Character Disorders Self-Screeners
Ever wonder if you, a family member, friend, or co-worker has a personality disorder? Here are 12 screeners that may lend some insight into what you are experiencing.
About personality disorders
What are personality / character disorders?
Personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate markedly from the expectations of a person's culture. These patterns are inflexible, pervasive across many situations, and typically lead to distress or impairment in relationships, work, or daily life.
The complexity of living with — or alongside — these patterns
People with personality disorders often don't recognize their own patterns as problematic. For family members, friends, and co-workers, this can create confusion, frustration, and emotional exhaustion. Relationships may feel one-sided, unpredictable, or chronically tense.
Why change is so hard
Because these patterns form part of a person's fundamental identity, they are notoriously difficult to shift. The individual may see the world as the problem, not themselves. Meaningful change usually requires long-term, specialized therapy (such as schema therapy or dialectical behavior therapy) and genuine motivation — something that can't be forced.
These screeners are educational tools. They are not diagnoses. If you are concerned, consider speaking with a qualified mental-health professional.
Narcissistic Personality (Brief)
NPI-Brief · 16 questions
16-item self-report adapted from the Narcissistic Personality Inventory.
Borderline Personality (MSI-BPD)
MSI-BPD · 10 questions
10 yes/no items screening for borderline personality features.
Antisocial Personality (Sociopathy)
ASPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items adapted from antisocial personality screening scales.
Psychopathic Traits (LSRP Brief)
LSRP-Brief · 10 questions
10 items adapted from the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale.
Passive-Aggressive Personality
PA-Screen · 10 questions
10 items adapted from passive-aggressive (negativistic) personality screens.
Histrionic Personality
HPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting histrionic personality traits.
Avoidant Personality
AvPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting avoidant personality traits.
Dependent Personality
DPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting dependent personality traits.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
OCPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting OCPD traits (distinct from OCD).
Schizoid Personality
SzPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting schizoid personality traits.
Schizotypal Personality
StPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting schizotypal personality traits.
Paranoid Personality
PPD-Screen · 10 questions
10 items reflecting paranoid personality traits.
Dark Triad
SD3 · 12 questions
12-item self-report measuring narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
