3. What are the defining features of personality disorders, and how do these disorders differ from the other psychological disorders discussed in this chapter?

Key Points:

• Personality disorders are disorders of people’s basic character structure – so there is no ‘normal functioning’ to return to.
• All personality disorders are long-standing, chronic and pervasive.
• The thoughts, feelings and behaviours that characterize personality disorders are inflexible and maladaptive.
• People with personality disorders usually don’t realize they have them.
• Types of personality disorders: cluster A, cluster B and cluster C.
• Genetic transmission versus environmental factors.
• Vulnerability factors.
• Biological factors.
• The role of early experiences.

• Research is beginning to suggest that temperamental and psychosocial factors interact