Cluster B Personality Disorders Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is Cluster B Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders, categorized into three clusters (A, B, and C), represent unconventional patterns of self-perception and interpersonal interactions. Cluster B specifically manifests with inappropriate and volatile emotions and unpredictable behavior.

What are Cluster B Personality Disorders?

Cluster B disorders are characterized by unpredictable, dramatic, or intensely emotional responses. Some individuals with cluster B personality disorder traits may not recognize that their behavior contributes to their unhappiness. Treatment, often involving therapy and sometimes medication, can be effective, but the person undergoing treatment must grasp the reasons for it to be successful.

Unfortunately, some with cluster B disorders may resist treatment, believing there’s nothing wrong with their behavior.

B cluster personality disorders encompass antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

People with antisocial personality disorder may show a history of impulsivity, aggression, and a disregard for societal norms. While diagnosis typically occurs in adulthood, signs may appear earlier as conduct disorder during childhood or adolescence.

Here are the common symptoms of antisocial personality disorder:

• Disregard for others’ rights.
• Lack of empathy.
• Absence of remorse for actions.
• Deceitful and manipulative behavior.
• Impulsivity.
• Aggressive tendencies.
• Disregard for societal norms.

“Antisocial” doesn’t mean avoiding others; it means breaking social and legal rules to fulfill personal desires opposing societal norms. With antisocial personality disorder, individuals often disregard others’ feelings and authority, prioritizing personal goals without concern for others.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects the way individuals think, feel, and relate to others. People with BPD may experience difficulties in maintaining stable relationships, have an intense fear of abandonment, and struggle with a sense of self. The disorder often involves intense emotions and impulsive behaviors.

The most common symptoms of BPD include the following:

• Fear of abandonment.
• Unstable relationships.
• Uncertain self-image.
• Impulsive behaviors.
• Intense emotions.
• Recurrent suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Explosive anger.
• Paranoia or dissociation in stressful situations.

With BPD, your self-worth is closely tied to relationships, and you might manipulate others to prevent them from leaving. This can lead to having “favorite people,” whom you may idolize until they make a mistake, causing a shift in your opinion and possibly ending the friendship.

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of seeking attention, being excessively emotional, and exhibiting a need for approval. Individuals with HPD may engage in dramatic behaviors to draw attention to themselves, often displaying a heightened sensitivity to criticism.

The most common symptoms of histrionic personality disorder are:

• Seeking attention excessively.
• Being overly emotional.
• Craving approval and reassurance.
• Engaging in dramatic behaviors.
• Easily influenced by others.
• Shallow or rapidly changing emotions.
• Uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
• Displaying exaggerated emotions to impress others.

If you have HPD, you may overreact to small events, going from appearing fine to bursting into tears when faced with limitations. This behavior can make it challenging to maintain relationships.

Skip To:

Learn More:

• Cluster A Personality Disorders Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
• What are the Cluster C Personality Disorders?
• Do I Have Schizoid? Personality Disorder Test. Schizoid Personality Disorder Test, Free and Online.
• Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms and Treatment. What is PPD?
• What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder? Schizotypal Personality Disorder Test, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment and Diagnosis
• Avoidant Personality Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
• Antisocial Personality Disorder Treatment and Diagnosis
• Do I Have Borderline Personality Disorder Quiz
• What is Borderline Personality Disorder? Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Therapies

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of self-importance and may exploit others to achieve their own goals.

The most common symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are:

• Grandiosity.
• Need for constant admiration.
• Lack of empathy.
• Sense of entitlement.
• Exploitative behavior.
• Arrogant attitudes.
• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or beauty.
• Belief in one’s unique importance and a desire for exclusive recognition.

If you have NPD, you might try to take advantage of people by manipulating them. Not getting the attention you feel you deserve could lead to overly emotional responses, and you may overreact in situations to keep the focus on yourself.

Get cluster B personality disorders counseling that works. Discover professional help from We Level Up Florida’s mental health therapists. Start getting support with a free call to our mental health hotline.

Treatment for Type B Personality Disorders

Treating cluster B personality disorders focuses on managing negative experiences like anger, anxiety, and depression, intending to reduce disruptive behaviors for the individual and those around them.

Collaborating with a mental health professional to develop a personalized treatment plan is crucial, as what works for one person may not be effective for another.

Those with personality disorders, especially borderline or narcissistic personality disorders, may face a heightened risk of suicide attempts compared to the general population. It’s distressing for everyone involved, but support and assistance are accessible.

Treating cluster B personality disorders focuses on managing negative experiences like anger, anxiety, and depression, intending to reduce disruptive behaviors for the individual and those around them. Collaborating with a mental health professional to develop a personalized treatment plan is crucial, as what works for one person may not be effective for another.

Those with personality disorders, especially borderline or narcissistic personality disorders, may face a heightened risk of suicide attempts compared to the general population. It’s distressing for everyone involved, but support and assistance are accessible.

If you’re aware of someone in immediate danger of self-harm, suicide, or harming others:

• Directly ask: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen without passing judgment.
• Contact 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 for assistance from a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Attempt to remove any weapons, medications, or potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, a prevention hotline can offer support. Contact We Level Up FL mental health treatment for an assessment of your symptoms and to get proper help.

Cluster B Personality Disorder Therapy

Here are the most popular psychotherapies commonly used for cluster-B personality disorders treatment programs:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on building skills in emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Targets negative thought patterns and behaviors, fostering healthier mental and emotional responses.
• Schema-Focused Therapy: Addresses maladaptive patterns developed during childhood and helps reshape these patterns.
• Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): Focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the individual to explore and understand relationship patterns.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Examines unconscious thoughts and past experiences, aiming to understand and change problematic behavior patterns.
• Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Enhances the ability to understand and interpret one’s and others’ mental states.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of thoughts and feelings while promoting commitment to values-based actions.

These therapies can be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of individuals with cluster B personality traits.

Cluster B Personality Disorder Medication

Medication is not the primary treatment for cluster B personality disorders, but certain medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms. Here’s a list:

• Mood Stabilizers: Used to address mood swings and impulsivity.
• Antidepressants: Prescribed for symptoms like depression or anxiety.
• Antipsychotics: These may help with distorted thinking patterns or intense mood episodes.

Medication is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and is tailored to individual needs. The choice of prescriptions and their effectiveness can vary, so working closely with a mental health professional for a personalized treatment plan is essential.

Do you have questions about cluster B disorders or treatment in general? Call our helpline 24/7. Each call is free and confidential.

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Cluster A B C Personality Disorders Comparison Chart

Personality disorders are fixed patterns of behavior and thinking that impact relationships and mental well-being. The ten conditions are grouped into three clusters, A, B, and C, based on similarities.

Cluster B, although often highlighted in media, is the least common and involves dramatic and manipulative behaviors. Cluster A features odd or erratic behaviors, and Cluster C involves anxious or fearful behaviors. Overlapping symptoms can occur within and across clusters.

What Causes Cluster B Disorders?

The exact causes of cluster B personality disorders are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors is believed to contribute. 

• Genetic Factors: A family history of personality disorders or other mental health conditions may increase the risk.
• Biological Factors: Brain structure or function differences may impact emotional regulation and behavior.
• Environmental Factors: Childhood experiences, such as trauma, neglect, or inconsistent parenting, can contribute to the development of Cluster B disorders.
• Neurological Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters or disruptions in neural pathways may influence emotional and behavioral patterns.

Not everyone exposed to risk factors will develop a cluster B personality disorder. Early intervention and therapeutic support are essential in managing and addressing these conditions.

How to Deal With Someone Who Has a Cluster B Personality Disorder?

Dealing with someone who has a cluster B personality disorder involves employing specific strategies to foster positive interactions and maintain personal well-being. Here’s a list of tips that you can try:

• Establish Clear Boundaries:
  • Communicate and enforce boundaries to create a stable environment.
  • Be consistent in setting expectations for behavior and consequences.
• Practice Self-Care:
  • Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
  • Seek support from friends, family, or professionals.
  • Prioritize personal well-being to manage stress and emotional fatigue.
• Educate Yourself:
  • Learn about the specific Cluster B disorder to understand their behavior better.
  • Cultivate empathy by recognizing the challenges they may face.
• Encourage Professional Help:
  • Suggest therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
  • Approach the suggestion with empathy and support, emphasizing the potential benefits.
• Involve Support Systems:
  • Engage family or friends to create a comprehensive support network.
  • Foster open communication with others involved in the person’s life for a collaborative approach.

Remember, dealing with someone with a cluster B personality disorder requires patience, understanding, and a balanced approach that prioritizes both your well-being and theirs.

Are Cluster B Personality Disorders Dangerous?

Some personality disorders mainly bring mental distress to the individual without necessarily harming others. Other conditions may cause frustration in others but not severe harm. However, in cases like antisocial or narcissistic personality disorders, the lack of empathy can lead to physical violence or emotional abuse.

Cluster B personality disorders, such as antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders, can present challenges and potential risks. Individuals with these disorders may display disruptive or harmful behaviors, such as impulsivity and aggression.

While these disorders can affect relationships and well-being, not everyone with cluster B personality disorders poses a direct threat to others. Recognizing this, appropriate treatment and support, including psychotherapy and sometimes medication, can help individuals manage symptoms and lead more stable lives. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for addressing potential risks and improving outcomes for those with these disorders.

Cluster B Personality Disorders Diagnosis and Support

Diagnosing cluster B personality disorders involves a thorough evaluation by mental health professionals. Building a solid support system, including family and friends, is crucial for coping and well-being. Collaborative and empathetic approaches from professionals and the support network are critical in the individual’s journey to better mental health.

Suppose you or someone you know is dealing with cluster B personality disorders, which affects their daily functioning. In that case, We Level Up Florida Mental Health Treatment Center provides personalized care with a team of experienced professionals. Begin your journey towards better health by taking the first step towards healing. Get help. Call We Level Up FL now. Each call is free and confidential.

Personality Trait vs Personality Disorder Informative Video & When To Seek Help

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.