Personality Disorders
Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies
What Is a Personality Disorder?
Personality disorders are long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ from cultural expectations and can affect relationships, work, and daily life. These conditions are not character flaws. With appropriate treatment and support, many people experience meaningful improvement.
Personality disorders usually begin by late adolescence or early adulthood and involve persistent patterns that affect how a person views themselves, relates to others, and responds to stress.
The Three Personality Disorder Clusters
Healthcare providers group personality disorders into three clusters:
Cluster A – Odd or Eccentric
Paranoid Personality Disorder – Distrust, suspicion, difficulty trusting others.
Schizoid Personality Disorder – Preference for solitude, limited emotional expression.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Unusual beliefs, eccentric behavior, discomfort with close relationships.
Cluster B – Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Intense emotions, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, self-harm risk.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) – Grandiosity, need for admiration, limited empathy.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) – Disregard for others' rights, impulsivity, deceitfulness, lack of remorse.
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) – Excessive emotionality, attention-seeking, discomfort when not the center of attention.
Cluster C – Anxious or Fearful
Avoidant Personality Disorder – Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, fear of criticism.
Dependent Personality Disorder – Excessive need to be cared for, difficulty making decisions independently.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) – Perfectionism, rigid rules, need for control (different from OCD).
Common Signs & Symptoms
Long-standing relationship difficulties
Difficulty managing emotions
Impulsive or risky behaviors
Low self-esteem or unstable self-image
Fear of rejection or abandonment
Rigid thinking or behavior patterns
Difficulty adapting to change
How Are Personality Disorders Treated?
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment (including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other evidence-based therapies).
Medication may help treat co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability.
Healthy coping skills, stress management, and strong support systems improve outcomes.
When to Seek Help
Symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to control.
You experience repeated conflicts, impulsive behaviors, or self-harm.
You have thoughts of harming yourself or others—seek emergency help immediately.
SHINE Reminder
A diagnosis does not define a person. With compassion, education, and evidence-based treatment, individuals living with personality disorders can build healthy relationships and lead fulfilling lives.
Ready to Find Relief?
Book an appointment with SHINE Primary & Psych Care
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This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
