Which personality trait is associated with borderline personality disorder select all that apply
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Cluster B personality disorders affect a person’s emotions and behaviors, leading to actions that others tend to consider dramatic, overly emotional, or erratic. A personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects the ways that a person thinks, behaves, and relates to others. These disorders can lead to significant distress and, in many cases, harmful coping strategies. People with cluster B disorders typically have trouble regulating their emotions and struggle to maintain relationships. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggest that around 9.1% of people in the United States meet the criteria for a personality disorder. There are four types of cluster B personality disorders, each with a different set of diagnostic criteria and treatments:
This article explores these types, including their symptoms and treatment options.
People with these disorders typically have difficulty regulating their emotions and maintaining relationships. Their behavior may come across as dramatic, erratic, or extremely emotional. Healthcare professionals use a guide called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to help diagnose mental health conditions. The DSM-5 identifies three main clusters of personality disorders:
People with a personality disorder are likely to experience other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, including depression, or substance use disorders. The symptoms of a cluster B personality disorder often affect a person’s well-being and ability to have typical relationships. Behaviors associated with these conditions can lead to significant distress for the person and those around them. Understanding the symptoms can help a person know when and how to seek treatment. Increased awareness can also help friends and relatives provide or locate support. The following sections explore the symptoms, types, and prevalence of cluster B personality disorders. A person with antisocial personality disorder behaves in a way that shows a disregard for the rights or needs of others. Common features include deceitful, manipulative, and criminal behavior. Antisocial personality disorder is sometimes referred to as sociopathy, but this is not a clinical term. Some estimates suggest that 1–4% of people have antisocial personality disorder. Males are up to five times more likely to receive this diagnosis than females. Features of antisocial personality disorder include:
A person with antisocial personality disorder usually does not show remorse. They may act indifferent to the outcomes of hurtful actions or rationalize the reasons for harming or deceiving others. Borderline personality disorder causes instability in mood, behavior, and self-image. A person with this condition may experience intense emotions, have a poor self-image, and display impulsive behaviors. A lack of stability in relationships is a main characteristic of this condition. The NIMH report that borderline personality disorder affects around 1.4% of adults in the U.S. Females are more likely to receive this diagnosis than males. Features of borderline personality disorder include:
People with this condition may react with intense anger or sadness in situations that others would not consider distressing. This can cause difficulties in relationships and can contribute to a poor self-image. Histrionic personality disorder involves extreme emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. A person with this disorder may appear lively, enthusiastic, charming, and flirtatious. They may act in a way that is considered inappropriate within their cultural context or more specific contexts, such as at work. Some estimates say that 2–3% of the population meet the criteria for histrionic personality disorder. Females are four times as likely to receive this diagnosis, compared with males. Features of histrionic personality disorder include:
A person with this disorder tends to believe that their behavior is typical and may not see that it causes problems. People often receive the diagnosis later in life, after their patterns of behavior have interfered with their personal or professional relationships. A person with narcissistic personality disorder tends to act as if they are superior to others, display patterns of grandiose behavior, have a need for admiration, and show a lack of empathy. Studies suggest that 0.5–5% 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:
People with this condition typically have vulnerable self-esteem and are sensitive to criticism or defeat, though this may not show outwardly. Researchers do not know the exact causes of personality disorders. It is likely that both environmental and genetic factors play a role. Many individuals with personality disorders have a history of traumatic experiences, and many have close family members with mental health conditions. For example, studies suggest that 70% of people with borderline personality disorder have experienced mistreatment during childhood, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. A 2017 study found that having a sibling with a personality disorder is related to the development of this disorder. For antisocial personality disorder, heritability estimates range from 38–69%. Another 2017 study reported that some people with cluster B personality disorders share atypical brain features, some of which affect the amygdala, a region that assists in regulating emotion. However, fully understanding the underlying causes will require more research. Mental health professionals can diagnose personality disorders with an in-depth interview. They will ask the person about their clinical history, experiences, emotions, and behaviors. They may also speak with the person’s family, partner, or others who are close. As part of the diagnostic process, the mental health professional will gather information about the person’s:
According to the DSM-5, when diagnosing a personality disorder, the relevant characteristics must:
People should not attempt to diagnose themselves or others. Anyone who may have a cluster B personality disorder, or believes that someone else has this type of condition, should speak with a mental health professional. Treatments aim to help manage negative experiences, such as anger, anxiety, and depression. The goal is to reduce disruptive behaviors, which benefits the person and those around them. What works for one person may not work for another — it is important to work with a doctor to develop the right treatment plan. The plan may include:
People may also find that self-care strategies — such as getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or mindfulness, and maintaining a healthful diet — can boost their mood, reduce frustration, and help manage their symptoms. People with personality disorders, particularly borderline or narcissistic personality disorders, may have a higher risk of attempting suicide than the general population. This is distressing for all involved, and help is available. While there is no cure for a personality disorder, treatments can help manage distressing emotions and behaviors and reduce harmful actions. The symptoms of some personality disorders naturally reduce with age. For instance, the features of antisocial personality disorder tend to peak during early adulthood and become less disruptive over time. With the right support, many people with cluster B personality disorders maintain healthy, happy relationships. Cluster B personality disorders affect a person’s emotions and behaviors. They are characterized by actions that others see as dramatic, overly emotional, or erratic. While there is no cure, treatments can help people manage their moods, change disruptive behaviors, and treat co-occurring problems, such as anxiety and depression. Also, various online resources can help family members and friends learn to support people with mental health conditions while looking after themselves. Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2020
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