5.4.J—Describe the symptoms and possible causes of selected personality disorders. UNIT 5 Mental and Physical Health

Describe the symptoms and possible causes of selected personality disorders. UNIT 5 Mental and Physical Health

• Personality disorders (which fall into three clusters) are characterized by enduring patterns of internal experience and behavior that is deviant from one’s culture; is pervasive and inflexible; begins in adolescence or early adulthood; is stable over time; and leads to personal distress or impairment.
  • i. Cluster A is the odd or eccentric cluster and includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
  • ii. Cluster B is the dramatic, emotional, or erratic cluster and includes antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders.
  • iii. Cluster C is the anxious or fearful cluster and includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
• Possible causes of personality disorders focus on biological, genetic, social, cultural, behavioral, or cognitive sources.