Define what constitutes a “personality disorder”. Explore the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality. Review the three (3) major personality “clusters”. Look at the ten (10) individual personality disorders.

1. PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Andy Novinska - MS, LCPC, CADC

2. Goals
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Define what constitutes a “personality disorder”.
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Explore the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality.
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Review the three (3) major personality “clusters”.
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Look at the ten (10) individual personality disorders.

3. Disclaimer
The following information may lead you to
diagnose your significant other, friends,
children, in-laws, siblings, parents, boss,
coworkers, bank teller, pet…or even
worse… yourself!
Consume with care.

4. Core areas of Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve:
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Extreme and distorted thought patterns.
Problematic emotional response patterns.
Pattern of impulse control problems.
Pattern of significant interpersonal problems.
These long term patterns are not better explained by
culture, another mental health disorder, chemical use or a
physical illness/condition.

5. Personality Disorder Basics
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Individuals with personality disorders usually do not seek
help/treatment on their own. Often driven by:
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Other Disorders (depression, anxiety, substance)
Employment or legal issues
Behavioral Issues (fights, gambling, alcohol/drugs, sexual acting out,
disordered eating, etc.)
Although difficult to treat, evidence indicates that both medication
and therapy can work.
Some personality disorders lessen during middle age (without
treatment) while others continue throughout life despite intervention.
Personality disorders are diagnosed based on psychological
evaluation (including testing), personal history and severity of
symptoms.

6. Five Factor Model (FFM)
The Five Factor Model are five general dimensions of personality
that are used to describe human personality. They are spectrum
based with these five areas deemed “healthy” aspects of
personality:
 Openness (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious)
Appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas,
curiosity, and variety of experience.
 Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. easygoing/careless)
Tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for
achievement; planned rather than spontaneous behavior.

7. Five Factor Model (FFM)
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Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved)
Energy, positive emotions, surgency, and the tendency to seek
stimulation in the company of others.
Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs. cold/unkind)
A tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than
suspicious and antagonistic.
Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. secure/confident)
A tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as
anger, anxiety, depression, or vulnerability.
Curious where you fall on the spectrum?
Take the Five Factor Personality Test

8. DSM-5, Cluster A – Odd or Eccentric
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Paranoid - Hypersensitive and easily insulted; they scan their
environment for clues or suggestions that validate their
ideas/biases. Persistently holds grudges and are very
suspicious.
Schizoid - Indifferent towards social relationships; lean heavily
towards a solitary lifestyle. Often indifferent to praise or
criticism with an emotional flatness or coldness.
Schizotypal - Often display odd or eccentric behaviors with
inappropriate or constricted affect. May have a strong/vivid
fantasy world and/or odd beliefs (clairvoyance, telepathy,
etc.). Usually lack close friends and are socially anxious.

9. Cluster A – Odd or Eccentric

10. DSM 5, Cluster B – Dramatic, Emotional or Erratic
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Antisocial - Disregard for the rights of others that begins in
childhood/early adolescence and continues into adulthood. Sneaky,
impulsive, deceitful behaviors with no remorse and/or indifference towards
behaviors.
Narcissistic - Grandiosity with a need for admiration and a lack of
empathy for others. Preoccupied with competence, power and prestige.
Often envious of others with a sense of entitlement and will exploit others to
meet their needs.
Histrionic - Excessive need for approval and desire to be the center of
attention. Are often animated, dramatic, seductive or flirtatious. Feels
relationships are closer than what they may actually be.
Borderline - Poor self-image/identity with an abnormal level of mood
swings. Chaotic and unbalanced in their interpersonal relationships with fear
of abandonment. Will swing from worshipping someone to demonizing them.
High levels of impulsive behaviors (shopping, sex, substances, etc.).

11. DSM-5 Cluster B – Dramatic, Emotional & Erratic

12. DSM-5, Cluster C – Anxious or Fearful
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Avoidant - Ongoing pattern of social inhibition coupled with
feelings of inadequacy. Have an extreme sensitivity to
negative evaluation and will avoid social interactions. Carry
feelings of being socially inept and unlikeable.
Dependent - View the world as being uncaring and dangerous
and themselves as inadequate and weak. Feel unable to cope
on their own and have difficulties making everyday decisions
without extensive advice from others.
Obsessive-compulsive - Preoccupied with rules, lists, details,
order (etc.). Are often rigid in their belief system, have strict
morals and want things done exactly their way. May also
hoard items of no value and be very tightfisted with money.

13. Cluster C – Anxious or Fearful

14. Prevalence Rates
Cluster A, Odd or Eccentric
 Paranoid, 2.3 - 4.4%
 Schizoid, 3.1 - 4.9%
 Schizotypal, 3.9 - 4.6%
Cluster B, Dramatic, Emotional or Erratic
 Antisocial, .2 - 3.3%
 Borderline, 1.6 - 5.9%
 Histrionic, 1.8%
 Narcissistic, 6.2%
Cluster C, Anxious or Fearful
 Avoidant, 2.4%
 Dependent, .49 - .6%
 Obsessive Compulsive, 2.1 - 7.9%
Source: DSM-5

15. Next Up
Treatment for personality disorders and the comorbid
conditions that can accompany them.
Andy Novinska - MS, LCPC, CADC
http://www.linkedin.com/in/apnovin