A wide range of mental health disorders exist, and their symptoms and treatments often overlap. Thus, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorized these personality disorders as cluster groups.
Personality disorders are a group of mental disorders that are defined by long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors. These behaviors are considered to be unhealthy and debilitating, as they can hinder an individual from dealing productively with life’s stresses.
Those who have these personality disorders find it difficult to fit into society. However, people without these diagnoses can also have some of these characteristics. According to MedlinePlus, one way to define the disorder is that “each disorder involves problems and uncertainty with how people see themselves.” There are ten personality disorders; each disorder fits into a cluster with similar symptoms and characteristics.
Cluster Group A
These personality disorders are defined by thoughts and behaviors that are considered unusual and odd. Cluster group A includes the following disorders:
- Paranoid personality disorder: This disorder includes extreme fear and distrust of others, as well as the belief that someone is watching and trying to harm them.
- Schizoid personality disorder: With this disorder, a person prefers to be alone. They are not interested in having relationships with others and are extremely isolated.
- Schizotypal personality disorder: With this disorder, a person has unusual thoughts, behaviors, and ways of speaking. They are uncomfortable having close relationships with others and often have “magical” thinking.
Cluster Groups B and C
A study published in Behavioral Sciences compared cluster groups B and C to discover their similarities. The researchers found that they have similar yet distinct symptoms and characteristics. According to the research, high rates of the following traits can be found in both cluster groups B and C:
- Comorbidity
- Suicidality
- Childhood traumatization
- Functional treatment
Cluster B personality disorders involve dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviors that are not constant. These include the following:
- Antisocial personality disorder: With this diagnosis, a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others.
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD): With PPD, a person has trouble managing their emotions, making them impulsive and unpredictable. This creates uncertainty about how they view themselves.
- Histrionic personality disorder (HPD): Someone with this disorder is dramatic, animated, has strong emotions, and craves attention from others.
- Narcissistic personality disorder: With this disorder, a person lacks empathy and wants to be admired by others. They have a strong sense of superiority and believe they deserve special treatment.
Cluster B personality disorders represent more intensity with drug and alcohol use. There are specialized treatment programs that hone in on the specific symptoms of these disorders alongside co-occurring substance abuse.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
This cluster group includes disorders with patterns of anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviors, including the following:
- Avoidant personality disorder: With this disorder, people are very shy and feel that they are not good enough. They avoid people because they fear rejection.
- Dependent personality disorder: This diagnosis is made when a person depends too much on others and believes that they need to be taken care of. Those in toxic relationships tend to stay for fear of losing the relationship.
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): With this disorder, a person needs control and order. They are perfectionists and tend to push people away to maintain structure. Although the personality disorder is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it is not the same thing.
Personality disorders in these cluster groups have characteristics that can fly under the radar, especially if someone is naturally introverted. Researchers are trying to find more evidence-based treatments and disorder-specific guidelines for all of these groups.
How and Where to Get Treatment if You Recognize These Personality Disorder Cluster Groups
For those with personality disorders, addiction to substances can have a “calming” effect and reduce symptoms. A person may feel that substances help them to appear normal. However, this reprieve from powerful emotions and intrusive thoughts is just that: an escape.
Being eccentric makes someone special and one-of-a-kind. However, if certain eccentric characteristics prevent someone from fulfilling everyday responsibilities, it is important to seek help. At Renaissance Ranch, we have an exceptional team that is willing to work with clients with love, encouragement, and care.
Experts have reached a consensus that these personality disorders in the classified cluster groups lie on a spectrum along with normal personality traits. Nonetheless, Renaissance Ranch has a multitude of treatment options, including but not limited to the following:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
Talking to a Professional Is the First Step
If you find that you identify or relate to a characteristic of a personality disorder, this does not equate to a diagnosis. Getting a professional opinion or taking a psychiatric exam can help you receive the confirmation you need. Afterward, you can decide what treatment is best for you if needed.
It is important to note that we emphasize empathy and taking advantage of available resources. Through this approach, we can better understand these disorders for ourselves and the individuals who might have them.
Cluster groups of personality disorders organize a complex set of mental illnesses that can become debilitating depending on the individual. These disorders affect people’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Although it can be hard to admit that a person may have one of these disorders, it is important to seek help. These disorders deserve proper recognition, support, and awareness so that a person can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. At Renaissance Ranch, we are a community of compassionate people who help individuals understand themselves more. If you or a loved one believe you have a personality disorder and want to know what treatments might be successful in helping you, please call us at (801) 308-8898.