Personality marks each person as unique based on this combination of characteristics, beliefs and behaviors. Everyone is born with an inborn tendency to develop particular character traits, based on temperament, which is the vector of 4 major traits (In brackets after each major trait) are the descriptors of the extreme variants which are graded on an analog scale): Harm avoidance (pessimistic/optImistic, fearful/daring, shy/outgoing, fatigable/energetic); Excitement seeking (exploratory/reserved, impulsive/deliberate, extravagant/thrifty, irritable/stoical), Reward dependence (sentimental/detached, open/aloof, warm/cold, affectionate/independent), and Persistence (industrious/lazy, determined/spoiled, enthusiastic/underachiever. perfectionist/pragmatist)---; the combinations of which can be seen for example in infant behavior as particular temperaments (E.g., Novelty seeking high, Harm avoidance low, Reward dependence low, Persistence high infants are highly explorative but also accident prone). These tendencies are genetic traits that last through life. As a child develops, the environment working on the underlying traits determines an individual personality. Psychologists presently classify 10 key personality types and have assorte d them into 3 clusters, each cluster relating to the other in terms of genetics, and risk for types of mental disorders or illnesses. Each personality type has a key tendency. For example the so-called paranoid personality is the normal tendency for vigilance which is very good in helping the individual avoid danger. But when the vigilance is excessive though not unrealistic (Suspecting a spouse, incorrectly, of infidelity), it becomes a neurotic personality disorder; and if carried to unrealistic extreme belief (the individual is the target of destructive rays by the FBI) it becomes a delusion and part of a psychosis as seen in schizophrenia.
It is important to keep in mind that personality although it starts out with a genetic fix, is malleable and can change or be changed by external circumstance. Also, labeling an individual as being one of these particular personality types does not mean the same individual cannot share other type behaviors. However, it is very useful psychiatrically to classify personality types because it allows a therapist (or the patient) to become aware of risk factors for a personality disorder and also for psychotherapy of the personality disorder. Here are the 10 types presently recognized as causing personality disorders. These classifications are of the moment of treatment; they are not fixed, they are based on current pattern of behavior.
Cluster A---schizotypal, schizoid and paranoid; all present odd, aloof features and are at risk for schizophrenia spectrum illnesses.
Schizotypal has highest risk for schizophrenia; it shows a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by marked difficulty in making close relationships, by cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentricities beginning in early adulthood.
Schizoid shows detachment and restricted emotions. The late Greta Garbo`s "I vant to be alone." is typical of schizoid types.
Paranoid is expressed by high level of inordinate suspicion.
Cluster B---narcissistic, borderline, antisocal and histrionic--- is at risk for major mood disorders.
Narcissistic is the very selfish type.
Borderline is the near psychotic on edge of reality type with high suicide potential.
Antisocial is exactly what it means in common language.
Histrionic is the acting out flamboyantly, but superficial type that is well suited to act in plays and movies, e.g, the late actress Bette Davis.
Cluster C---obsessive-compulsive, dependent and avoidant types are at risk to develop anxiety disorders.
Obsessive compulsive is well known for its OCD disorder; everything must be in proper place, clean, and exact; and always rechecking because never sure.
Dependent is one who looks for a father or leader figure, a born follower.
Avoidant is the loner type; he or she avoids the social system but, in contrast to the similar avoid schizoid, the avoidant type is not eccentric.
There are several psychological test systems that scientists use for research, but identifying the above types is not difficult by observation and history alone. (Warning: not everyone falls into the above types)
The End (Until next update)
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