Those individuals suffering with Personality Disorders experience significant disruptions in their relationships, work and school. They are grouped together in clusters, based on their common characteristics. Personality Disorders are believed to have both genetic and environmental cause. There are no specific medications for Personality Disorders, however, some mediations are prescribed depending on symptoms (APA, 2013).

​

Cluster A are personalities are characterized by social awkwardness and social withdrawal and include Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders.

 

Cluster B are personalities that are highly dramatic, both emotionally and behaviorally and include Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic, and Histrionic Personality.

 

Cluster C are personalities that are anxious and fearful and include Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders.

​

Your personality is the distinctive pattern of your psychological functioning–the way you think, feel, and behave–that makes you definitely you. Styles are your built-in roadmap for coping with life’s challenges. Personality styles are flexible; they can change, though usually not without effort and motivation. This adaptability makes a variety of life experiences and outcomes possible. People suffering from personality disorders, however, commonly find themselves locked into rigid and inflexible life trajectories. They may feel bored, empty, lonely, or angry, and they may be in disruptive relationships. These patterns may persist throughout their lives. Personality is dimensional: as with height or weight, people come in all shapes and sizes and personality variations. What’s the difference between self-confidence and self-aggrandizement? Between liking to do things well and demanding perfection? Somewhere along a continuum, personality traits range from adaptable to rigid and extreme (NPSP25 Personality Styles and Personality Disorders).