The DSM groups cluster B personality disorders together because a precise diagnosis is rare due to overlapping symptoms. These disorders are defined by dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behaviors, affecting around 5% of adults.
These challenges make it difficult to maintain relationships as they struggle to regulate emotions. People with a Cluster B personality disorder are likely to be diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.
There are four personality disorders within Cluster B, including:
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A person with an antisocial personality disorder often disregards or violates the physical and emotional rights of others. The struggle to empathize with and understand others. Standard features include deceitful and criminal behavior. Some studies suggest that 1–4% of people
have an antisocial personality disorder. Males are up to five times more likely to be diagnosed than females.
Features of antisocial personality disorder include:
● Manipulative behavior for personal gains
● Difficulty controlling impulsivities
● Irresponsible actions or reckless behavior
● Disregard for the safety of any person, such as driving while intoxicated ● Aggressiveness may encounter frequent fights with others.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is defined by chronic mood instability, as well as unstable behavior and self-image. A lack of stability in relationships is the main characteristic of this condition. People with this condition may have intense, inappropriate emotions in response to situations that others would not view as distress.
Individuals with BPD tend to have frequent arguments and breakups, and their relationships are often intense.
Features of borderline personality disorder include:
● Unbalanced relations that turn from extreme adoration to intense dislike
● A “rollercoaster” of moods, such as anger, depression, emptiness, or anxiety, all occurring within a matter of minutes
● Stress-related paranoia or anxiety
● Unpredictable shifts in values or career plans
● Impulsive and risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, binge eating ● Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or actions
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Similar to the other types of Cluster B personality disorders, a histrionic personality involves excessive emotions and attention-seeking behavior. They may appear lively, enthusiastic, charming, and flirtatious, often dressing in seductive or inappropriate ways. They may dress in seductive ways.
Studies have shown that 2–3% of the population meet the standards for histrionic personality disorder. Women are four times as likely to undergo this diagnosis compared with men.
Features of histrionic personality disorder include:
● Displaying extreme emotions in inappropriate settings (acting out in public) ● Behaving in ways that others may find overly sexual or provocative
● Having rapidly changed and shallow emotions
● Using dramatic, theatrical expressions when showing emotion
● Using physical appearance to draw attention
● Easily swayed or influenced by others
● Assuming and behaving as if others are more intimate than they are
People with this disorder tend to believe that their behavior is typical and may not see that it causes problems. They may receive the diagnosis later in life after their behavior patterns have interfered with their personal or professional relationships.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The key features of narcissistic personality disorder include an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and attention-seeking behavior. They may come off as entitled to special or excessive attention and frequently take advantage of those around them.
They will use their achievements as a force of power, enabling their image as “extremely successful” and attractive. As a result of this portrayal, these individuals may have high, unreasonable expectations for what other people should do for them.
Studies suggest that 1-6% of the U.S. population meets the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder. Males receive this diagnosis more often than females.
Features of narcissistic personality disorder include:
● A pattern of self-important or grandiose behavior, such as exaggerating achievements and expecting to be recognized as superior
● Fantasies of unlimited success, power
● A belief of importance, specialness, and uniqueness that only other high-status people can understand
● A need for excessive admiration
● A sense of entitlement, such as unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment ● A tendency to take advantage of others for personal gain
● Lack of empathy
● Envy of others and the belief that others are envious
● Arrogant, condescending behaviors or attitudes
People with this condition typically have vulnerable self-esteem and are sensitive to criticism or defeat, though this may not show outwardly. Many individuals with personality disorders have a history of traumatic experiences, and many have close family members with mental health issues.
Avoid diagnosing yourself or those around you. Anyone that may have a cluster B personality disorder should speak with a mental health professional.
Treatment
While there is no remedy for a personality disorder, there are treatments available to help manage emotions, behaviors, and reduce harmful actions. What works for one person may not work for another — so it’s essential to work with a professional to develop the right treatment plan.
The plan may include:
● Talk therapy encourages a person to express themselves verbally to a therapist, who will listen without judgment and offer advice.
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT helps someone observe their thought patterns and behaviors and acquire useful ways to improve them.
● Dialectical behavioral therapy: DBT teaches people new skills to make positive life changes.
● Medication: There is no specific prescription for personality disorders. However, medicines can improve particular symptoms and aid with co-occurring problems, like anxiety and depression. The symptoms of these personality disorders can sometimes naturally reduce with age as emotional regulation improves. With appropriate support, many people with cluster B personality disorders can maintain healthy, joyful relationships.
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
