Cluster A Personality What Is

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior. These disorders include:

* Schizotypal personality disorder: People with this disorder have odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, speech that is odd or idiosyncratic, social anxiety, and limited expression of emotions.

* Paranoid personality disorder: People with this disorder are suspicious of others, believe that others are trying to harm them, and are quick to anger. They may also have ideas of reference, believing that others are talking about them or referring to them in some way.

* Schizoid personality disorder: People with this disorder are loners who have little interest in social interactions. They may be indifferent to praise or criticism, and they may have difficulty expressing emotions.

Cluster A personality disorders are relatively rare, affecting about 1% of the population. They are more common in men than in women, and they tend to run in families.

The causes of cluster A personality disorders are not fully understood, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for cluster A personality disorders typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.