Personality Disorder: Type A vs. Type B
The word, ‘personality’, is a noun and as defined in Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries is “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.” Hence, an individual’s personality is what differentiates him or her from another; it is what makes a person unique. Many professionals ascertain that one’s personality is influenced by external stimuli (e.g. being exposed to different experiences, changing environments, etc.). Though the fundamental areas of one’s personality are largely thought to remain unchanged throughout one’s life, according to National Public Radio (NPR), they can and often do gradually change across one’s life span.
The American Psychiatric Association characterize personality disorders as a way of “thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time.” Personality disorders adversely and noticeably affect a minimum of two of the following areas:
Controlling behavior
Thinking about oneself and others
Responding emotionally
Relating to other people
There are ten types of personality disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Though each personality disorder has its own set of symptoms and traits, the DSM-5 organized the ten personality disorders by clustering them into three distinct categories (Cluster A, B, and C).
CLUSTER A PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster A personality disorders, as defined by the Mayo Clinic are characterized by eccentric, odd thinking and/ or behavior. Cluster A personality disorders include:
Paranoid personality disorder: characterized by a pervasive distrust of others. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious of other’s motives and have a consistent, erroneous fear that others intend to inflict harm.
Schizoid personality disorder: characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships and difficulty displaying emotion (e.g. emotional coldness, apathy, detachment, etc.).
Schizotypal personality disorder: characterized by a pattern of intense discomfort with close relationships, social anxiety and distrust of others.
Though each is a separate condition, they all involve symptoms of exhibiting unusual or eccentric behaviors to others, which can lead to interpersonal and/ or social difficulties.
CLUSTER B PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster B personality disorders, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, are characterized by patterns of overly emotional, unpredictable, dramatic thinking and/ or behaviors. Cluster B personality disorders include:
Antisocial personality disorder: is characterized by a complete disregard for other individuals.
Borderline personality disorder: is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, self-image, and interpersonal relationships.
Histrionic personality disorder: is characterized by constant attention-seeking, seductive, and provocative behaviors.
Narcissistic personality disorder: is characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, an intense need for admiration and a lack of empathy.
Individuals diagnosed with a cluster B personality disorder are typically faced with difficulty regulating emotions, and will likely have issues maintaining relationships.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.