Personality Disorders and Their Successes

Personality Disorder	Personality Success
Antisocial Personality Disorder This disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people's rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. This pattern of behavior has occurred since age 15 (although only adults 18 years or older can be diagnosed with this disorder) and consists by the presence of the majority of these symptoms: § failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest § deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure § impulsivity or failure to plan ahead § irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults § reckless disregard for safety of self or others § consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations § lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another	The Cooperator This person seeks to respect, honor and uphold other people’s rights. § Tends to respect the law and rules that seem right and just § Honest, willing to speak the truth § Thoughtful, tends to plan ahead § Hold other lives in regard as precious § Responsible, willing to meet the demands of life, work, family and community Naturally seek to protect, comfort, and provide for others
Avoidant Personality Disorder This disorder is characterized by a long-standing and complex pattern of feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to what other people think about them, and social inhibition. It typically manifests itself by early adulthood and includes a majority of the following symptoms: § avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection § is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked § shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed § is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations § is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy § views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing	Confident This person seeks to be confident and sociable, in harmony with others § seeks occupational activities that involve interacting with others; Willing to tolerate criticism and disapproval or rejection, and still move towards excellence. § Willing to be involved with people even if they are not appreciated § Seeks to be involved in intimate relationships § Feels good about oneself, feels socially responsible, and equal to others § Willing to take personal risks in new activities, even if embarrassing
Borderline Personality Disorder A person who suffers from this disorder has labile interpersonal relationships characterized by instability. This pattern of interacting with others has persisted for years and is usually closely related to the person's self-image and early social interactions. The pattern is present in a variety of settings (e.g., not just at work or home) and often is accompanied by a similar lability (fluctuating back and forth, sometimes in a quick manner) in a person's affect, or feelings. Relationships and the person's affect may often be characterized as being shallow. A person with this disorder may also exhibit impulsive behaviors and exhibit a majority of the following symptoms: § frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. § a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation § identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self § impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating) § recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior § affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days) § chronic feelings of emptiness § inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights) § transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms	Respectful This person has stable interpersonal relationships and seeks consistency in the intention and expression of feelings. This person has a sense of profundity and wholesomeness about them and their relationships. § Makes strong efforts to keep the group together § A pattern of stable and intense interpersonal relationships, with realistic expectations § Has a strong and realistic self- esteem, confident and sure of ones identity § Takes a consistent and successful care of oneself § Respects and keeps their own and other’s life as precious § Truthful expression of affect that is in tune with the feelings of others § Chronic feelings of fulfillment § Strong and appropriate control of ones moods and expressions of frustrations § Has a clear understanding of people’s intention, and is trusting appropriately
Dependent Personality Disorder This personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing need for the person to be taken care of and a fear of being abandoned or separated from important individuals in his or her life. This pervasive fear leads to "clinging behavior" and usually manifests itself by early adulthood. It includes a majority of the following symptoms: § has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others § needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life § has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. § has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy) § goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant § feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself § urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends § is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself	Self-reliant This person takes care of their own needs, and feels supported by ones sphere of influence. § Can make ones own decisions without the need for reassurance and advice from others § Assumes responsibility for most of the major areas of life § Can express disagreement even in the light of disapproval § Has the self confidence in judgment and abilities to initiate and persist in even difficult projects § Can gain nurturance from many avenues so as not to over burden others with ones own needs § Is confident that one could care for ones own self § Allows the aftermath of a challenging romantic relationship to heal before beginning new romances Believes that the universe provides, and even provides better when one helps oneself
Histrionic Personality Disorder A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: § is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention § interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior § displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions § consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self § has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail § shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion § is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are	The Romantic Expresses a full and comfortable range of emotionality, and seeks other’s attentions respectfully § Is comfortable when not the center of attention § Controls ones own sexually seductive and provocative behavior to where it is appropriate § Has a graceful and rich expression of emotions § Uses impressionistic speech to get the details more fully understood § Uses appropriate drama and one’s true expression of emotions to let others know how they feel Has an accurate consideration of the depth and intimacy of feelings of others
Narcissistic Personality Disorder A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: § has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements) § is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love § believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) § requires excessive admiration § has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations § is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends § lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others § is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her § shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes	Humble has a modest and accurate sense of self, confident of one’s own talents, while empathic and encouraging of others § sees oneself as equal to others, and has a realistic view of ones own achievements and talents § realistically and strongly pursues ones excellence, success, power, and love § Understands each person’s uniqueness § Has the self-confidence to pursue their goals § Believes that all people are entitled to pursue their path and experiences with equal rights and opportunity § Is interpersonally respectful, i.e. allow others to achieve their own unique goals § Has empathy, and considers other people’s feelings and beliefs § Is encouraging to others and hopes that others are encouraging as well § Has accepting and cooperative attitudes and behaviors
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder A pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following: § is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost § shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met) § is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity) § is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification) § is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value § is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things § adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes § shows rigidity and stubbornness	Well-disciplined (Self-controlled) --Flexible Uses a realistic pattern of orderliness, perfectionism, mental and interpersonal control, combined with flexibility, openness, and efficiency to pursue ones excellence § Keeps a good perspective of the big picture and goals, while working out the details, rules, lists, order, organization and schedule § Pursues a realistic perfection that inspires task completion (able to complete projects, because they fall within ones abilities and standards) § Appropriately devoted to work and productivity, while still inclusive of friends and leisure § Conscientious, meticulous, yet flexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values § Willing to delegate tasks and to work with others, allowing them appropriate freedom to do it how they see fit § Has a generous spending style towards oneself and others; money is viewed as energy to be utilized when appropriate § Has flexibility and is easy going
Paranoid Personality Disorder A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following: § suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her § is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates § is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against him or her § reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events § persistently bears grudges, i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights § perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner	Trusting A pervasive trust and accepting of other’s motives as benevolent, and appropriately cautious of those with malevolent intentions § believes that others are supportive, helping, kind and truthful, unless there is overwhelming evidence otherwise § Has faith in the loyalty and trustworthiness of friends and associates § Confides in others who seem trustworthy, and believes the acknowledgement that all will be kept confident § Reads the intentions of others accurately § Willing to forgive others for insults, injuries and slights § Reacts peacefully to attacks from others and seeks to get along well with people § Builds a trusting and faithful relationship with spouse or sexual partner
Schizoid Personality Disorder A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following: § neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family § almost always chooses solitary activities § has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person § takes pleasure in few, if any, activities § lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives § appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others § shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity	Gregarious A pervasive pattern of involvement in social relationship, with a wide range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings § Desires and enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family § Chooses social activities, while still respecting their solitary time § Enjoys sexual experiences with others § Takes pleasure in many activities § Has close friends and confidants § Appreciates the praise and criticism of others § Is emotionally rich, warm, and accepting
Schizotypal Personality Disorder A pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by acute discomfort with, and reduced capacity for, close relationships as well as by cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: § ideas of reference (excluding delusions of reference) § odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is inconsistent with subcultural norms (e.g., superstitiousness, belief in clairvoyance, telepathy, or "sixth sense"; in children and adolescents, bizarre fantasies or preoccupations) § unusual perceptual experiences, including bodily illusions § odd thinking and speech (e.g., vague, circumstantial, metaphorical, over-elaborate, or stereotyped) § suspiciousness or paranoid ideation § inappropriate or constricted affect § behavior or appearance that is odd, eccentric, or peculiar § lack of close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives § excessive social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity and tends to be associated with paranoid fears rather than negative judgments about self	Suave A pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal excellences, marked by comfort with and increased capacity for close relationships, as well as cognitive accuracy’s and uniquenesses of behavior § Accepting of self-responsibility for ones own beliefs, actions and experiences § beliefs, thought processes and behavior that are consistent with cultural norms and realistic § accurate perceptual experiences, and has appropriate self image § Brilliant thinking and uses words wisely § Trusting that the universe will be supportive § Appropriate and expressive affect § Behavior or appearance that is comfortable, appropriate and unobtrusive § Many close friends and relatives § Comfortable in social situations, that improves with social familiarity