How Many Types Of Personality Disorders Are There?

There are generally 10 diagnosable personality disorders, typically divided into three categories or clusters. Each of these disorders can be characterized by different symptoms and traits. These characteristics can help you recognize personality disorder symptoms in yourself and others, although only licensed mental health professionals can diagnose these disorders. Any personality disorder may result in difficulties living your daily life. If you think you have a personality disorder, it can be vital to ensure you get the help you deserve. Online therapy can be one way to connect with a licensed mental health professional who may help you work through symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Cluster A personality disorders

Cluster A personality disorders often include odd, bizarre, or eccentric traits. 

Three disorders generally make up this cluster: paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. Any of these disorders may make the person living with them seem to be a bit of an outcast among their peers, especially if they're experiencing severe symptoms or more than one personality disorder concurrently.

Paranoid personality disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is primarily characterized by extreme distrust for others. This condition may affect a person’s perception of strangers, but it often affects their perception of everyone they interact with, including their friends and family. They may constantly be suspicious of others and generally have an extreme sensitivity to any kind of setback or criticism.

Schizoid personality disorder

An individual with schizoid personality disorder usually has little to no interest in interacting with others. People with this disorder tend to be highly introverted, but unlike many other personality disorders, they tend to be happy being alone and do not generally have feelings of extreme loneliness or depression. They may also have difficulty with emotional responses and tend to feel and act detached from their own lives.

Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder can be slightly different from schizoid personality disorder in that the individual may be out of touch with reality. These individuals may have strange ways of acting, dressing, or speaking and can believe in strange things or magical ideologies. They generally fear interacting with others, often feeling suspicious of others and the potential harm they could cause them.

Cluster B personality disorders

Cluster B personality disorders are often considered dramatic or erratic. The four disorders in this cluster generally include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. 

People with these conditions may be considered a little different from their peers because they can be perceived as overly dramatic or may seem to jump from one thing to another.

Antisocial personality disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is generally found in those who completely disregard not only the thoughts and feelings of others, but also the rules and obligations of society, friendship, and family. They may struggle with impulse control and feel little to no sense of guilt. Someone with antisocial personality disorder can form relationships and friendships, but usually does not hide their true nature for long.

Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder can result in very low self-esteem or sense of worth. Those with BPD generally fear abandonment to the degree that they can form unstable relationships, feel suicidal*, and act out self-harming behaviors. These individuals tend to have low impulse control and intense outbursts of emotion.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.

Histrionic personality disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is another condition typically characterized by a low sense of self-worth, but in this disorder, an individual may seek attention from others. They typically do this by acting out in many ways, generally being perceived as overly dramatic, seductive, or highly emotional. They can be extremely sensitive when criticized or rejected.

Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder often looks much different than the other disorders in this cluster. An individual with narcissistic personality disorder typically has an overly inflated sense of self-worth and capabilities. These individuals may have a strong need for admiration, similar to histrionic and borderline personality disorders. Like antisocial personality disorder, those with NPD generally lack empathy and tend to exploit others to achieve their goals and desires.

Cluster C personality disorders

Cluster C disorders typically include anxiety and fear disorders, such as avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. These individuals generally have a fear or anxiety about something in their lives, whether it is other people, order, cleanliness, or something else. 

These disorders can occur in multiples, as some fears can lead directly to new fears, potentially resulting in even more difficulty in overcoming the root of the fear. These individuals are likely to know that something is wrong and that they don't want it to continue, but they usually cannot stop the fear and anxiety on their own.

Avoidant personality disorder

Avoidant personality disorder usually manifests in a lack of social skills and a fear of the outside world. Those with this disorder generally have difficulty interacting with others because of extreme fear of rejection or embarrassment. They may have problems with anything where approval is not guaranteed and tend to live with other anxiety disorders concurrently.

Dependent personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder can manifest mainly as an excessive lack of confidence. The individual tends to form intense relationships very quickly and become highly dependent on the object of their affection. They often feel incapable of making critical or minor decisions unless someone else tells them what to do or approves. They can be terrified of abandonment and view themselves as inadequate, potentially resulting in them leaving many aspects of their lives to someone else.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is generally not the same thing as obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is typically characterized by an obsession with rules, details, organization, or other aspects of someone’s life. The individual may experience obsessions and compulsions in different ways, but they can take over their life to a degree where they cannot deviate from certain patterns for fear of the terrible things that may happen if they fail to follow their usual procedures.

Diagnosing personality disorders

Diagnosing personality disorders generally starts with a complete physical workup from your doctor. They can determine if a physical problem may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also look at any medications that could be causing side effects and evaluate any symptoms you’re experiencing to determine a diagnosis. It can be important to note that symptoms are usually only considered indicative of a personality disorder if they interfere with the daily life of the individual and are an enduring part of their life.

Help is available for personality disorders

There can be a stigma around personality disorders due to a general lack of understanding and some not-so-helpful media portrayals. You deserve to live a more balanced, healthy life regardless of your symptoms or diagnosis. 

Seeking out therapy can seem like a challenge, but it may alleviate the symptoms you’re facing and help you find clarity. 

How online therapy can help

If you are experiencing the symptoms of any of these personality disorders or know someone who is, online therapy can be a great way to start improving your quality of life. By being paired with a licensed therapist who meets your needs and preferences, you can find someone whose style and schedule work with yours. With online therapy, you can get started in as little as 48 hours by attending sessions from the comfort of your own home, which can make it more comfortable to discuss potentially vulnerable topics.

A 2022 scoping review investigated the potential efficacy of online therapy for personality disorders. It stated, “This scoping review found that internet interventions for PD are still under-researched, although initial outcomes show promise.” A growing body of evidence suggests that online therapy is usually as effective as in-person therapy.

Counselor reviews

“Melanie is such a thoughtful and caring counselor. She has really helped me deal with my OCD and has provided me with a lot of support through the conversations we have had as well as providing me with helpful coping mechanisms. Melanie is very non-judgmental and is really willing to help you deal with any anxieties you are having while ensuring that you stay on the right track.”

“Jessica is the best! She listens and provides helpful feedback and insights. I feel less anxious and depressed since starting therapy with Jessica. She also takes the time to respond to messages with detail and care.”