Personality Disorders

11 guides

Borderline Personality DisorderClinical name: Borderline Personality DisorderA condition of intense emotions, unstable relationships and a fragile sense of self, very often rooted in past pain. Widely misunderstood, frequently stigmatised, and…11 min read Antisocial Personality DisorderClinical name: Antisocial Personality DisorderA long-standing pattern of disregard for others' rights and for rules, beginning early in life. Often misunderstood, frequently rooted in adversity, and more responsive…10 min read Narcissistic Personality DisorderClinical name: Narcissistic Personality DisorderFar more than vanity or selfishness. A fragile self-worth defended by grandiosity, with a real and often hidden vulnerability underneath. A clinical condition, not…10 min read Avoidant Personality DisorderClinical name: Avoidant Personality DisorderA deep, pervasive pattern of feeling inadequate and fearing rejection, leading to avoidance of closeness despite longing for it. Closely related to social anxiety,…9 min read Obsessive-Compulsive Personality (OCPD)Clinical name: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality DisorderA pervasive pattern of perfectionism, orderliness and control, valued by the person yet costly to their relationships and wellbeing. Different from OCD, despite the…9 min read Dependent Personality DisorderClinical name: Dependent Personality DisorderA pervasive, excessive need to be cared for, leading to submissive, clinging behaviour and deep fear of separation. More than ordinary reliance on loved…9 min read Histrionic Personality DisorderClinical name: Histrionic Personality DisorderA pervasive pattern of intense emotional expression and a need to be the centre of attention. Often misjudged harshly; a clinical condition with an…8 min read Paranoid Personality DisorderClinical name: Paranoid Personality DisorderA pervasive, long-standing distrust and suspicion of others, who are assumed to be deceiving or harming. Different from the paranoia of psychosis, and often…9 min read Schizoid Personality DisorderClinical name: Schizoid Personality DisorderA pervasive pattern of detachment from relationships and limited emotional expression, in someone who genuinely prefers solitude. Distinct from avoidant personality disorder and from…8 min read Schizotypal Personality DisorderClinical name: Schizotypal Personality DisorderA pervasive pattern of social discomfort, unusual beliefs and perceptions, and eccentric behaviour. Related to the schizophrenia spectrum, but distinct from schizophrenia itself.8 min read Understanding the Personality Disorder ClustersClinical name:Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters by their shared features. This short guide explains what a personality disorder is, what the clusters mean,…8 min read