Itmay involve cognitive, affective, interpersonal and impulse controlranges. The stability of these patterns results in impaired functioning. Paranoid personality disorder is characterised by mistrust and suspicion of others. The motives of people in the environment are judged to be hostile.

These individuals are characterised by increased vigilance to avoid being hurt or exploited. They often reflect on issues of trust with acquaintances. Patients are highly distrustful even of immediate family members. They often discover hidden threats or insults in people's statements, making them resentful for a long time.

Consequently, there is a growing number of people they cannot forgive for what they have done or said. The dysfunction affects close relationships, social relationships, perceptions of others and stress and anger. Schizoid personality disorder is a detachment from interpersonal relationships and limited expression of emotions in interpersonal interactions.

It usually has its onset in adolescence. The main problem is the reduction of interpersonal contacts usually to family only. Often these contacts are cold, indifferent and deeply unsatisfying. The emotional coldness produces an effect of isolation from the environment. These individuals show little interest in sexual relationships.
Occupations that offer the opportunity to work aloneare most often chosen.

The dysfunction affects interests and activities, close relationships and social relationships. Dyssocial personality disorder manifests itself in contempt for and violation of other people's rights. The disorder has its onset around the age of 15.

People with this personality type are characterised by inadequate, anti-social behaviour, lack of responsibility for their actions and emotional emptiness. Irritability and lack of respect for the law are observed.

Personality disorders in adults, photo: panthermedia

Histrionic personality is characterised by exaggerated emotional expressions and a need for attention. The disorder has an onset in adolescence. People with this personality type feel bad when they cannot be the centre of attention. They are characterised by a shallow and unstable emotionality. Interactions with other people involve dramatisation, theatricality and exaggerated emotional expressions.

Theway they speak is usually colourful and unspecific. These individuals are highly suggestible and perceive friendships as more intimate than they actually are.