Cluster A Disorders
Personality disorders affect the way a person sees and interacts with the world, from attitudes to relationships to behaviors. These disorders may be caused by a genetic predisposition or environmental factors such as the influences of early childhood, or a combination of the two.
Personality disorders are organized into three clusters:
Cluster A includes disorders that are characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors.
Cluster B includes disorders that are characterized by dramatic or erratic behaviors.
Cluster C includes disorders that are characterized by anxious or fear-driven behaviors.
Signs & SymptomsThe signs and symptoms of personality disorders differ for each cluster. People diagnosed with a disorder from Cluster A may have the following symptoms:
Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Exaggerated belief that people are trying to exploit or malign you
- A complete lack of trust in other people
- Quickly and easily offended
- Rigid, inflexible behaviors and beliefs
Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Introverted
- Limited range of emotions and emotional expression
- Lack of personal relationships, indifference to social interaction
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Flat emotions
- Inability to correctly interpret events
- Lack of intimate relationships
- Magical thinking/belief in special mental powers
- Social anxiety, socially withdrawn
See the next page to learn about the types of Cluster B personality disorders.
Cluster B Disorders
People diagnosed with a disorder from Cluster B may have the following symptoms:
Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Persistent inability to get along with other people and follow social rules
- Problems with impulse control and poor judgment
- Disregard for social (moral or legal) standards
Borderline Personality Disorder
- Persistent problems with identity, including acute changes in mood, thoughts, behaviors and self-image
- Inability to navigate relationships
- Problems with impulse control
Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Dramatic and exaggerated behavior
- Intensely concerned with physical appearance
- Overwhelming need to be the center of attention
- Prone to displays of inappropriate sexually provocative and seductive behavior
- Superficial, quickly changing emotions
- Inability to gauge true level of intimacy in relationships, often overestimating it
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Attention seeking
- Arrogant attitude
- Feelings of entitlement
- Envious of others, feel others are envious of you
- Hypersensitivity to criticism (real or perceived)
- Overinflated ego, feeling superior to others
- Little to no concern for other people
Cluster C Disorders
People diagnosed with a disorder from Cluster C may have the following symptoms:
Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Avoids social situations, socially withdrawn
- Disproportionate sensitivity to criticism and rejection
- Overly timid/shy
- Persistent feelings of inadequacy
Dependent Personality Disorder
- Avoids personal responsibility
- Inability to act or think independently
- Irrational fear of abandonment, rejection and separation
- Low self-esteem and self-confidence
- Prone to submissive behaviors
Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder
- Persistent and repetitive unwanted thoughts (obsessions) about superstitions, rituals and fears (such as fear of germs)
- Persistent and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are driven by obsessive thoughts such as a fear of germs leading to recurrent hand washing
For more information, visit Mental Health America's factsheet about personality disorders.
TherapiesTreatment plans for patients with personality disorders often include psychotherapy -- one-on-one, family, couples or group -- and medications to relieve symptoms of anxiety and altered perceptions.
Psychotherapy may be helpful in teaching patients the underlying causes and triggers of their symptoms, reducing unwanted behavior patterns and improving social skills, coping skills and self-esteem.