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šŸ§  Personality Disorders Study Guide (Simplified for AP Psych)

šŸŽÆ What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that are very different from what society expects. These patterns cause problems in relationships, work, and daily life.

šŸ“¦ The Three Clusters of Personality Disorders

Treatments (same for all disorders) : Cognitive, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, behavioral

šŸ”¹ Cluster A: "WEIRD" ā€“ Odd or Eccentric

People in this group behave in unusual or strange ways.

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Distrusts everyone without real reason.

  • Example: Thinks friends are secretly talking behind their back with no proof.

  • Key symptoms: Suspicious of others, holds grudges, avoids sharing personal info.

2. Schizoid Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Doesnā€™t want close relationships and shows little emotion.

  • Example: Prefers to be alone, even avoids family get-togethers.

  • Key symptoms: Emotionally cold, avoids social activities, doesn't enjoy most things.

3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Acts oddly, believes in strange things (like magic), very socially anxious.

  • Example: Believes they can read minds or that coincidences have special meanings.

  • Key symptoms: Strange beliefs, odd clothes or speech, paranoid thoughts.

šŸ”ø Cluster B: "WILD" ā€“ Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic

1. Histrionic Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Needs to be the center of attention, very emotional.

  • Example: Acts overly dramatic to get people to notice them.

  • Key symptoms: Emotional, attention-seeking, focused on appearance.

2. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Thinks they are better than everyone else, needs praise, lacks empathy.

  • Example: Brags constantly and doesnā€™t care how their actions hurt others.

  • Key symptoms: Arrogant, needs admiration, canā€™t relate to othersā€™ feelings.

3. Borderline Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Mood swings, unstable relationships, and fears being abandoned.

  • Example: One day says youā€™re the best, next day hates you for no clear reason.

  • Key symptoms: Intense emotions, fear of being left alone, impulsive actions.

šŸ”¹ Cluster C: "WORRIED" ā€“ Anxious or Fearful

1. Avoidant Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Wants friends but is too afraid of being judged or rejected.

  • Example: Doesnā€™t go to a party even though they want to, afraid no one likes them.

  • Key symptoms: Feels not good enough, avoids people, super sensitive to criticism.

2. Dependent Personality Disorder

  • What it is: Needs others to make decisions and care for them.

  • Example: Canā€™t decide what to eat without asking someone else.

  • Key symptoms: Clingy, fears being alone, can't make decisions alone.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

  • What it is: Obsessed with rules, perfection, and controlā€”not the same as OCD.

  • Example: Spends hours organizing homework folders instead of doing homework.

  • Key symptoms: Perfectionist, stubborn, overly focused on rules/work.

šŸ§¬ Causes of Personality Disorders

  • Biological: Brain differences, chemical imbalances, genetics.

  • Genetics: Traits may run in families.

  • Social: Trauma, bad relationships, neglect.

  • Cultural: Culture affects how disorders show up or are understood.