What are the Cluster B Personality Disorders? Categorizing Personality Disorders into Clusters & How to Treat Cluster B Disorders

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, and erratic behaviors, significantly impacting relationships and daily functioning. This cluster includes four specific disorders:

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Individuals with this disorder often disregard the rights of others, leading to behaviors that may violate societal norms or laws. They may exhibit deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggression, and a lack of remorse after harming others.

Borderline Personality Disorder: This disorder is marked by instability in moods, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. Individuals may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety, often resulting in impulsive actions and unstable relationships.

Histrionic Personality Disorder: Individuals with this disorder display a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. They may feel uncomfortable when not the center of attention, use physical appearance to draw attention, and exhibit rapidly shifting emotions.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: This disorder involves a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals may have an inflated sense of self-importance, fantasize about unlimited success, and believe they are unique and can only be understood by other special people.

Treatment for Cluster B personality disorders typically involves psychotherapy, with approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) proving effective. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Cluster B personality disorders, seeking professional guidance is a crucial step toward understanding and managing these challenges.

Schedule a free discovery call with Dr. Doi to take the first steps.

Providing Mental Health Services in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, and New York