Class B Personality Disorders: What They Mean for Emotional Relationships and Daily Life

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect how people perceive themselves, interact with others, and respond to various situations. These disorders are divided into three clusters—A, B, and C—based on the similar symptoms and characteristics people may exhibit. Understanding different personality disorders and getting diagnosed by a professional are the first steps to managing the challenges and leading a fulfilling life.

Cluster B personality disorders are known for their dramatic, unpredictable, and erratic behavior. This cluster includes four disorders: antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. In our guide, we will take a closer look at all four disorders, list their unique symptoms, and explain the treatment options available to you.

What Are Class B Personality Disorders?

Cluster B personality disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by intense emotional responses, unpredictable thinking, and impulsive actions. While on the outside, people with these disorders may seem manipulative and volatile, it is important to remember their behavior is driven by their mental health condition that can be diagnosed and treated.

Four personality disorders belong to Cluster B:

Antisocial personality disorder (APD), Borderline personality disorder (BPD), Histrionic personality disorder (HPD), Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Each of these disorders has its own unique symptoms, which may affect a person’s life as well as the lives of people around them.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a mental health disorder marked by a consistent disregard for right and wrong and ignorance of other people’s feelings. People with this disorder may be commonly described as callous and cynical—they lack empathy, hurt others for their own personal gain, and refuse to conform to social norms.

Here are a few common symptoms of APD:

Violating the law, participating in deceptive practices, acting impulsively, getting into physical fights, endangering oneself and others around, Reckless and irresponsible behavior. People with APD often fail to fulfill their personal, professional, and financial obligations. Moreover, this disorder may lead to additional challenges in life—for instance, individuals with untreated APD may struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by unstable emotions, distorted self-perception, and a chronic fear of abandonment. This disorder negatively impacts the way a person sees themselves and those around them, leading to fragile and dysfunctional relationships.

Here are a few common symptoms of BPD:

Worrying about people leaving them behind, feeling unsure about their identity, and going from idolizing to despising a close friend or partner. Displaying irrational anger and participating in risky activities (for instance, driving dangerously or having unprotected sex), individuals with BPD struggle with their self-image and often feel empty inside. The erratic behavior associated with BPD makes it difficult to build and preserve friendships and romances—it is not uncommon for people with BPD to cut off a person who meant a lot to them a short time ago.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a distorted self-image and a constant need for attention and approval. People with this disorder are often described as “dramatic”—they feel uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention and may go to great lengths to draw attention to themselves.

Here are a few common symptoms of HPD:

Dressing provocatively and behaving inappropriately to be noticed. Being easily influenced by other people’s opinions and ideas. Putting a lot of effort into impressing others, coming across as unnatural and insincere when talking to others, and feeling devastated when criticized. Even when the intentions of a person with HPD are good, their behavior may alienate their friends and acquaintances. For instance, if a person with HPD decides someone does not have a good opinion of them, they may avoid that individual and badmouth them to other people in their social circle.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-worth, a lack of empathy toward others, and a constant need for admiration. While at first, narcissistic traits may help a person—confidence can be an advantage in many areas of life—in the long run, this disorder will harm the individual and the people that are close to them.

Here are a few common symptoms of NPD:

Thinking you are better than everyone around you, fantasizing about endless success and power Exaggerating your skills and achievements Talking down to people you consider inferior Getting angry when criticized People with NPD seldom build strong connections—it is difficult to maintain a friendship or a romance when you are focused on your own needs and do not care about the feelings of the person in front of you. In addition, narcissists often struggle with their mental health—it is common to feel anxious and depressed when your grandiose ideas about yourself do not match reality.

How to Treat Class B Personality Disorders

Fortunately, whether you or a person you care about has been diagnosed with a Cluster B personality disorder, it is possible to treat this mental health issue and manage the symptoms. Here are a few treatment options to consider:

Therapy Schedule an appointment with a certified therapist who specializes in personality disorders—a qualified professional will be able to determine the disorder you are struggling with and the triggers that make your life difficult. Your therapist may recommend you try psychotherapy to learn how to cope with emotions and build healthier relationships. Medication: There are no medications that were specifically created to target personality disorders, yet certain types of drugs may be able to help you. For example, symptoms of NPD may be alleviated with medications that treat major depression and anxiety—consult your doctor and see whether drugs are suitable for you. Lifestyle Changes There are things you can do on your own—without the assistance of a medical professional—to improve your well-being. Reducing the levels of stress in your life, staying away from drugs and alcohol, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand your struggles will be beneficial for your mental health.

FAQs

What Are Class B Personality Disorders?

Class B, or Cluster B, personality disorders are a group of four mental health disorders—antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. These disorders are known for their dramatic and erratic symptoms—intense emotions and impulsive actions.

What Are the 4 Types of Class B Personality Disorders?

Four personality disorders belong to Cluster B:

Antisocial personality disorder—disregard for the law and other people’s feelings. Borderline personality disorder—unstable emotions and fear of abandonment. Histrionic personality disorder—constant need for attention and approval. Narcissistic personality disorder—lack of empathy and a sense of superiority.

What causes Cluster B personality disorders?

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There is no single cause, but Cluster B disorders typically develop from a combination of genetic factors, childhood environment, trauma, and brain chemistry. Many individuals report early life adversity or unstable relationships growing up. Biological vulnerability paired with environmental stressors increases the likelihood of developing one of these disorders.