AP Psych Unit 5 (Psychological Disorders) - Personality Disorders

Cluster A

Odd or eccentric disorders

• Paranoid, Schizoid, or Schizotypal

Cluster B

Dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders

• Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic

Cluster C

Anxious or fearful disorders

• Avoidant, Dependant, and Obsessive-Compulsive

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Long-term, pervasive pattern of unjustified distrust and suspicion of others, cussing significant impairment in relationships and daily functioning. Symptoms include assuming others have hidden, malevolent motives, extreme jealousy, and holding grudges.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Condition characterized by a lifelong, pervasive pattern of social detachment, limited emotional expression, and preference for isolation. Individuals rarely desire close relationships, find little pleasure in activities, and appear indifferent to praise or criticism.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Personality Disorder characterized by a consistent pattern of social detachment, eccentric behavior, and cognitive distortions, usually appearing by early adulthood. Symptoms include peculiar beliefs (magical thinking), paranoia, social anxiety, and difficulty forming relationships.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by persistent disregard of the rights of other people, failure to comply with laws and social customs, and irresponsible and reckless behavior.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Personality Disorder characterized by long-term, intense, and unstable emotions, impulsive behaviors, and chaotic relationships. Key symptoms include extreme fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, self-harm, and rapidly shifting self-image.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

The persistent, pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior that usually begins by early adulthood. Individuals often feel uncomfortable when not the center of attention, frequently using dramatic, seductive, or theatrical behavior to gain approval. DRAMATIC, EMOTIONAL display seeking validation.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for other people. PERCIEVED superiority.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Personality Disorder characterized by a lifelong pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and severe sensitivity to rejection. Individuals with AVPD often isolate themselves due to a intense fear of criticism or humiliation, despite a deep longing for social connection.

Dependent Personality Disorder

A pervasive, excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive, clinging behavior and intense fears of separation. Individuals struggle to make everyday decisions without extreme reassurance, often allowing others to assume responsibility for major life areas.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A pervasive, rigid preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. Symptoms include excessive devotion to work, extreme attention to detail, hoarding tendencies, and rigid, stubborn behavior. It is distinct from OCD, as it is a personality trait rather than anxiety-driven rituals.