Personality disorders

formerly referred to as character disorders

defined as an enduring pattern of inner
experience and behavior that deviates
markedly from the expectations of the
culture of the individual who exhibits it.
These behavioral patterns in personality
disorders are typically associated with severe
disturbances in the behavioral tendencies of
an individual, usually involving several areas of
the personality, and are nearly always
associated with considerable personal and
social disruption.
Paranoid personality
disorder

A psychiatric diagnosis characterized
by paranoia and a pervasive, long-
standing suspiciousness and
generalized mistrust of others.



Schizoid personality disorder
a personality disorder characterized
by a lack of interest in social
relationships, a tendency towards a
solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, and
emotional coldness.



Schizotypal personality
disorder
a personality disorder that is
characterized by a need for social
isolation, odd behavior and thinking,
and often unconventional beliefs.

Antisocial personality
disorder
a pervasive pattern of disregard for,
and violation of, the rights of others
that begins in childhood or early
adolescence and continues into
adulthood.

Borderline personality
disorder

a personality disorder described as a
prolonged disturbance of personality
function in a person (generally over
the age of eighteen years, although it
is also found in adolescents),
characterized by depth and variability
of moods.
Histrionic personality
disorder

a personality disorder characterized by
a pattern of excessive emotionality
and attention-seeking, including an
excessive need for approval and
inappropriate seductiveness, usually
beginning in early adulthood. These
individuals are lively, dramatic,
enthusiastic, and flirtatious.

Narcissistic personality
disorder
described as being excessively
preoccupied with issues of personal
adequacy, power, prestige and vanity.

Avoidant personality
disorder
characterized by a pervasive pattern
of social inhibition, feelings of
inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to
negative evaluation, and avoidance
of social interaction.

Dependent personality
disorder
is characterized by a pervasive
psychological dependence on other
people. This personality disorder is a
long-term (chronic) condition in which
people depend too much on others to
meet their emotional and physical
needs.

Obsessivecompulsive
personality disorder

a personality disorder which is
characterized by a pervasive pattern
of preoccupation with
orderliness, perfectionism, and mental
and interpersonal control at the
expense of flexibility, openness, and
efficiency.