Personality disorder:This condition is marked by a persistent reliance on inappropriate, stereotypical, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Unlike occasional episodes, personality disorders represent enduring and consistent patterns of behavior and thinking. These disorders form a category of behavioral issues that are distinct from psychotic and neurotic disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) by the American Psychiatric Association, a personality disorder is defined as a lasting pattern of internal experience and behavior that significantly deviates from cultural norms, is widespread and rigid, begins in adolescence or early adulthood, remains stable over time, and results in distress or functional impairment. Personality disorders involve long-standing maladaptive ways of perceiving and interacting with others and handling stressful situations.The DSM-IV identifies ten personality disorders, categorized into three clusters:Cluster A — Characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors, including:- Paranoid personality disorder- Schizoid personality disorderCluster B — Defined by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors, including:- Antisocial personality disorder- Borderline personality disorder- Histrionic personality disorder- Narcissistic personality disorderCluster C — Associated with anxious or fearful behaviors, including:- Avoidant personality disorder- Dependent personality disorder- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorderRelated conditions include Multiple personality disorder, Passive-aggressive personality disorder, and Schizotypal personality disorder.
