The Human Mind

Personality Disorders


This article is meant to be informational and primarily help us in the DS forums to call things by their proper name. This outline is not a tool for self-diagnosis. If you, by any chance, recognize yourself in one of the descriptions and are therefore concerned for your mental health, please check with someone who knows.


Let us begin by asking a very important question.

What are Personality Disorders?

Formerly referred to as character disorders, personality disorders are a class of personality types and behaviors defined as "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it".


List of Personality Disorders

The list is sorted alphabetically and features a short description of each disorder.
Click on any disorder to read a more detailed description, incl. typical symptoms.

  1. Antisocial personality disorder

    Pervasive disregard for the law and the rights of others.

  2. Avoidant personality disorder

    Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation and avoidance of social interaction.

  3. Borderline personality disorder

    Extreme "black and white" thinking, instability in relationships, self-image, identity & behavior.

  4. Dependent personality disorder

    Pervasive psychological dependence on other people.

  5. Depressive personality disorder

    Pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions and behaviors beginning by early adulthood.

  6. Histrionic personality disorder

    Pervasive attention-seeking behavior incl. inappropriate sexual seductiveness and shallow or exaggerated emotions.

  7. Masochistic personality disorder

    Characterised by behaviour consequently undermining the person's pleasure & goals.

  8. Narcissistic personality disorder

    A pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

  9. Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder

    Characterized by rigid conformity to rules, moral codes and excessive orderliness.

  10. Passive-Aggressive personality disorder

    A pattern of negative attitudes and passive resistance in interpersonal situations.

  11. Paranoid personality disorder

    Irrational suspicions and mistrust of others.

  12. Sadistic personality disorder

    Pervasive pattern of cruel, demeaning and aggressive behavior.

  13. Schizoid personality disorder

    A lack of interest in social relationships, seeing no point in sharing time with others, misanthropy, introspection.

  14. Schizotypal personality disorder

    Odd behavior or thinking.


Classification of Personality Disorders

The alphabetically listed personality disorders can also be grouped as follows:

A: Odd or eccentric disorders

  1. Paranoid personality disorder
  2. Schizoid personality disorder
  3. Schizotypal personality disorder

B: Dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders

  1. Antisocial personality disorder
  2. Borderline personality disorder
  3. Histrionic personality disorder
  4. Narcissistic personality disorder

C: Anxious or fearful disorders

  1. Avoidant personality disorder
  2. Dependent personality disorder
  3. Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder

Personality disorder not otherwise specified

  1. Depressive personality disorder
  2. Masochistic personality disorder
  3. Passive-Aggressive personality disorder
  4. Sadistic personality disorder

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