Psychology

 Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a type of anxious personality disorder. People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive or incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions. But, with help, someone with a dependent personality can learn self-confidence and self-reliance. Mental health experts describe personality as a person’s way of thinking, feeling and behaving. A personality disorder affects the way people think or act, making them behave differently over time. Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of 10 types of personality disorders. Other types include antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder usually starts during childhood or by the age of 29. People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe th...

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is an enduring pattern of behavior related to social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection that causes problems in work situations and relationships. The disorder is characterized by extreme shyness and sensitivity to criticism from others and is known as a Cluster C personality disorder or one that involves anxious and fearful personality disorders. AVPD is often associated with other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, in particular, social anxiety disorder. People with the disorder show a pattern of avoidance due to fear of rejection or disapproval, which they experience as extremely painful. The disorder affects about 2.5% of the population, with roughly equal numbers of men and women being afflicted.1 Symptoms The following is a list of common symptoms associated with avoidant personality disorder: A need to be well-liked1 Anhedonia (lack of pleasure in activities) Anxiety about saying or doing the wron...

  Narcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy (psychotherapy). Symptoms Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. Peopl...

  Histrionic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called "Cluster B" or "dramatic" personality disorders. People with these disorders have intense, unstable emotions and distorted self-images. For people with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and does not arise from a true feeling of self-worth. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed, and often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention. The word histrionic means "dramatic or theatrical." This disorder is more common in women than in men and usually is evident by adolescence or early adulthood. What Are the Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder? In many cases, people with histrionic personality disorder have good social skills; however, they tend to use these skills to manipulate others so that they can be the center of attention. A person with this disorder might also: Be uncomfortable unless they are the center ...

  Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental disorder in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly or with callous indifference. They show no guilt or remorse for their behavior. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often violate the law, becoming criminals. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. Because of these characteristics, people with this disorder typically can't fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school. Symptoms Antisocial personality disorder signs and symptoms may include: Disregard for right and wrong Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure Arrogance, a sense o...

 Schizoid personality disorder (/ˈskɪtsɔɪd, ˈskɪdzɔɪd/, often abbreviated as SPD or SzPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency toward a solitary or sheltered lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, detachment and apathy. Affected individuals may be unable to form intimate attachments to others and simultaneously possess a rich and elaborate but exclusively internal fantasy world.[6][12] Other associated features include stilted speech, a lack of deriving enjoyment from most activities, feeling as though one is an "observer" rather than a participant in life, an inability to tolerate emotional expectations of others, apparent indifference when praised or criticized, a degree of asexuality, and idiosyncratic moral or political beliefs.[13] Symptoms typically start in late childhood or adolescence.[6] The cause of SPD is uncertain, but there is some evidence of links and shared genetic risk between SPD, other clu...

 An inferiority complex usually manifests in two opposite ways. Some may overcompensate to make up for whatever it is that's making them feel less than. "An individual may attempt perfection and achievement in everything they do," Barlia says. "Sometimes they can be cocky in their presentation, almost to the point where you find yourself questioning how real it can be." The second way an inferority complex usually shows is through avoidant behavior. For instance, you may feel more comfortable fading into the background, or you may avoid putting yourself out there in social situations because you fear rejection. According to Barlia, it may get to the point where others notice the discomfort you feel with yourself. "People with an inferiority complex are highly sensitive to what others think and often take offense even when no offense is intended," licensed professional counselor, Nickia Lower, MHS, NCC, tells Bustle. Any kind of critique or criticism wi...