Introduction to Perspectives and Treatments Related to Personality Disorders

What you’ll learn to do: examine various perspectives and treatment methods related to personality disorders

Two people arguing on a sidewalk.

As we have learned, individuals diagnosed with personality disorders exhibit rigid and long term patterns of unhealthy thought, behavior, and functioning. These characteristics often cause significant challenges in personal and professional relationships.

The disorders in Cluster A include those characterized by a personality style that is odd and eccentric. Cluster B includes personality disorders characterized chiefly by a personality style that is impulsive, dramatic, highly emotional, and erratic, and those in Cluster C are characterized by a nervous and fearful personality style.

Now that we have identified the ten personality disorders, let’s explore the different perspectives and treatment options.