Cluster A Personality Disorders

Cluster A Personality Disorders are those considered to be marked by odd, eccentric behavior. Paranoid, Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders are in this category.

Paranoid Personality Disorder

PPD is a type of psychological personality disorder characterized by an extreme level of distrust and suspiciousness of others. Paranoid personalities are generally difficult to get along with, and their combative and distrustful nature often elicits hostility in others. The negative social interactions that result from their behavior then serve to confirm and reinforce their original pessimistic expectations.

Needless to say, those with PPD are unlikely to form many close relationships and are typically perceived as cold and distant. They are quick to challenge the loyalty of friends and loved ones and tend to carry long grudges (Dobbert 2007, Kantor 2004).

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Individuals with schizoid personality are characteristically detached from social relationships and show a restricted range of expressed emotions. Their social skills, as would be expected, are weak, and they do not typically express a need for attention or approval. They may be perceived by others as somber and aloof, and often are referred to as "loners."

Although it is not known with certainty that individuals with this personality disorder prefer their isolation, it is thought that, unlike individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), schizoids do not secretly wish to be more socially outgoing (Dobbert 2007).

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personalities are characterized by odd forms of thought, perception and beliefs. They may have bizarre mannerisms, an eccentric appearance, and speech that is excessively elaborate and difficult to follow. However, these cognitive distortions and eccentricities are only considered to be a disorder when the behaviors become persistent and very disabling or distressing.

In social interactions, schizotypals may react inappropriately, not react at all, or talk to themselves. They may believe that they have extra sensory powers or that they are connected to unrelated events in some important way. However, they tend to avoid intimacy and typically have few close friends. Although schizotypals may marry and hold down jobs, they are prone to feel nervous around strangers (Dobbert 2007).

This article is a brief summary of Cluster A personality disorders. The contents of this article are not meant to be used for diagnosis and are not a substitute for professional help and counseling.

Sources

American Psychiatric Association APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Dobbert, D. (2007) Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction. Greenwood Press.

Kantor, M. (2004) Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families, and Sufferers. Greenwood Publishing Group.

Cluster Classification of Personality Disorders

People with psychological personality disorders have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways. Depending on the specific disorder, these personalities are generally described in negative terms such as hostile, detached, needy, antisocial or obsessive (Dobbert 2007).There are currently 10 conditions that are considered personality disorders, some of which have very little in common. Mental health professionals group those personality disorders that share characteristics into one of three clusters:

Cluster A Personality Disorders are those considered to be marked by odd, eccentric behavior. Paranoid, Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders are in this category.

Cluster B Personality Disorders are evidenced by dramatic, erratic behaviors and include Histrionic, Narcissistic, Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders.

Cluster C Personality Disorders are distinguished by the anxious, fearful behavior commonly seen in Obsessive-Compulsive, Avoidant and Dependent Personality Disorders.

Prevalence, Cause & Course of Paranoid PD

PPD is a type of psychological personality disorder characterized by an extreme level of distrust and suspicion of others. Paranoid personalities are generally difficult to get along with, and their combative and distrustful nature often elicits hostility in others.

Prevalence of Paranoid PD

The prevalence of Paranoid Personality Disorder has been estimated to be as high as 4.5% of the general population and occurs more commonly in males (NESARC 2002).

Cause of Paranoid PD

The specific cause of Paranoid Personality Disorder is unknown, although there are theories that a threatening domestic atmosphere experienced during childhood may give rise to profound insecurities that contribute to the development of PPD.

This disorder is more common among first-degree biological relatives of those with Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorder, Persecutory Type. One Norwegian twin study found PPD to have a degree of heritibility and to share risk factors with Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (Kendler et.al 2006).

Course of Paranoid PS

As is the case with many personality disorders, PPD often first becomes apparent in early adulthood. The course of this disorder is chronic (Kantor 2004).

Sources

Kantor, M. (2004) Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families, and Sufferers. Greenwood Publishing Group.

National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions - NESARC (2002) Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 65.

Kendler KS, Czajkowski N, Tambs K, et al (2006). Dimensional representations of DSM-IV cluster A personality disorders in a population-based sample of Norwegian twins: a multivariate study.