Science-recognized personality disorders and their characteristics

Studies on personality and character date back to ancient times. Over the centuries, especially English and French scientists have tried to explain the concepts of personality, character and personality disorders and each of them has advanced to the next stage. Today, when it comes to personality disorders, the order of DSM-5 is generally taken as a basis. According to the DSM-5, a personality disorder is diagnosed when there is a marked deterioration in the person's relationships with self or others and at least one pathological personality behavior. In addition, the condition that causes the personality disorder should;

1. Stability independent of time and situations experienced,

2. Individuals are not considered normal by their developmental status or socio-cultural environment,

3. It should not be caused by side effects of a substance or general medical condition.

The DSM-5 says that there are 10 different personality disorders and divides them into 3 groups;

Group A: Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal

Group B: Antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic

Group C Withdrawn, dependent, obsessive-compulsive

Before moving on to the definitions of personality disorders, it is important to note that these definitions are the result of historical observation rather than scientific studies. For this reason, it can sometimes be seen that cases of personality disorders overlap or that the definitions overlap.

Paranoid personality disorder

In paranoid personality disorder, there is a serious distrust of others. The person does not trust anyone, including friends, family and spouse. As a result, they become protective and suspicious and are constantly looking for clues to confirm their insecurities and fears. People with paranoid personality disorder have an overly sensitive nature; they are very sensitive in the face of rejection or defeat and easily feel shame and humiliation.

Schizoid personality disorder

The concept of schizoid refers to a person's tendency to turn attention away from the outside world and towards their inner world. A person with schizoid personality disorder is distant from others and turned inward into his or her own fantasies, into his or her own world. They have no desire for social or sexual relationships, they are different from others, they are different from social norms and lack emotional responsiveness. Some theories say that their inner world is extremely rich and sensitive. They seek deep intimacy, but find close relationships too difficult or stressful, so they are unable to make them work and return to their inner world.

Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder usually manifests itself in the form of strangeness in appearance, behavior and speech, unusual perception and differences in thinking. Many symptoms of this personality disorder are reminiscent of schizophrenia. People with schizotypal personality disorder often avoid social interactions and believe that others will harm them.

Antisocial personality disorder

People with antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy, show a constant indifference and violation of other people's rights. They exhibit deceitful and manipulative behavior, do not follow the rules of social life and behave aggressively in the face of rules. This personality disorder, which is more common in men, is also seen in people who commit crimes.

Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder refers to people who are borderline between neuroses and psychoses. These people always give the appearance of being depressed. They are prone to self-harm and have suicidal tendencies. It is common in people who were sexually abused in childhood. It is a personality disorder that is more common in women than in men.

Histrionic personality disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality, a tendency to attract attention and the need to seek approval from others. They do not hesitate to dramatize events in order to be noticed by others. In case of rejection, these feelings become even more heightened and enter a vicious circle.

Dependent personality disorder

People with dependent personality disorder lack self-confidence and feel that they are in constant need of someone else's help and attention. They hesitate to take even the smallest decisions and are very afraid of being alone. These people, who feel inadequate, are usually together with people with personality disorders in group B.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder have an excessive interest in details, rules, sequences, organization and planning. Their perfectionism is so extreme that it sometimes gets in the way of productivity and efficiency. Controlling and rigid, these people exhibit aggressive behavior when they lose control.