Attributes of Personality Disorders
There are four core attributes common to all personality disorders. To qualify, a person must demonstrate significant and enduring difficulties in at least two of those areas, which are as follows:
Distorted thinking patterns
Problematic emotional responses
Over or under regulated impulse control
Interpersonal difficulties
The personality disorders are grouped into clusters of similar behavioural traits with some differences. All the cluster B disorders have strong narcissistic traits and can often be confused with each other. Individuals with cluster B personality disorders will have a similar effect on their children.
Cluster A - 'odd, eccentric'
Paranoid
suspicious, hypersensitive, jealous, hostile
Schizoid
emotional coldness, indifference, loners, lack of emotional range
Schizotypal
socially isolated, reserved, distant, perceptual and cognitive distortions and/or eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, e.g., they may believe they can read other people’s thoughts, or that that their own thoughts have been stolen from their heads.
Cluster B - 'dramatic, emotional, erratic'
Narcissistic
grandiose, poor response to criticism, manipulative, exploitative, arrogant, entitled, lack of empathy, idealising/devaluing
Antisocial
irresponsible, often participates in criminal activities, aggressive, reckless, lies, impulsivity, capable of tormenting/hurting animals and people, deceitful, manipulative
Borderline
idealises/devalues, impulsive, angry, self-destructive behaviour, chronic emptiness/boredom, black and white thinking, unstable sense of self
Histrionic
dramatic, vain, dependent, uncomfortable unless they are the centre of attention, flirtatious, seductive, flighty, fickle, uncomfortable when alone
Cluster C - 'anxious, fearful'
Avoidant
sensitive to rejection and criticism, shy, socially withdrawn, low self-esteem, desires acceptance/affection
Dependent
lacking in confidence, puts other’s need before their own, dependent on others, wants to be taken care of, do not stand up for themselves
Obsessive-compulsive
perfectionistic, stubborn, indecisive, obsessed with rules and orderliness, rigid, inflexible
