From the Guidelines
The primary type of personality disorder is a single diagnosis characterized by problems in functioning of aspects of the self and/or interpersonal dysfunction, which can be further differentiated according to severity into mild, moderate, and severe, and optionally specified by the presence of one or multiple maladaptive personality traits. According to the most recent evidence from the ICD-11, the traditional categorical approach to personality disorders has been replaced with a more dimensional approach, recognizing that personality disorders exist on a spectrum of severity 1. This shift towards dimensionality acknowledges that patients often exhibit multiple personality traits and that the previous categorical approach was not empirically based.
The ICD-11 personality disorder diagnosis can be specified by the presence of one or multiple maladaptive personality traits, including:
- Negative affectivity
- Detachment
- Dissociality
- Disinhibition
- Anankastia
- Borderline pattern This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of personality disorders and can inform treatment decisions 1.
It's worth noting that the previous approach, which categorized personality disorders into distinct clusters (A, B, and C), is no longer considered the most accurate or effective way to diagnose and treat personality disorders 1. Instead, the ICD-11 approach recognizes that personality disorders exist on a continuum and that patients may exhibit a range of traits and symptoms. Treatment for personality disorders typically involves psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and may also include medication to manage specific symptoms 1.
From the Research
Types of Personality Disorders
- Personality disorders are classified into three clusters: A, B, and C 2
- Cluster A includes:
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Cluster B includes:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Cluster C includes:
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Prevalence and Treatment
- Personality disorders have been documented in approximately 9 percent of the general U.S. population 2
- Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and brief interventions can improve the health of patients with these disorders 2
- Patients with borderline personality disorder may benefit from the use of omega-3 fatty acids, second-generation antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers 2
- Patients with antisocial personality disorder may benefit from the use of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants 2
Note: The studies 3 and 4 are not relevant to the topic of personality disorders.