personality disorder

A personality disorder (PD) is a mental disorder characterized by an enduring and pervasive maladaptive pattern of behavior, emotions, cognition, and inner experience, deviating from social norms. As a common feature, this manifests in significant impairment in interpersonal relationships and various aspects of functioning of the self, such as self-concept, in conjunction with pathological personality traits. These patterns develop early, are inflexible, and are associated with significant distress or disability.

There are both dimensional and categorical approaches to the classification of personality disorders, with the former being implemented in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), whereas the main model in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is categorical; moreover, the Alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders (AMPD) combines the two into a hybrid model. In accordance with the categorical approach, personality disorders are viewed as distinct types, such as avoidant or narcissistic; on the other hand, the dimensional systems employed in the ICD-11 and AMPD rate severity and pathological traits.