Psychotic disorders mnemonic

Personality disorder clusters

The mnemonic

A-B-C: Odd, Dramatic, Anxious

What each word stands for

  • AOdd or eccentric: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal
  • BDramatic or erratic: antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic
  • CAnxious or fearful: avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive

Why it matters clinically

Grouping helps recall the ten DSM personality disorders quickly.

Where it stops being reliable

ICD uses different names and no clusters; the groups are descriptive only.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Psychotic disorders mnemonic?

A-B-C: Odd, Dramatic, Anxious. It helps you recall: Personality disorder clusters.

What does "A" stand for?

Odd or eccentric: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal

What does "B" stand for?

Dramatic or erratic: antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic

What does "C" stand for?

Anxious or fearful: avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive

What are all the parts of the A-B-C: Odd, Dramatic, Anxious mnemonic?

A: Odd or eccentric: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal; B: Dramatic or erratic: antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic; C: Anxious or fearful: avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Psychotic disorders in Psychiatry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

ICD uses different names and no clusters; the groups are descriptive only.

How is this useful clinically?

Grouping helps recall the ten DSM personality disorders quickly.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Psychiatry question about Psychotic disorders.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.