A lot of our favourite cows fit under the umbrella of the cluster B disorders in one way or another, but farmers often get the particular diagnoses mixed up, so I thought a primer on the distinctions between them might be in order. The cluster B disorders are collectively known as the dramatic personality disorders, because they are characterised by intense emotions, interpersonal conflicts, or a desperate need for attention.
Cluster B includes four diagnoses:
Antisocial (ASPD)
ASPD is characterised by weak (or absent) emotional affect and empathy. People with ASPD don’t experience shame or guilt, and are often adept liars. They are generally self-serving and will try to get ahead in life however they think they can get away with. Because they have low baseline arousal, they will often suffer intensive boredom. Relationships, when they do form them, tend to be shallow and transactional. ASPD is commonly referred to as sociopathy or psychopathy, but the former isn’t a clinical term at all and the latter only describes a specific subset of ASPD.
Borderline (BPD)
If ASPD is distinguished by its lack of emotionality, BPD is the very opposite. People with BPD experience emotions strongly, often to the point that they cannot control themselves. They’re driven as much by love or hate as they are by fear of rejection. Unlike ASPD they can be highly empathetic (though not always, and not necessarily consistently), but they’re less likely to be effective manipulators, as their lies are primarily reactive and fear-driven rather than purposeful. Self-harm is common.
Histrionic (HPD)
HPD, like BPD, is distinguished by excessive emotionality, but in their case the emotions aren’t necessarily real, but may simply be dramatically exaggerated (though they may feel real at the moment, no matter how extreme). They also tend to be sexually provocative, flirting aggressively even when it doesn’t suit the situation, or perceiving relationships that don’t really exist, or they may simply dream up dramatic stories that centre themselves. Like narcissists they crave attention and validation, and their performances are designed to garner both.
Narcissistic (NPD)
Much of the public perception of ASPD actually closer reflects narcissists. Narcissists are grandiose and crave validation, because behind the facade they present they are actually extremely insecure. Like antisocials they may have impaired empathy, but unlike them they feel shame intensively (though they will mask it, often with angry outbursts), especially if they’ve recently failed at something or received criticism. Unlike histrionics, who seek attention through emotionality, narcissists seek it for validation and admiration. They can be effective manipulators, but unlike ASPD it’s generally deployed to protect their image (including to themselves).
So how might a cow with one of these disorders behave?
ASPD: Crowdfunds a large sum of money for some ostensibly good goal, then spends it all on coke.
BPD: Posts a video crying about some perceived rejection, then a dozen more videos lovebombing that same person.
HPD: Really dramatic videos with shameless and embarrassing details included just to get as many reactions as possible.
NPD: Gets called a manlet on twitter, and absolutely loses it, replying with a dozen post rant about what a tough guy he is.
The disorders often overlap, narcissists can often behave histrionically if they’re shameless enough for example, but it’s generally easy enough to tell which one is ”most significant” in any given personality.
