Article: There are three categories, known as ‘’clusters’’, that divide the 10 specific types of personality disorders. These categories are based on the symptoms and shared characteristics of each disorder.   Cluster A consists of behavior that is considered odd, paranoid, or eccentric. Cluster B disorders include emotional, unpredictable, or dramatic behavioral disorders. Cluster C is comprised of disorders causing anxiety or fear. Paranoid personality disorder involves difficulty with trusting and confiding in others. The person will hold an unreasonable fear of being taken advantage of. They may perceive threats and danger in many everyday situations where there is none. A  person with this disorder fears being betrayed and is often seen as hostile.  Schizoid personality disorder involves preferring a solitary existence and showing little emotion. There will be very little interest in seeking close personal relationships and a tendency to be indifferent to any sort of outside criticism or praise.  Schizotypal personality disorder can cause someone to act eccentric, with distorted thinking patterns and perceptions. They display extreme discomfort in close relationships and may exhibit a belief that they can read minds or have a sixth sense. Antisocial personality disorder can lead people to place themselves or others in risky, even dangerous situations, without appreciating the consequences of their actions. This person may repeatedly lie, deceive or act impulsively, with little regard for conforming to normal social expectations.  Antisocial personality disorder is typically not diagnosed unless the patient is at least 18 years of age.  Borderline personality disorder involves very intense feelings and impulsive behavior. People with this disorder often have intense mood swings from bliss to panic to fury.  They have a deep fear of abandonment and often have problems with identity.  Feelings of chronic sadness and loneliness, along with the inability to make or keep stable relationships, are all a part of this very serious condition. Under extreme stress, feelings of paranoia, numbness and difficulty with memory can occur. Also, brief psychosis (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) can occur.  These individuals are at high risk for self-harm and suicide.   Histrionic personality disorder is a condition where one craves attention and shows excessive emotion. When they are not the center of attention, a person with this disorder will take necessary measures to draw attention to themselves. They feel the need to entertain those around them. At the same time, this person is easily influenced and dependent on the opinion and approval of others.  Narcissistic personality disorder involves an inflated ego. These individuals believe they are better than others, have fragile self-esteem and a noticeable lack of  empathy. They will expect to get their own way and will be quite upset if ignored or slighted. They often resent the success of others, causing them to be viewed as selfish and demanding. People with this disorder are not above taking advantage of people or situations. Avoidant personality disorder can look similar to social anxiety. This person expects the worst, worrying about disappointing others or embarrassing themselves. They isolate themselves from employment or activities where they must be around others. They avoid personal and social relationships for fear of rejection or ridicule and tend to live very lonely lives.  Dependent personality disorder describes people who handle their fearfulness by relying on others to do things for them. People with dependent personality disorder like to be cared for, behave submissively and appear quite clingy. Making daily life decisions and being alone cause such people to feel very uncomfortable and helpless because of their fear of being unable to care for themselves.  Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves the need for everything to be orderly and controlled. While this person expects a catastrophe to occur if things are not perfect, they set unreasonably high goals and standards for themselves and others. They are quite frugal and worry endlessly about making mistakes, consequently their leisure activities and friendships tend to suffer as a result. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is "not" the same as obsessive compulsive disorder.  Do not confuse the two. People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder think these behaviors are perfectly fine and strengthen their sense of control, however, those with obsessive-compulsive disorder don't want to engage in their behaviors and see them as harmful, but feel they have no choice in the matter.

What is a summary?
Understand how personality disorders are classified. Recognize ‘’Cluster A’’ Personality Disorders. Recognize ‘’Cluster B’’ Personality Disorders: Recognize ‘’Cluster C’’ Personality Disorders.