In our last post, we talked briefly about the different clusters of personality disorders, today, we will be exploring more about the personality disorders in Cluster A.
Personality disorders in Cluster A are characterised by eccentric or unusual behaviour or thoughts. They include paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders (Mayo Clinic, 2016).
Paranoid Personality Disorder
According to Cherry (2019), paranoid personality disorder is “a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by disruptive patterns of thought, behavior, and functioning”.
Some symptoms that people with paranoid personality disorder may have are (Cherry, 2019):
Having persistent and chronic suspicion and distrust of others
Thinking that others lied to, deceived or exploited them
Believing that they have untrustworthy and unfaithful friends, family and romantic partners
Having outbursts of rage when they believed they have been tricked
Usually seen as cold, secretive, jealous or serious
Searching for secret meanings in conversations and actions
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid personality disorder is “an uncommon condition in which people avoid social activities and consistently shy away from interaction with others” (Mayo Clinic, 2017).
People with schizoid personality disorder might (Mayo Clinic, 2017):
Favour being alone and doing activities by themselves
Not enjoy or desire close relationships
Have little need for sexual relationships
Feel that they are unable to feel pleasure
Have trouble expressing their feelings and reacting suitably to situations
Seem to be cold, indifferent or lack a sense of humour
Seem to lack motivation and goals
Not have any reaction to praise or criticism from others
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
According to Martel (2016), people with this disorder may have behaviours and mannerisms that seem strange to others. While schizotypal personality disorder part of the schizophrenia spectrum, people with this disorder usually do not have psychosis.
Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include (Martel, 2016):
Having weird behaviours or way of thinking
Having strange beliefs
Being uncomfortable in social situations
Lacking emotions or having inappropriate emotional reactions
Having vague and odd speech or rambles on
Lacking close friends
Having severe social anxiety
Being paranoid
Here is a video that may give you more information on the 3 personality disorders discussed.
With this, hopefully you have now have a better understanding of the different types of personality disorders under Cluster C.
Next Wednesday, we will be introducing the personality disorders under Cluster B (Emotional and Impulsive). Stay tuned to learn more!
References:
Cherry, K. (2019, April 24). How to recognize if someone has paranoid personality disorder. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/paranoid-personality-disorder-2795448.
Martel, J. (2016, June 6). Schizotypal personality disorder: Symptoms, risks, and more. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/schizotypal-personality-disorder.
Mayo Clinic. (2016, September 23). Personality disorders. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/personality-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20354463.
Mayo Clinic. (2017, August 17). Schizoid personality disorder. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoid-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354414.
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