Compass
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Personality Disorders

A reference and practice module for the ten DSM personality disorders[1,2]. Each disorder page presents the characteristic table (triggering events, behavioural / interpersonal / cognitive / affective style, temperament, attachment, parental injunction, self- and world-view, maladaptive schemas, and the optimal diagnostic criterion), summarises the DSM criteria[2], and distils an integrative treatment plan. From each page you can launch an original simulated-patient practice case, defend it to the panel, or test yourself in the quiz.

Framework terminology follows [1] so you can cross-reference the source. The practice cases are original teaching vignettes, they are not reproduced from any text. Full citations in References.

DSM-5-TR Alternative Model
The Section III dimensional approach: Level of Personality Functioning (0 to 4) and five trait domains with 25 facets. Shown alongside, not instead of, the categorical disorders below.
Millon’s Compass [36]

Three polarities from Millon’s theory of personality: active/passive, pleasure/pain, self/other. Drag a colored handle to set that polarity, drag open space to turn it, and the white marker names whichever disorder it currently sits closest to. An illustrative sketch, not a scored instrument.

ActivePassivePleasurePainSelfOther
PassiveActive
PainPleasure
OtherSelf

Closest match:

Interpersonal Dial [37]

The interpersonal circumplex: warmth/hostility on one axis, dominance/submission on the other. Drag the dot anywhere on the disc, and it names whichever disorder sits closest. An illustrative sketch, not a scored instrument.

WarmthHostilityDominanceSubmission

Closest match:

Cluster A. Odd / Eccentric

PPD
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness; reads malevolent intent into the ordinary actions of others.
Table 10.2
SzPD
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Pervasive detachment from social relationships with a restricted range of emotional expression; genuine indifference to closeness.
Table 11.2
STPD
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Social and interpersonal deficits plus cognitive-perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior.
Table 12.2

Cluster B. Dramatic / Emotional / Erratic

ASPD
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others; deceitful, impulsive, and lacking remorse.
Table 3.2
BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder
Pervasive instability of affect, identity, and relationships with marked impulsivity and frantic efforts to avoid abandonment.
Table 5.2
HPD
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Pervasive, excessive emotionality and attention-seeking; uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
Table 7.2
NPD
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Pervasive grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy; self-esteem dependent on external validation.
Table 8.2

Cluster C. Anxious / Fearful

AvPD
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation; desires closeness but avoids it for fear of rejection.
Table 4.2
DPD
Dependent Personality Disorder
Pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation.
Table 6.2
OCPD
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.
Table 9.2