Class B
Histrionic. Those with a histrionic personality disorder often feel unhappy or underappreciated when not the centre of attention. They can have unstable emotions and dramatically express them. They are preoccupied with their looks and often flirt inappropriately. They are attention seeking and powerful speakers but they can appear artificial or shallow, and easily get bored or frustrated without constant fulfilment or reassurance.
Narcissistic. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder have an overinflated sense of self-importance. They have constant thoughts about being more successful, powerful, smart, loved or attractive than others, feelings of superiority and the desire to only associate with people they perceive as high-status. They have a need for excessive admiration and a sense of entitlement. They may also express a willingness to take advantage of others to achieve their goals and a lack of understanding of other people’s feelings. Generally, they are arrogant and snobby.
Borderline. BPD sufferers often fear abandonment. They can feel fear and rage when they feel abandoned. They may prevent rejection by pushing people away before getting close. They often have unstable, intense connections. BPD patients change their opinions of others quickly, making it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They can instantly idealise or devalue others. They have shaky friendships, marriages, and family ties.
They also tend to have unstable self-image. BPD patients may feel guilty, ashamed, and "terrible" about themselves. They may also drastically shift their goals, attitudes, occupations, and friendships. They also tend to sabotage their own progress. They may intentionally fail a test, harm relationships, or be fired.
BPD patients have quick mood changes and may suddenly shift how they feel about others, themselves, and the world. Irrational emotions—including excessive anger, fear, anxiety, hatred, grief, and love—change frequently and quickly. These swings normally only last a few hours and seldom longer than a few days.
They also present with impulsive and dangerous behaviour: episodes of reckless driving, fighting, gambling, substance use, binge eating and/or unsafe sexual activity are common among people with BPD.
Individuals with BPD may also self-harm, cut, burn, or damage themselves or threaten to, and may also consider suicide. Rejection, abandonment, or disappointment by a caregiver or partner generally causes these self-destructive acts.
BPD patients can feel depressed, bored, dissatisfied, or "empty." Self-loathing and worthlessness are also widespread. They can often grow enraged. They may lash out with sarcasm, bitterness, or rage. Shame and guilt follow these experiences.
Extreme stress—usually fear of abandonment—can cause dissociative episodes, paranoid thoughts, and hallucinations. These symptoms are usually mild and transitory.
Not everyone with borderline personality disorder has these symptoms. Symptoms vary per person.
