Beachside Teen — Personality Disorders

Personality disorders in teens are categorized into three groups, known as clusters, based on their symptoms and behaviors. Understanding which type of personality disorder your teen may be dealing with can provide clarity and guide effective treatment.

Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Behaviors

Teens with Cluster A personality disorders often appear strange or eccentric, with behaviors that seem disconnected from reality or difficult to understand. 

The most common disorders in this cluster are:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD): Teens with PPD may seem overly suspicious, believing that others are trying to harm or deceive them, even when there’s no evidence to support these thoughts. They might isolate themselves or engage in social avoidance due to fear of being misunderstood or betrayed.
• Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD): These teens tend to be withdrawn and prefer solitary activities. They may appear indifferent to social interactions and show limited emotional expression. They are often seen as emotionally detached and may struggle with forming close relationships.
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD): Teenagers with STPD exhibit unusual beliefs, eccentric behaviors, and odd speech patterns. They may have difficulty forming meaningful relationships and may seem socially awkward, even in familiar settings.

Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behaviors

Teens with Cluster B disorders often struggle with intense emotions, and their behavior may appear erratic or dramatic. These disorders are some of the most challenging to deal with, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. 

Common disorders in this cluster include:

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Teens with ASPD tend to disregard others’ rights and feelings, often showing a lack of empathy or remorse for harmful actions. They may engage in reckless behaviors, defy authority, and show little regard for rules or social norms.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): One of the most misunderstood disorders, BPD involves intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, and difficulty in maintaining stable relationships. Teens with BPD may have extreme emotional reactions and engage in impulsive behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse.
• Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD): Teens with HPD often crave attention and validation. They might behave dramatically or inappropriately to gain attention and may struggle to maintain relationships due to their overwhelming need for approval and affection.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Teens with NPD may display an inflated sense of self-importance and lack of empathy for others. They often seek admiration and can be manipulative or exploitative in their relationships.

Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behaviors

Teens in Cluster C tend to be highly anxious or fearful, and their behaviors may be driven by excessive worry about what others think. 

The most common personality disorders in this cluster are:

• Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD): Teens with AVPD are extremely sensitive to criticism and often feel inadequate or inferior. They may avoid social situations to prevent potential embarrassment or rejection, leading to social isolation and a lack of connection with others.
• Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): These teens often have an excessive need to be cared for, leading to clinginess or difficulty making decisions independently. They may have trouble asserting themselves in relationships and may tolerate unhealthy situations out of fear of being alone.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): OCPD is different from OCD in that it’s characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Teens with OCPD may be extremely rigid in their thinking and approach to life, which can lead to frustration and conflict with others.