Personality Disorder Clusters: Types and Causes

Did you know that there are 10 different types of personality disorders, classified into three different clusters? While they all share certain characteristics, they’re also all unique in their own ways. 

Explore the range of personality disorders and the clusters they belong to – and if you or a loved one are facing mental health issues and require support, we’re here to help.

What Is a Personality Disorder?

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. These patterns are pervasive, inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

These types of disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect how individuals perceive themselves and others, manage emotions, and interact with the world around them. Common types include borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders, each with distinct symptoms and challenges. Treatment often involves psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication to manage symptoms.

What Causes Personality Disorders?

Like many mental health conditions, it is not precisely clear what is the exact cause of personality disorder development. Since there are as many as 10 types of PDs, it isn't easy to pinpoint one single reason behind it. However, research and exports indicate the presence of several reasons for its development. 

First of all, genes play a vital role. Most mental health illnesses can be passed down from generation to generation. Similarly, personality disorders are also inherited from close family relationships. Environment and surroundings also contribute to the development of PDs. 

For instance, parental style and relationship with a caregiver play an essential role. Their indulgence or neglect impacts an individual's childhood and how they grow up. Personality disorder signs generally start to appear during adolescence or teenage years. So childhood violence, trauma, and abuse play a significant role. 

What Are Personality Disorder Cluster Types?

The American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (DSM-5) classifies personality disorders into three major groups, all of which are diagnosable and treatable:

Personality Disorder Cluster A

Cluster A personality disorder is often characterized by erratic and unusual behavior. This category includes:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder- People with paranoid personality disorder do not have close relationships with others and do not confide even in a close relationship. They have paranoia that others will deceive or do harm to them. They do not trust others as they think others are lying to them. PPD is characterized by suspicion, fear, hypervigilance, anxiety, anger, and concern toward perceived abuse. 

• Schizoid Personality Disorder- Such people are detached and inexpressive. They are often considered aloof, cold, and loner because of their inability to relate or attach to someone else. They feel uncomfortable forming close bonds with others and would rather bond with animals or objects. Some of their vital traits include isolation, avoiding close contact, difficulty in forming bonds, inappropriate reactions, and seeking employment opportunities with fewer colleagues. 

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder- Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are likely to develop schizophrenia in the future. They do not have close bonds with people outside their family. They have peculiar behavior with odd and eccentric beliefs. They are suspicious and have bizarre facial expressions, excessive social anxiety, peculiar appearances, symbolic speech, and bodily illusions. 

Personality Disorder Cluster B

Cluster B personality disorder has dramatic and emotional traits. PDs include:

• Antisocial Personality Disorder- ASPD is a condition where an individual disregards the rights of other individuals. They have no remorse or regret for violating others and do not care about the consequences of their actions. They are violent, irresponsible, involved in criminal activity, and risky behavior. They act impulsively and have a tendency to lie and deceive others. 

• Borderline Personality Disorder- People with BPD struggle to keep their emotions in control. They are highly emotional and have a fear of abandonment. They have a poor self-image and act impulsively, like attempting suicide. They have difficulty maintaining relationships and daily life.  

• Histrionic Personality Disorder- HPD is characterized by a need for validation and attention-seeking behavior. People with this condition want others to notice them, which can make them uncomfortable. Some major traits include theatrics, flirtation, self-centeredness, emotional shallowness, and insincere and risky behavior. 

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder- Such people lack empathy and crave other's admiration. They cannot handle criticism and have low self-esteem, often inflating their talent or achievements and being jealous of others.

Personality Disorder Cluster C

Cluster C personality disorder is characterized by underlying fear and anxiety. The disorders in this category include:

• Avoidant Personality Disorder- AVPD is a personality disorder where a person is extremely shy and unconfident. They may want to form a close bond but cannot because they fear being judged or mocked. AVPD have low self-esteem and don't have trust in others. They are vulnerable to other issues like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. 

• Dependent Personality Disorder- Dependent personality disorder can be defined as a condition where a person needs constant reassurance and guidance from others. They are excessively dependent on others' points of view. They are often submissive, docile, clingy, dependent, vulnerable to others' manipulation, and do not like being alone. 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder- OCPD is characterized by rigidity, order, and perfection. People with OCPD are inexpressive and inflexible in their disposition. They often fail to understand others' perspectives and want others to be like them. They are controlling and workaholics, making people in their life neglected. 

What Are Some Common Personality Disorder Symptoms?

Since there are 10 different types of personality disorders, they all have different symptoms. Here are some common symptoms across these personality disorder clusters:

• Avoid being social or friendly with others

• Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, nervous, and angry with an inferiority complex and self-esteem issues

• Emotionally detached and empty

• Erratic, volatile, and odd behavior

• Disconnected with reality

• Rigid and unchanging pattern with difficulty in managing personal, social, and professional life

How to Diagnose Personality Disorder Types?

The most significant and reliable criteria to diagnose personality disorder are through the DSM-5. All mental health professionals reference their criteria in diagnosing personality disorders, and all 10 disorders mentioned above have separate criteria to fulfill. The pattern of their behavior should be consistent. They also evaluate how these behaviors are causing hindrances in living daily life. These criteria include:

• How do you control your impulses?

• Behavior while dealing with others.

• How appropriate is your emotional response to the situations and others?

• How do you interpret and perceive situations, yourself, and others? 

There can be additional blood tests, evaluation through interviews, and checking of medical history. Drugs and alcohol presence can also be tested by medical professionals. 

How to Deal with Personality Disorders

There are many lifestyle habits and home remedies that can help in coping with personality disorders. Keep in mind that these coping strategies are in addition to treatment, and should only be used as a supplement. They cannot cure personality disorders on their own. 

• Do not skip your therapy sessions. As mentioned, they are vital recovery components and cannot be ignored or skipped. Skipping can result in relapse

• Similar to the first point, do not skip or increase your medication. Take the medication as prescribed and directed by the medical health professional. In case of any side effects or reactions, contact them first

• Learn and understand more about your personality disorder. It can help change the behavioral pattern

• Active lifestyle and physical fitness play a positive role in reducing depression, anxiety, and even loneliness

• Do not indulge in substance or alcohol abuse to cope with personality disorder symptoms. They will only worsen them

Closing Thoughts: Personality Disorder Clusters

Navigating life with a personality disorder can be incredibly challenging, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. This blog has explored the various types of personality disorders, their causes, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria, shedding light on the complexities of these conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with a personality disorder, know that help is available. Understanding and managing these disorders is a journey, and with the right support, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life.

Compassionate Mental Health Support at The Forge Recovery Center

At The Forge Recovery Center, our dedicated team of therapists is here to guide you toward mental well-being and help you manage the symptoms of personality disorders. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. If you or a loved one are in need of professional mental health support, don’t hesitate to call us today – your path to recovery and mental well-being starts here.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

December 30, 2024