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[](https://www.nih.gov/ "National Institutes of Health") [National Library of Medicine](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/) [](https://medlineplus.gov/) Menu - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) Search - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) - [What's New](https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/) - [Site Map](https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html) - [Customer Support](https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A//medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html) - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) [Español](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/personalitydisorders.html "Español") You Are Here: [Home](https://medlineplus.gov/) → [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) → Personality Disorders URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html # Personality Disorders On this page ### Basics - [Summary](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#summary "Go to: Summary") - [Start Here](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_51 "Go to: Start Here") - [Treatments and Therapies](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_78 "Go to: Treatments and Therapies") ### Learn More - [Living With](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_77 "Go to: Living With") - [Specifics](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_42 "Go to: Specifics") ### See, Play and Learn - No links available ### Research - [Clinical Trials](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_27 "Go to: Clinical Trials") - [Journal Articles](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_59 "Go to: Journal Articles") ### Resources - [Find an Expert](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_83 "Go to: Find an Expert") ### For You - [Patient Handouts](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_69 "Go to: Patient Handouts") ## Summary ### What is personality? Your personality is your own way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. Once you become an adult, your personality usually doesn't change much. ### What are personality disorders? Personality disorders are a group of [mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html). They involve long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are different from what is considered normal in your culture. The thoughts and behaviors are unhealthy and inflexible. They cause serious problems with relationships, work, and social activities. They can make it hard to deal with everyday stresses and problems. ### What are the types of personality disorders? There are 10 types of personality disorders. They are grouped into three different categories called clusters. The types in each cluster have some similar symptoms and characteristics. The clusters and types are: **Cluster A** personality disorders involve unusual and odd thoughts and behaviors. It includes: - **Paranoid personality disorder,** in which a person has paranoia (an extreme fear and distrust of others). They may think that someone is trying to harm them. - **Schizoid personality disorder,** in which a person prefers to be alone and is not interested in having relationships with others. - **Schizotypal personality disorder,** in which a person has unusual thoughts and ways of behaving and speaking. They are uncomfortable having close relationships with others. **Cluster B** personality disorders involve dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviors that can keep changing. It includes: - **Antisocial personality disorder,** in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. - **Borderline personality disorder,** in which a person has lots of trouble managing their emotions. This makes them impulsive and uncertain about how they see themselves. It can cause a lot of trouble in their relationships. - **Histrionic personality disorder,** in which a person is dramatic, has strong emotions, and always wants attention from others. - **Narcissistic personality disorder,** in which a person lacks empathy and wants to be admired by others. They think that they are better than others and that they deserve special treatment. **Cluster C** personality disorders involve anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviors. It includes: - **Avoidant personality disorder,** in which a person is very shy and feels that they are not as good as others. They often avoid people because they fear rejection. - **Dependent personality disorder,** in which a person depends too much on others and feels that they need to be taken care of. They may let others treat them badly because they are afraid of losing the relationship. - **Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder,** in which a person needs control and order. They are perfectionists and can be inflexible. Although some of the symptoms are similar, this is not the same thing as [obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/obsessivecompulsivedisorder.html) (OCD). ### What causes personality disorders? Personality disorders usually begin when someone is in their teens or early adult years. The cause is unknown. However, genes and childhood experiences such as [abuse](https://medlineplus.gov/childabuse.html) and trauma likely play a role. ### What are the symptoms of personality disorders? The symptoms of each personality disorder are different. But each disorder involves problems and uncertainty with how people see themselves. The disorders also cause problems in relationships with other people. People with personality disorders may have trouble realizing that they have a problem. To them, their thoughts are normal. They may see others as the problem. So they may not seek help when they need it. Or, if they seek help, it may be because of another reason. They may be looking for help because of other mental health symptoms or problems with relationships and work. Sometimes someone else, such as a family member or social agency, may ask them to get help. ### How are personality disorders diagnosed? A mental health care provider can diagnose personality disorders. A mental health provider is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. To make a diagnosis, the provider will consider the person's symptoms, experiences, and family medical history. A thorough medical exam may also be done to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. ### How are personality disorders treated? Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is the main treatment for personality disorders. Medicines may help relieve certain symptoms, such as [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) or mood swings. ## Start Here - [Personality Disorder](https://mhanational.org/conditions/personality-disorder/) (Mental Health America) ## Treatments and Therapies - [Mental Health Medications](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications)  (National Institute of Mental Health) - [Psychotherapies](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies)  (National Institute of Mental Health) ## Living With - [What to Know Before Stopping Medications (Medication Discontinuation)](https://aapp.org/resource/patients/med-discontinuation) (American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists) - PDF ## Specifics - [Antisocial Personality Disorder](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder) (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Also in [Spanish](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/que-es-la-salud-mental/condiciones/trastorno-personalidad-antisocial) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder)  (National Institute of Mental Health) - [Narcissistic Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Paranoia and Delusional Disorders](https://mhanational.org/conditions/paranoia-and-delusional-disorders/) (Mental Health America) - [Schizoid Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoid-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354414?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Schizotypal Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizotypal-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353919?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) ## Clinical Trials - [ClinicalTrials.gov: Antisocial Personality Disorder](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Antisocial+Personality+Disorder%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec)  (National Institutes of Health) - [ClinicalTrials.gov: Borderline Personality Disorder](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Borderline+Personality+Disorder%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec)  (National Institutes of Health) - [ClinicalTrials.gov: Personality Disorders](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Personality+Disorders%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec)  (National Institutes of Health) ## Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine) - [Article: Personality Pathology and Functional Outcomes During Pharmacological Treatment of Adult ADHD.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41906356) - [Article: Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Maladaptive Personality Traits in Chronic Pain Conditions:...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41902590) - [Article: Prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity and treatment of multiple personality disorder in Germany:...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41873547) - [Personality Disorders -- see more articles](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Personality+Disorders%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+) ## Find an Expert - [FindTreatment.gov](https://findtreatment.gov/) (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Also in [Spanish](https://findtreatment.gov/es) - [Help for Mental Illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help)  (National Institute of Mental Health) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/ayuda-para-la-salud-mental) - [NAMI](https://www.nami.org/) - [National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/)  Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol) ## Patient Handouts - [Antisocial personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000921.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000921.htm) - [Avoidant personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000940.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000940.htm) - [Borderline personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000935.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000935.htm) - [Dependent personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000941.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000941.htm) - [Histrionic personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001531.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001531.htm) - [Narcissistic personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000934.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000934.htm) - [Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000942.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000942.htm) - [Paranoid personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000938.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000938.htm) - [Personality disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000939.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000939.htm) - [Schizoid personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000920.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000920.htm) - [Schizotypal personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001525.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001525.htm) ## Topic Image  ## MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA - [Antisocial personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000921.htm) - [Avoidant personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000940.htm) - [Borderline personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000935.htm) - [Dependent personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000941.htm) - [Histrionic personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001531.htm) - [Narcissistic personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000934.htm) - [Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000942.htm) - [Paranoid personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000938.htm) - [Personality disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000939.htm) - [Schizoid personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000920.htm) - [Schizotypal personality disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001525.htm) Show More Show Less ## Related Health Topics - [Mental Disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html) - [Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/obsessivecompulsivedisorder.html) ## National Institutes of Health The primary NIH organization for research on Personality Disorders is the [National Institute of Mental Health](http://www.nimh.nih.gov/) ## Disclaimers MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our [disclaimer](https://medlineplus.gov/disclaimers.html) about external links and our [quality guidelines](https://medlineplus.gov/criteria.html). The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. 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On this page ### Learn More - [Living With](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_77 "Go to: Living With") - [Specifics](https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#cat_42 "Go to: Specifics") ### See, Play and Learn - No links available Summary ### What is personality? Your personality is your own way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. Once you become an adult, your personality usually doesn't change much. ### What are personality disorders? Personality disorders are a group of [mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html). They involve long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are different from what is considered normal in your culture. The thoughts and behaviors are unhealthy and inflexible. They cause serious problems with relationships, work, and social activities. They can make it hard to deal with everyday stresses and problems. ### What are the types of personality disorders? There are 10 types of personality disorders. They are grouped into three different categories called clusters. The types in each cluster have some similar symptoms and characteristics. The clusters and types are: **Cluster A** personality disorders involve unusual and odd thoughts and behaviors. It includes: - **Paranoid personality disorder,** in which a person has paranoia (an extreme fear and distrust of others). They may think that someone is trying to harm them. - **Schizoid personality disorder,** in which a person prefers to be alone and is not interested in having relationships with others. - **Schizotypal personality disorder,** in which a person has unusual thoughts and ways of behaving and speaking. They are uncomfortable having close relationships with others. **Cluster B** personality disorders involve dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviors that can keep changing. It includes: - **Antisocial personality disorder,** in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. - **Borderline personality disorder,** in which a person has lots of trouble managing their emotions. This makes them impulsive and uncertain about how they see themselves. It can cause a lot of trouble in their relationships. - **Histrionic personality disorder,** in which a person is dramatic, has strong emotions, and always wants attention from others. - **Narcissistic personality disorder,** in which a person lacks empathy and wants to be admired by others. They think that they are better than others and that they deserve special treatment. **Cluster C** personality disorders involve anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviors. It includes: - **Avoidant personality disorder,** in which a person is very shy and feels that they are not as good as others. They often avoid people because they fear rejection. - **Dependent personality disorder,** in which a person depends too much on others and feels that they need to be taken care of. They may let others treat them badly because they are afraid of losing the relationship. - **Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder,** in which a person needs control and order. They are perfectionists and can be inflexible. Although some of the symptoms are similar, this is not the same thing as [obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/obsessivecompulsivedisorder.html) (OCD). ### What causes personality disorders? Personality disorders usually begin when someone is in their teens or early adult years. The cause is unknown. However, genes and childhood experiences such as [abuse](https://medlineplus.gov/childabuse.html) and trauma likely play a role. ### What are the symptoms of personality disorders? The symptoms of each personality disorder are different. But each disorder involves problems and uncertainty with how people see themselves. The disorders also cause problems in relationships with other people. People with personality disorders may have trouble realizing that they have a problem. To them, their thoughts are normal. They may see others as the problem. So they may not seek help when they need it. Or, if they seek help, it may be because of another reason. They may be looking for help because of other mental health symptoms or problems with relationships and work. Sometimes someone else, such as a family member or social agency, may ask them to get help. ### How are personality disorders diagnosed? A mental health care provider can diagnose personality disorders. A mental health provider is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. To make a diagnosis, the provider will consider the person's symptoms, experiences, and family medical history. A thorough medical exam may also be done to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. ### How are personality disorders treated? Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is the main treatment for personality disorders. Medicines may help relieve certain symptoms, such as [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) or mood swings. - [Antisocial Personality Disorder](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder) (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Also in [Spanish](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/que-es-la-salud-mental/condiciones/trastorno-personalidad-antisocial) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder)  (National Institute of Mental Health) - [Narcissistic Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Paranoia and Delusional Disorders](https://mhanational.org/conditions/paranoia-and-delusional-disorders/) (Mental Health America) - [Schizoid Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoid-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354414?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Schizotypal Personality Disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizotypal-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353919?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)