DEFINITION

Personality disorders are defined by enduring, inflexible, pervasive patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. This pattern manifests as deviations in cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control. It leads to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and/or other important areas of functioning[1].

Cluster A Personality Disorders are collectively characterized by odd or eccentric patterns of thoughts and behaviors[1]:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder is a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness such that others’ motives are interpreted as malevolent.
• Schizoid Personality Disorder is a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a pattern of acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentricities of behavior.