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Cluster B Personality Disorder
Cluster B personality disorders are a categorization of personality disorders as defined in the DSM-IV and DSM-5.

These disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior and interactions with others. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

The British National Health Service has described those with this disorder as someone who, "struggles to relate to others. As a result, they show patterns of behaviour most would regard as dramatic, erratic and threatening or disturbing."

There are four recognized Cluster B personality disorders: Each of these disorders, while similar, have a variety of symptoms, diagnoses, and causes.


 * Antisocial personality disorder (DSM-IV code 301.7):  Symptoms: Indifferent and routine manipulation, exploitation, and violation of the rights of others. It can also be characterized by routine law breaking.    Cause: A predominantly male disorder, signs of Antisocial Personality disorder often first become evident in childhood. Consequently, although the cause is unknown, it is believed that a more difficult childhood can lead to APD.    Diagnosis: While symptoms can start to show themselves in the early teen years, a diagnosis cannot be made until adulthood. To be diagnosed, the patient must fit at least three of the most common indicators such as recklessness, irresponsibility, apathy, and irritability.


 * Borderline personality disorder (DSM-IV code 301.83):  Symptoms: Difficulty regulating emotions,  impulsivity, self harm, dissociative feelings, and even psychotic episodes.     Cause:   1. Genetics - Those with a family member who has BPD are considered more likely to develop the disorder.  2. Trauma - Trauma such as assault or neglect early in life may lead to BPD.    Diagnosis: Unlike many psychological disorders, there is no strict guideline for the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.


 * Histrionic personality disorder (DSM-IV code 301.50):  Symptoms: an overwhelming desire for attention, chronically unstable emotions, sensitivity, gullibility, and reckless behavior.    Cause: It is believed that Histrionic Personality Disorder can either be inherited genetically or learned behavior in early childhood.    Diagnosis: To diagnose the disorder, there is no strict guideline, however a doctor may begin by evaluating the patient's medical history and physical well-being to ensure that the causes of the symptoms are mental rather than physical.


 * Narcissistic personality disorder (DSM-IV code 301.81):  Symptoms:  a magnified sense of self importance, underlying deep self esteem issues, exaggeration, manipulation, envy, arrogance, impatience, depression. Like HPD, it can cause an excessive need for attention and approval.     Causes: It can be caused by genetics, environment, or neurobiology.    Diagnosis: NPD may often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, as patients often display symptoms similar to other disorders, or may not be willing to admit there is anything wrong. It may be treated with talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of this personality disorder can be spotted. Most of all, the sign and symptoms can be categorized into groups for most of the different types of personality disorders. Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes you unique. It's the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself. Experiencing the symptoms of a personality disorder may cause a person to behave in ways that are distressing for them and others. Meaning, depending upon ones environment, based on their genetics, or how their personality is developed through childhood. Better understanding cluster b personality disorder can help a person seek treatment before it gets worse.

Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
Personality disorders are likely caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. In a study, information found a strong correlation between borderline personality disorder and history of sexual trauma. Research has found a significant link between cluster B personality disorders and family history as well. Having a parent or sibling with a personality disorder increases your risk for developing the disorder. Furthermore, this research proves that family history plays a huge role in one parent, sibling, or relative obtaining the disorder.

Treatment and Medications[edit]
Treatment will likely involve various methods and require commitment on your part. Your doctor may recommend trying new things during the course of your treatment. And you may need to continue meeting with your doctor long term, even after your symptoms have improved. There are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of personality disorders. Some medications may be helpful when used by your prescriber to manage some symptoms or to treat co-occurring psychiatric or mental health disorders. Commonly used medications include:


 * mood stabilizers
 * antidepressants
 * antipsychotics
 * antianxiety medication

Talk to your doctor about potential side effects, and let them know if your symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse. You should also avoid using drugs or alcohol while taking these medications as they can increase your risk for side effects