The American Psychiatric Association organizes personality disorders by clusters. Cluster A is a category that describes individuals who are withdrawn and may engage in odd or eccentric behavior. The diagnoses include:
Paranoid Personality Disorder
An individual with this disorder suspects that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving him or her. They often suspect without justification that their spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful. They may imagine threats or hidden meaning in communication from friends or co-workers. A client with a paranoid personality disorder may not be willing to trust and confide in their attorney.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Individuals who have schizoid personality disorder have a pattern of detachment from relationships, even with family members. They prefer solitary activities such as computer games. They may appear to be emotionally cold and detached. They may not respond to anger if provoked. They are indifferent to the praise or criticism of others. An individual with a schizoid personality may not respond appropriately if questioned by police.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Individuals with this disorder have symptoms that are similar to those of schizophrenia. They tend to be socially isolated and their behavior and appearance can be odd and eccentric. Their thinking may be positive for unusual beliefs and bizarre fantasies. An individual with schizotypal personality disorder could be suspected of drug abuse due to odd behavior and speech.
For our newsletter and blog this month we are reviewing Cluster A type Personality Disorders. The blog topics for this month are:
- What is a Personality Disorder? (8/7/15)
- Personality Disorders: “Cluster A” (8/14/15)
- Personality Disorders: Case Study (8/21/15)
- Personality Disorders: Legal Implications (8/28/15)
Note: To see all posts in this topic, click here
