Cluster B personality disorders are marked by dramatic, emotional, and erratic behaviors. People with these disorders often struggle with interpersonal relationships, emotion regulation, and impulse control. As with all personality disorders, the symptoms present across most settings and cause significant distress and functional impairments in work, social relationships and family life.
There are four distinct Cluster B disorders: borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and histrionic personality disorder (HPD).
While Cluster B personality disorders can be challenging, treatment through therapy can help with learning healthier ways of managing emotions and improving interpersonal skills. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavioral therapy, and object relations.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder is marked by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. People with BPD may experience intense emotional swings and have difficulty managing feelings of abandonment or rejection. This can lead to impulsive behaviors, mood shifts, and frequent relationship crises. Individuals with BPD may have a distorted sense of self and may often feel empty or unsure of their identity. Self-harming behaviors and suicidal tendencies are also common in BPD.
Dialectical behavioral therapy is the most evidence based treatment for BPD.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a strong need for admiration and attention. People with NPD often believe they are superior to others and expect special treatment. They may have difficulty accepting criticism and may react with anger or disdain when their self-image is threatened. Relationships with individuals with NPD can be challenging due to their lack of emotional intimacy and their tendency to exploit others for personal gain.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Antisocial Personality Disorder involves a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, along with a lack of remorse for harmful behavior. Individuals with ASPD often engage in manipulative, deceitful, or criminal activities and show little regard for societal norms or laws. They may have a history of conduct disorder in childhood and may exhibit impulsivity, aggression, and a consistent pattern of irresponsibility. People with ASPD may form shallow relationships but often struggle with long-term emotional connections.
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)
Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by a strong desire for attention and approval. People with HPD often display dramatic or exaggerated behaviors to draw attention to themselves. They may engage in flirtation, become easily distressed when not the center of attention, or act in ways that are overly emotional. This can lead to difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships, as their need for attention can overshadow other people’s needs and emotions.
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