Understanding the DSM-5 Criteria for Personality Disorders

dsm-5 formal criteria for personality disorders

Criterion A:· States that the pattern of behaviour must be manifested in at least two of the following areas: cognition, emotions, interpersonal functioning or impulse controlCriterion B:· Requires that the enduring pattern of behaviour be rigid and consistent across a broad range of personal and social situationsCriterion c:· States that this behaviour should lead to clinically significant distress in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioningCriterion D:· Requires stability and long duration of symptoms, with onset in adolescence or earlierCriterion E:· States that the behaviour cannot be accounted for by another mental disorderCriterion F:· Requires that the behavioural patterns are not the result of substance use (drugs or alcohol) or of another medical condition

The DSM-5, which stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, provides a list of formal criteria for the diagnosis of personality disorders.

There are ten personality disorders recognized in the DSM-5, and they are organized into three clusters based on their shared characteristics. The formal criteria for personality disorders includes:

Cluster A:

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder:
– Suspicion and mistrust of others
– Misinterpreting the motives of others
– Reluctance to confide in others

2. Schizoid Personality Disorder:
– Lack of interest in social relationships
– Preference for solitary activities
– Emotional coldness or detachment

3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder:
– Peculiar or eccentric behavior or thinking
– Belief in supernatural or magical powers
– Difficulty with social relationships

Cluster B:

4. Antisocial Personality Disorder:
– Failure to conform to social norms
– Disregard for the safety of self or others
– Impulsivity, aggression, and a lack of empathy

5. Borderline Personality Disorder:
– Instability in mood, self-image, and relationships
– Intense fear of abandonment
– Recurrent suicidal or self-harming behavior

6. Histrionic Personality Disorder:
– Attention-seeking behavior
– Exaggerated emotions and dramatic behavior
– Overly concerned with appearance

7. Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
– Grandiosity and a sense of entitlement
– Lack of empathy and exploitative behavior
– Need for admiration

Cluster C:

8. Avoidant Personality Disorder:
– Extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism
– Avoidance of social and occupational situations
– Fear of embarrassment or ridicule

9. Dependent Personality Disorder:
– Excessive reliance on others for decision-making and support
– Fear of abandonment and separation
– Overly submissive behavior

10. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder:
– Preoccupation with rules, orderliness, and perfectionism
– Inflexible adherence to moral or ethical standards
– Difficulty delegating tasks and collaborating with others

These criteria are used by mental health professionals to diagnose personality disorders, and a specific number of criteria must be met for a diagnosis to be given. It is important to note that an individual’s symptoms and behaviors must significantly impact their daily functioning and cause them distress in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder.

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