Personality disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by long-term patterns of behavior that deviate significantly from the expectations of the individual’s culture.

These patterns typically manifest in areas such as cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control. Here are some of the most common personality disorders, along with their symptoms:.

1. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is marked by extreme mood swings, impulsive behavior, and a distorted sense of self. It is usually diagnosed in early adulthood and is more common in women than men. People with BPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Intense and unstable relationships
Unstable sense of self
Impulsive and self-destructive behavior
Recurrent suicidal behavior or threats
Chronic feelings of emptiness
Intense anger and difficulty controlling it

2. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

NPD is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. People with NPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Exaggerated sense of self-importance
Preoccupation with fantasies of power and success
Belief that they are special and should only associate with other high-status people
Lack of empathy for others
Arrogance

3. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

ASPD is marked by a lack of concern for others’ feelings and a disregard for social rules and norms. This disorder is more common in men than women and is typically diagnosed in early adulthood. People with ASPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Lack of empathy
Disregard for the law and social norms
Aggressive and violent behavior
Impulsivity
Lack of guilt or remorse

4. Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)

AVPD is characterized by extreme shyness and social anxiety. People with AVPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Extreme shyness
Low self-esteem
Fear of rejection and criticism
Avoidance of social situations
Isolation
Dependency on others

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

OCPD is marked by an excessive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. People with OCPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Excessive devotion to work
Preoccupation with rules, lists, and details
Perfectionism that interferes with task completion
Rigidity and stubbornness
Difficulty delegating tasks
Inflexibility in morals and values

6. Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD)

SPD is characterized by odd or magical thinking, eccentric behavior, and social anxiety. People with SPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Odd or magical thinking
Eccentric behavior
Social anxiety
Ideas of reference or paranoid ideation
Unusual perceptual experiences
Difficulty forming close relationships

7. Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)

SPD is marked by a lack of interest in social relationships, emotional coldness, and flat affect. People with SPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Lack of interest in social relationships
Emotional coldness
Flat affect
Limited range of emotional expression
Indifference to praise or criticism
Preoccupation with fantasy and introspection

8. Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

DPD is characterized by an excessive need for support and a fear of abandonment. People with DPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Excessive need for support and reassurance
Fear of abandonment
Difficulty making decisions without support from others
Lack of self-confidence
Submissiveness
Difficulty being alone

9. Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

PPD is marked by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. People with PPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others
Quickness to perceive criticism or hostility in others
Unwavering belief in their own correctness
Hypervigilance
Lack of humor
Refusal to forgive perceived insults or injuries

10. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

HPD is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. People with HPD may exhibit the following symptoms:.

Excessive emotionality
Attention-seeking behavior
Exaggerated expressions of emotion
Rapidly-shifting and shallow emotions
Seductive behavior
Belief that their relationships are closer than they really are

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these common personality disorders can help you better understand yourself and others.

If you think you or someone you know may have a personality disorder, it is important to seek professional help from a trained mental health professional.