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How are personality disorders classified?

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Personality disorders are classified into three groups, or clusters, based on shared characteristics.

  • Cluster A: odd or eccentric disorders (paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders)
  • Cluster B: dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders)
  • Cluster C: anxious or fearful disorders (avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders)