Personality Disorders are chronic patterns of experiences and behaviors that deviate from the norm and that cause the individual marked impairment and/or distress. There are currently 10 main types of Personality Disorders and one additional category for idiosyncratic personality disorders. The 10 main Personality Disorders and their primary features are:

  • Paranoid: distrust and suspiciousness of others.
  • Schizoid: detachment from others and restricted range of emotions.
  • Schizotypal: extreme discomfort with others, eccentric behavior and cognitive or perceptual distortions.
  • Antisocial: disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
  • Borderline: instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and emotions, coupled with impulsive behaviors.
  • Histrionic: excessive emotionality to gain attention.
  • Narcissistic: feelings of grandiosity, need for admiration and difficulty empathizing with others.
  • Avoidant: social inhibitions, feelings of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to criticism.
  • Dependent: submissive, clinging behavior and an excessive need to be taken care of.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive: preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism and control.