stable
relationships, and may engage in impulsive and self-destructive behaviors.
 Some common symptoms and features of Borderline Personality Disorder include:

 1. Intense and unstable emotions Individuals with BPD may experience intense and sudden mood
swings, such as feeling extremely happy, angry, or anxious within a short period.
 2. Unstable relationships People with BPD often struggle with forming and maintaining stable,
fulfilling relationships.
 3. Distorted self-image Individuals with BPD may have a distorted sense of self and struggle with
self-identity.
 4. Impulsive behavior This can include reckless driving, substance abuse, binge eating, or engaging
in unsafe sex. These impulsive actions are often attempts to alleviate emotional pain or a sense of
emptiness.
 5. Fear of abandonment People with BPD often have an intense fear of being abandoned, leading
to desperate attempts to avoid real or perceived abandonment.
 6. Self-harm or suicidal behavior Individuals with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors or
have recurrent thoughts of suicide. This is often a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional
pain.
 7. Chronic feelings of emptiness Many individuals with BPD report feeling empty or having a
persistent sense of inner void, even when engaged in activities that others find fulfilling.
 8. Dissociation This is a state of feeling disconnected from oneself or reality, often as a response to
stress. It can manifest as feeling "out of body" or having gaps in memory.
6. Histrionic Personality Disorder

 Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a personality disorder characterized by

a pattern of attention-seeking behavior and exaggerated emotions.
 People with this disorder often seek to be the center of attention, and they
may display dramatic and theatrical behavior in an attempt to draw others in.
 Some are common features and traits associated with Histrionic Personality Disorder:

 1. Attention-Seeking They may use their physical appearance, emotions, and

behaviors to draw attention to themselves.
 2. Exaggerated Emotions emotional expression can be shallow and rapidly
changing.
 3. Seductive Behavior Individuals with HPD may engage in provocative or sexually
suggestive behavior to capture attention. However, these behaviors are often not
driven by genuine sexual interest.
 4. Difficulty with Relationships Despite their desire for attention and intimacy,
individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder may struggle with forming and
maintaining genuine, lasting relationships.
 5. Easily Influenced by Others People with HPD may be easily influenced by
others and may be highly suggestible. Their opinions, values, and emotions can be
strongly influenced by those around them.
 6. Perception of Relationships as Closer than They Are Individuals with HPD may
perceive relationships as more intimate and close than they actually are.
7. Narcissistic Personality Disorde

 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition

characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for
admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
 Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of their own importance, a
preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty,
or ideal love, and they believe that they are unique and should only associate
with other high-status individuals.
 Some are common features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:

 1. Grandiosity A person with NPD may exaggerate their achievements and talents, expecting to
be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.
 2. Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
They may daydream about their own greatness or ideal love, often without basis in reality.
 3. Belief in their own specialness and uniqueness Individuals with NPD often believe that they
can only be understood by or should associate with other high-status or special people.
 4. A constant need for excessive admiration They seek constant praise and admiration from
others and may become impatient or angry if they feel they are not receiving the attention they
believe they deserve.
 5. Sense of entitlement Individuals with NPD often have an unreasonable expectation of
favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations.
 6. Exploitation of others They may take advantage of others to achieve their own goals, often
without regard for the feelings or wellbeing of those they exploit.
 7. Lack of empathy A notable trait is a lack of empathy for the feelings and needs of others.
 8. Envy of others or belief that others are envious of them Individuals with NPD may be envious
of others or believe that others are envious of them, even when there is no evidence to support
these beliefs.
 9. Arrogant or haughty behavior They may display attitudes of superiority, disdain, or arrogan
Cluster C personality disorders

 8. Avoidant Personality Disorder

 Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder often avoid social interactions
and fear rejection, criticism, or disapproval.
 This fear of negative evaluation can lead to significant impairment in various
areas of life, including work, school, and relationships.
Some are common features of Avoidant Personality Disorder:

 1. Social Inhibition People with AvPD are often reluctant to engage in new
activities or interact with others due to a fear of criticism or rejection.
 2. Feelings of Inadequacy Individuals with AvPD often see themselves as
socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.
 3. Hypersensitivity to Criticism or Rejection Even constructive criticism or
mild forms of rejection can be extremely distressing for individuals with AvPD.
 4. Avoidance of Social Activities This avoidance can lead to social isolation
and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
 5. Reluctance to Take Risks Due to a fear of embarrassment or criticism,
individuals with AvPD may be unwilling to take personal risks or engage in new
activities, even if they have the desire to do so
9. Dependent Personality Disorder

 Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a personality disorder described by a

persistent and excessive need to be taken care of.
 Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder often exhibit submissive and
clinging behavior, fearing separation from those they rely on for support.
 This disorder can significantly impact various areas of life, including
relationships, work, and daily functioning.
 Some Common features of Dependent Personality Disorder may include:

 1. Difficulty making decisions People with DPD often have trouble making everyday
decisions without reassurance and advice from others. They may feel helpless and unable to
take responsibility for their lives.
 2. Difficulty expressing disagreement Individuals with DPD may be afraid to express
disagreement with others, especially those on whom they are dependent. They fear the loss
of support or approval.
 3. Need for excessive reassurance and advice People with this disorder constantly seek
reassurance and advice from others to the point where it becomes excessive. They may be
unable to trust their own judgment.
 4. Fear of being alone There is a persistent fear of being left to take care of themselves.
This fear can lead to intense efforts to avoid being alone, even for short periods.
 5. Difficulty initiating tasks or projects Individuals with DPD may have difficulty starting
tasks or projects on their own. They often require a lot of encouragement and support to
get things done.
 6. Tolerance of mistreatment or abuse Some people with Dependent Personality Disorder
may tolerate mistreatment or abuse in order to maintain the support of those they depend
on.
10. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality (OCP) refers to a personality disorder

characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness,
perfectionism, mental and interpersonal control, and a need for mental and
interpersonal control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.
Some common features of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
Disorder (OCPD) include:

 1. Perfectionism An excessive concern with details, rules, lists, order, organization,

or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost.
 2. Devotion to Work Overemphasis on work and productivity at the expense of
leisure and interpersonal relationships.
 3. Inflexibility Rigidity and stubbornness in one's beliefs or thinking, with an
inability to delegate tasks unless others submit to exactly their way of doing things.
 4. Excessive Conscientiousness A strong focus on adhering strictly to moral and
ethical codes.
 5. Reluctance to Delegate A reluctance to trust or work with others unless they
submit to exactly the person's way of doing things.
 6. Hoarding of Money A preoccupation with saving money for future catastrophes.