The international classification of diseases (ICD-10) definition states that ‘personality disorders comprise deeply ingrained and enduring behavioural patterns, manifesting themselves as inflexible responses to a broad range of personal and social situation. They represent extreme or significant deviation from the way the average individual in the given culture perceives, thinks, feels and particularly relates to others. They are frequently, though not always, associated with varying degrees of subjective distress and problems in social functioning and performance.’ These patterns are usually evident during late childhood or adolescence, but the requirement to establish their stability and persistence. Usually (but not necessarily) restricts the use of the term ‘disorder’ to adults (World Health Organization 1992). The DSM-IV definition is similar, though it is more explicit, and emphasizes impulse control problems that many people with personality disorders would have (American Psychiatric Association 1994).

KEYWORDS: explicit, disorder, social anxiety, temperament, stress