Personality disorders are a type of mental illness, and they are organized according to similar characteristics into subgroups called clusters. There are three clusters of personality disorders: A, B, and C. A person with a Cluster B personality disorder might be characterized as being extremely dramatic and self-centered, and illnesses including histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and borderline personality disorder are in this group.
People with histrionic personality disorder, formerly called hysterical personality disorder, are characterized as being extremely emotional and dramatic. In addition, a person with this disorder wants to be the center of attention all of the time but is also quite sensitive. He or she may be incapable of being in a healthy relationship, may seem shallow to others, may not show care for other people’s feelings, and may be inappropriately sexual in dress and actions. Treatment for this condition is complicated by the fact that many people who have this condition do not believe that they need help.
Narcissistic personality disorder is named after the Greek mythical figure Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pond and died because he could not tear himself away from gazing at himself in admiration. People who have this disorder have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and will lie about their achievements. They have a sense of entitlement, may think that others are envious of them, and exhibit a lack of respect for others’ feelings, ideas, and goals. Those who have narcissistic personality disorder can be treated with drugs and psychotherapy.
Men are more likely than women to have antisocial personality disorder, which has been called psychopathic personality disorder in the past. People who have this disorder may lie constantly, have trouble controlling impulsive behaviors, be aggressive, and may have a history of getting in trouble with the law. In addition, those with antisocial behavior disorder do not care about right or wrong and may have difficulty in holding down a job. These individuals can be aggressive with therapists and often refuse treatment.
Women are more likely than men to have borderline personality disorder, which makes people fear being alone. While a person who has antisocial personality disorder may direct aggression against others, a person who has borderline personality disorder is more likely to be aggressive against herself. In extreme cases, those with this type of personality disorder may become paranoid or hallucinate. This condition is treated with psychotherapy and drugs.