Which disorders are included in Personality Disorder Cluster A?

• A. Schizoid, schizotypal, paranoid
• B. Schizoid, histrionic, paranoid
• C. Borderline, Narcissistic, Histrionic
• D. Antisocial, Avoidant, Obsessive-Compulsive

Answer: (A)

Cluster A is the odd or eccentric group of personality disorders, and it includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal. These conditions share patterns of mistrust, social detachment, or unusual thinking, rather than the dramatic or anxious features seen in other clusters. The three disorders listed in the correct answer—all belong to this cluster—so it’s the best fit. Paranoid PD involves pervasive distrust and suspicion; schizoid PD is marked by detachment from social relationships and limited emotional expression; schizotypal PD features social discomfort plus odd beliefs or eccentric behavior. The other options mix disorders from different clusters—histrionic is in Cluster B (dramatic/attention-seeking) and obsessive-compulsive is in Cluster C (anxious/fearful)—so they don’t form the Cluster A group.