Personality Disorders

Personality Disorders: What is a paranoid personality?

• Characterised by a pervasive and enduring pattern of irrational suspicion and mistrust of others

• Demonstrates hypersensitivity to criticism and potential slights

• Exhibits reluctance to confide in others due to fear of information being used maliciously against them

• Often preoccupied with unfounded beliefs about perceived conspiracies against themselves

Personality Disorders: What is a schizoid personality?

• Characterised by an enduring pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression

• Displays a pervasive lack of interest in or desire for interpersonal relationships, often preferring solitary activities

• Shows an emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

• Often has few, if any, close relationships outside of immediate family

Personality Disorders: What is an antisocial personality?

• Defined by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others.

• Individuals with this disorder exhibit a lack of empathy and frequently engage in manipulative, impulsive actions.

• Manifestations include aggressive, unremorseful behaviour, and consistent irresponsibility, which often results in a failure to obey laws and social norms.

Personality Disorders: What is a borderline personality?

• Characterised by a recurring pattern of abrupt mood swings, unstable personal relationships, and self-image instability.

• The propensity towards self-harm is commonly observed in these patients.

• Relationships often fluctuate between extremes of idealisation and devaluation, a process known as "splitting".

Personality Disorders: What is a histrionic personality?

• Predominantly characterised by attention-seeking behaviours and excessive displays of emotion.

• Individuals may display inappropriate sexual behaviours.

• Their emotional expressions tend to be shallow, dramatic, and often perceived as exaggerated.

• They often perceive relationships as being more intimate than they truly are, reflecting a distorted perception of interpersonal boundaries

Personality Disorders: What is a narcissistic personality?

• Characterised by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, a strong need for the admiration of others, and a marked lack of empathy.

• Individuals with this disorder often display a sense of entitlement and will exploit others to fulfil their own desires.

• Tendency to be arrogant and preoccupied with personal fantasies and desires, often at the cost of disregarding others' feelings and needs

Personality Disorders: What is an avoidant personality?

• Characterised by intense feelings of social inadequacy, fear of rejection, and hypersensitivity to criticism

• Patients often self-impose isolation to avoid potential criticism, despite a strong desire for social acceptance and interaction