Cluster B Personality Disorders
Definition
Personality Disorders are characterized by inflexible and maladaptive personality traits that significantly interfere in how a person perform, behave or act within the society.
Categories
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) categorizes personality disorders into clusters based on the major or identifying symptom.
CLUSTER A: people with odd and eccentric behavior.
CLUSTER B: people who are dramatic, emotional and erratic.
CLUSTER C: people who appear anxious and fearful.
Cluster B: Personality Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial Personality disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of violation and disregard for the rights of others, deceit and manipulation
Clinical Manifestations:
- Violation of the rights of others
- Lack of remorse for behaviors
- Shallow emotions
- Lying
- Rationalization of own behavior
- Poor judgment
- Impulsivity
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Lack of insight
- Thrill seeking behaviors
- Exploitation of people in relationships
- Poor work history
- Consistent irresponsibility
- Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is the most common personality disorder found in clinical settings. This disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of unstable relationships, self image, affect and has marked impulsivity. It is more common in females than in males. Self-mutilation injuries such as cutting or burning are noted in this type of personality disorder.
Clinical manifestations:
- Fear of abandonment (real or perceived)
- Unstable and intense relationship
- Unstable self-image
- Impulsivity or recklessness
- Recurrent self-mutilating behavior or suicidal threats or gestures
- Chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom
- Labile mood
- Irritability
- Splitting
- Impaired judgment
- Lack of insight
- Transient psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations demanding self-harm
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A person with a narcissistic personality disorder shows a persistent pattern of grandiosity either in fantasy or behavior, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy.
Clinical Manifestations:
- Arrogant and haughty attitude
- Lack the ability to recognize or to empathize with the feelings of others
- Express envy and begrudge others of any recognition of material success (they believe it rightfully should be theirs)
- Belittle or disparage other’s feelings
- Expresses grandiosity overtly
- Expect to be recognized for their perceived greatness
- Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love
- Compares themselves with famous or privileged people
- Poor or limited insight
- Fragile and vulnerable self-esteem
- Ambitious and confident
- Exploit relationships to elevate their own status
- Histrionic Personality disorder
Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors are pervasive patterns noted in people with a histrionic personality disorder.
Clinical manifestations:
- Exaggerate closeness of relationships or intimacy
- Uses colorful speech
- Tends to overdress
- Concerned with impressing others
- Emotionally expressive
- Experiences rapid mood and emotion shifts
- Self-absorbed
- Highly suggestible and will agree with almost anyone to gain attention
- Always want to be the center of attraction
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
