Cluster A, B, C of personality disorders

Definition

These are three clusters in the DSM-5 that categorize ten personality disorders based on similar characteristics. Cluster A includes odd or eccentric disorders; Cluster B includes dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders; and Cluster C includes anxious or fearful disorders.

Analogy

Think of these clusters like different genres of movies. Just as horror, comedy, and drama films have distinct themes but all fall under the category of movies, each cluster groups together personality disorders with similar features.

Related terms

Paranoid Personality Disorder (Cluster A): Characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.

Histrionic Personality Disorder (Cluster B): Characterized by constant attention-seeking behavior.

Avoidant Personality Disorder (Cluster C): Characterized by extreme shyness and fear of rejection.