Psych Basics

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are deeply ingrained ways of thinking and behaving that are inflexible and generally lead to impaired relationships with others. Mental health professionals formally recognize ten disorders that fall into three "clusters,"  although there is now known to be much overlap between the disorders, each of which exists on a spectrum.

Odd or Eccentric Disorders

Cluster A disorders include paranoid personality disorder as well as schizoid and schizotypal personalities.


Am I Normal?

A more organic take on human nature is emerging.

by Annie Murphy Paul

Terrorism, Resentment and the Unabomber

Forensic psychologist Dr. Stephen Diamond revisits the infamous Unabomber case.

by Dr. Stephen A. Diamond, Ph.D. in Evil Deeds

See Also

Dramatic or Erratic Disorders

Cluster B personality disorders include narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and the often confusing borderline.


Masks of Sanity: Detecting Disguised Personality Disorders

Masks of Sanity: Detecting Disguised Personality Disorders

by Dr. Stephen A. Diamond, Ph.D. in Evil Deeds

Field Guide to the Drama Queen

How to handle a demanding diva.

by Jennifer Magid

Getting Over a Narcissistic Mother

How to get over your narcissistic mom.

by Carlin Flora in Brainstorm

Borderline: Walking the Line

Moving beyond a borderline parent.

by Matthew Hutson

Borderline Personality Disorder is Real - Part I. Diagnostic Validity

Borderline Personality Disorder is Real

by Eric A. Fertuck, Ph.D. in Science at the 'border'

See Also

Anxious or Fearful Disorders

Cluster C disorders comprise avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.


Field Guide to the Obsessive-Compulsive: Famously Fussy

It's OK to be a little picky.

by Joshua Kendall

A Field Guide to the Neat Freak

The dangers—and benefits—of the species.

by Amy Rosenberg

Personality Disorders Blogs

  • Eric Fertuck

    Science at the 'border'

    Mind and Brain Investigations of Borderline Personality Disorder and its Treatment
    By Eric A. Fertuck, Ph.D.
  • Stephen Diamond

    Evil Deeds

    A Forensic Psychologist on Anger, Madness and Destructive Behavior
    By Dr. Stephen Diamond

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