What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?

An ongoing need for orderliness, perfection, and control is the characteristic trait of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Because of this trait, individuals with this personality disorder have tremendous difficulty being flexible or open to different ways of doing things. Their perfectionism may lead to inefficiency if they spend excessive amounts of time obsessing on tasks toContinue reading “What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?”

What is Dependent Personality Disorder?

Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by an ongoing, excessive desire to be taken care of, which results in clingy behavior, unreasonable submissiveness, and an intense fear of separation. Additional Symptoms In addition to the characteristics listed above, individuals diagnosed with Dependent Personality Disorder will also meet at least five of the following symptoms: Has difficultyContinue reading “What is Dependent Personality Disorder?”

What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is characterized by three primary elements: social inhibition and awkwardness, feelings of inadequacy, and a great fear that others have a negative view of them. Symptoms In addition to the traits above, individuals with this disorder will also identify with at least four of the following: avoids occupational activities that requireContinue reading “What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?”

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

“Narcissist” became a popular word in recent years. But what does it really mean? Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) have a grandiose self-image, an unquenchable need for admiration, and lack empathy. In addition to these basic characteristics, they will also identify with at least five of the following: BelievesContinue reading “What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?”

What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Dramatic. Extremely emotional. Attention-seeking. These are characteristic patterns for individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder. Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder: In addition to excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, at least five of the following symptoms must also exist: Prefers to always be the center of attention and is upset if they are not Tries to drawContinue reading “What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?”

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

The primary characteristic of borderline personality disorder is instability. There is a tendency for unpredictable behavior and erratic changes of mood, which results in a pattern of rocky relationships, inconsistent self-image, and rollercoaster emotions. Criteria for Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder: As described above, there must be an ongoing pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image,Continue reading “What is Borderline Personality Disorder?”

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder disregard and violate the rights of others and they don’t feel remorseful about it. They lack empathy for the pain and suffering of others. You may have heard these individuals referred to as “psychopaths” or “sociopaths.” To be officially diagnosed, the person must be at least 18 years old andContinue reading “What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?”

What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of social isolation, distorted thoughts or sensations, and eccentric behavior. This pattern begins no later than early adulthood, and for many, onset may be as early as childhood. Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder In order to officially diagnose this personality disorder, the person must demonstrate atContinue reading “What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?”

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by ongoing detachment, lack of desire for relationships, and a restricted range of emotions. It can be easy to confuse this disorder with other mental health diagnoses with similar names — schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or schizotypal personality disorder. All of these have certain symptoms in common, but thisContinue reading “What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?”

What is a Personality Disorder?

What is a personality disorder? This post is the first in a blog series that will help you understand what a personality disorder is and the various types that exist.

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