personality disorder

When one's personality traits and/or behavior become rigid and consistently deviate from the expectations of one's society, consistently blunt one's social life and ability to function appropriately in society. Usually manifested before the age of 15 and persisting into adulthood. Often the result of abusive or otherwise unstable home environments in childhood, as well as from heavy stress, if not with some influence of genetic predisposition. The three main clusters of personality disorders are: A (odd) *paranoid personality disorder (irrationally suspicious and mistrustful) *schizoid personality disorder (uninterested in socializing or pleasure) *schizotypal personality disorder (odd behavior/odd thoughts) B (dramatic) *antisocial personality disorder (disregard for laws and for the feelings of others) *histrionic personality disorder (attention-seeking exhibitionist) *borderline personality disorder (extreme "black and white" thinking and emotional instability) *narcissistic personality disorder (grandiose and lacking empathy) C (anxious) *avoidant personality disorder (shy, insecure, and highly sensitive) *dependent personality disorder (psychological dependence on others) *obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (rigid conformity to rules, morality, and orderliness)