Cycloid personality type examples of famous people. Cycloid personality type: characteristics of character and behavior

The cycloid or cyclothymic personality type is those characteristics of reaction and behavior that consist in wave-like changes in mood and corresponding behavior.

The prevailing high spirits with high degree sociability and socially useful activities, unexpectedly and inexplicably for the cyclothyme itself, is replaced by attacks of blues, sadness and depression, and then can change to a period of superactivity and superactivity.

How is it characterized

Cycloid accentuation is characterized by the presence of two obligatory phases. The phase of activity, vigor and energy is called the period of hyperthymia. It gives way to subdepression, during which the following are observed:

This phase may have different degrees expressiveness. However, it is usually short-lived and does not last more than two weeks.

The cycloid character type was first described by Kretschmer back in 1921, and then mentioned in P. Gannushkin’s psychiatry studies in 1933. Along with constitutional-depressive, hyperthymic and emotionally labile, he also considered cycloid psychopathy. However, the cases described were more likely to be mild forms of manic-depressive psychosis.

Currently, many psychiatrists question the very possibility of making such a diagnosis. Others defend the right to such language when working with patients suffering from endogenous psychoses. However, in ICD-10 the concept of “cycloid personality disorder” does not exist as a diagnosis, and such swings are attributed specifically to “mood disorders” and not to the personality itself. In everyday life, cycloid disorder is more likely to be called more pronounced manifestations of cyclothymic accentuation.

However, most often cases are described where the changes in the mentioned emotional background “intermittently” or “periods”, however, never reach a psychotic level. And then it is appropriate to talk about the cycloid type of accentuation of a person’s character.

According to A. Lichko, there are two variations of cycloid accentuation in adolescents - typical cycloids and labile cyclothymes.

Features of behavior and response

Typical cycloids at first do not show any peculiarities of their behavior and reaction. Children, as a rule, are lively, active, enthusiastic and sociable. With the onset of the teenage crisis, during the period of active puberty or immediately after it, the first case of subdepression is recorded. In girls, the first case of “decline” can be associated with menarche (the first menstruation) and can be recorded much earlier - from the age of thirteen. It is often accompanied by complaints that are objective for the given situation: pain, dizziness. But other symptoms are similar, and the main manifestations are associated with:

severe apathy;
irritability and lethargy;
“a streak of bad luck”;
difficulties in learning and mastering material;
fatigue from peers and companies;
reducing the attractiveness of risk and new experiences;
decreasing attractiveness of social activities, sporting achievements, leadership;
changes in taste preferences;
drowsiness, instead of insomnia, characteristic of ordinary depression;
pessimistic perception of reality;
extremely difficult experiences associated with comments;
irritation and retaliatory attacks during constructive criticism;
possible development of additional accusations of oneself for “not such behavior”;
affective, non-demonstrative suicide attempts (in extreme cases, successful acts of suicide).

It is the last point that forces parents, on their own initiative or at the direction of doctors, to consult a psychiatrist. Often, immediately after suicide attempts, a teenager ends up in a psychiatric ward.

It is important to note that such patients tend to have a “dramatic recovery” after the attempts described above. IN medical institution they begin to suddenly “feel better” without using antidepressants, and are critical of their actions and behavior over the last period.

The most common case in scientific literature and a kind of classic case is that of a sixteen-year-old teenager. Came to the attention of psychiatrists after a suicide attempt. Before this, “some kind of sudden blues” was noted. Everything started to get out of hand, bad grades appeared, and I stopped being interested in studying. They were also reluctant to undergo training, “carelessly.” Lost interest in scientific work and social activities. Taste preferences changed and appetite disappeared. His general state became depressed and pessimistic, and he often tried to prove to his father that there was no justice in life. Facts of alcohol or other abuse psychotropic drugs were excluded. Specific cases there were no failures in intimate or sexual contacts that could provoke such a condition.

After “working at school” and a conflict with his parents, he felt his “spiritual poverty” and “inferiority” and attempted medication suicide, which was recognized as a true non-demonstrative attempt against the background of an acute affective reaction.

After providing resuscitation measures, the patient’s mood improved sharply without the use of antidepressants, he assessed his actions critically, and missed his family, friends and studies. When assessed by a psychologist and psychiatrist, a cycloid (cyclothymic) personality type was diagnosed.

Then followed for two years, noting “bad periods of the blues” every one to two months, lasting one to two weeks. However, awareness helped to cope with them with minimal risk for health and social contacts. By the age of nineteen, the phases smoothed out and stopped bothering me.

But, in fairness, we can say that the manifestation of the phases of typical cycloids is not always alarming during the period of subdepression. Sometimes parents are worried about pronounced hyperthymia.

Thus, the phase of depression in a 14-year-old girl coincided with periods of menstrual bleeding, was supplemented by complaints of physical ailments and pain, and was attributed by her parents to this fact. However, it did not give way to the usual state, but transitioned into a hyperthymic streak of behavior. And if the incredible rise in mood and the desire to make up for lost time in studies only made the household happy, then previously unusual risky actions, “strange and thoughtless acquaintances” and unusual, bold, often evil “banter” with adults surprised them and forced them to turn first to the school psychologist, and then then to a psychotherapist.

It was also revealed that in this phase the girl talked about the impossibility of being alone and the boredom that a predictable and measured life caused. She admitted that during these periods she was thinking about “seeing the world” and “hitchhiking.” However, “after a week I didn’t make up my mind.” It was these additions that prompted the idea to diagnose and then confirm the cycloid (cyclothymic) personality type.

As can be seen from this example, it is important to work with clients not only in the “everything is bad” stage, but also in the “the whole world is at our feet” stage. Indeed, in the case described, hitchhiking for a teenage girl can be fraught with no less sad consequences than suicide attempts in the depression phase.

Contact a psychologist

It is also worth noting that, according to Yu. Strogova, S. Ozeretskovsky and many other authors, general fatigue, various diseases and asthenia aggravate the course of the subdepressive phase, making it more pronounced. Therefore, often the first cases of contacting a psychologist occur against the backdrop of debilitating events: entering or studying in the first years of college, active physiological growth of a teenager, recurring non-psychiatric diseases or chronic exacerbations and much more, including changes in periods of sleep and wakefulness caused by computer addiction or work in night time.

As for labile cycloids, the phases here are much shorter and can change more often. A couple of “great days” are followed by several “disgusting” ones, which are characterized by a bad mood rather than a general depressed state and loss of energy. Although the feeling of lethargy and that “everything is falling out of hand” may be present.

In principle, the behavior of labile cycloids often remains undiagnosed and unnoticed precisely because of the short duration of the phases. Even at an appointment with a psychologist, objective reasons that could provoke such sensations begin to come to the fore. And since the “blues” phase passes quickly, it seems that it is the establishment of the cause that leads to its completion. The diagnosis is rarely made and most often after a suicide attempt.

As we see, only suicides, as a rule, force people with such accentuation of character to turn to specialists. The cycloid (cyclothymic) personality type, however, according to various estimates, is observed in 5% of adolescents and more than 10% of adults.

With age, hyperthymes can show signs of depressive periods, transforming into cyclothymes. But it is precisely during the period of inexplicable attacks of “overwhelm” and “when everything is wrong” that it is most important to turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Moreover, it is possible not only to provide direct assistance, but also to correct related issues: lifestyle, good rest. And the faster cyclothyme realizes the characteristics of its type, the fewer suicides will be completed.

6. Hyperthymic, cycloid, labile and astheno-neurotic types of accentuations in the classification of A.E. Lichko

Character accentuations are extreme options norms in which individual character traits are excessively strengthened, as a result of which selective vulnerability is revealed in relation to a certain kind of psychogenic influences with good and even increased resistance to other character accentuations as an etiopathogenetic factor.

Hyperthymic type. Adolescents belonging to the hyperthymic type are distinguished from childhood by great noisiness, sociability, excessive independence, even courage, and a tendency to mischief. They have neither shyness nor timidity in front of strangers, but they lack a sense of distance in relation to adults. In games they like to command their peers. Teachers complain about their restlessness. At school, despite good abilities, a lively mind, the ability to grasp everything on the fly, they study unevenly due to restlessness, distractibility, and lack of discipline. In adolescence, the main feature is almost always a good, even somewhat upbeat mood. It is combined with good health, often a flourishing appearance, high vitality, activity and bursting energy, always a wonderful appetite and sound, refreshing sleep. Only occasionally is the sunny mood darkened by outbursts of irritation and anger caused by the opposition of others, their desire to suppress too violent energy, to subordinate them to their will. The emancipation reaction has a strong impact on behavior: such adolescents show independence and independence early.

They react extremely violently to hyperprotection on the part of parents and educators with its petty control, everyday care, instructions and moralizing, “working through” for minor offenses at home and at meetings; do not tolerate strict discipline and strictly regulated regime; in unusual situations they do not get lost, show resourcefulness, know how to catch and dodge. Representatives of this type treat rules and laws lightly; they can, unnoticed by themselves, overlook the line between what is permitted and what is prohibited. They are always drawn to company, are burdened and do not cope well with loneliness, among their peers they strive for leadership, not formal, but actual - the role of leader and ringleader; Although sociable, they are unscrupulous in their choice of acquaintances and can easily find themselves in dubious company. They love risk and adventure.

Characterized by a good feeling of new things. New people, places, objects are vividly attractive. Easily inspired, such teenagers often do not finish what they start and constantly change their “hobbies”; do not cope well with work that requires great perseverance, thoroughness, painstaking work; They are not distinguished by neatness either in keeping promises or in financial matters, they easily get into debt, they like to show off and brag; tend to see their future in rosy colors. Failures can cause a strong reaction, but they are unable to unsettle you for a long time. They are quick-witted, quickly make peace and even make friends with those with whom they previously quarreled.

Sexual feeling often awakens early and is strong. Therefore, early sexual life is possible. However, teenage sexual deviance is fleeting and there is no tendency towards fixation. One's abilities and capabilities are usually overestimated. Although hyperthymic teenagers are well aware of most of the features of their character and do not hide them, they usually try to present themselves as more conforming than they really are.

The hyperthymic type occurs, as a rule, in the form of obvious accentuation. Against this background, acute affective reactions and situationally determined pathological behavioral disorders (early alcoholism, substance abuse behavior, emancipatory escapes, etc.) may occur. Hyperthymic accentuation can also be the basis for psychopathic developments of the hyperthymic-unstable and hyperthymic-hysteroid types. Under the influence of repeated traumatic brain injuries, a hyperthymic-explosive type of psychopathy can form. The hyperthymic type of accentuation occurs as a frequent premorbid background in manic-depressive and schizoaffective psychoses.

Cycloid type. In childhood, they do not differ from their peers or give the impression of being hyperthymic. With the onset of puberty, the first subdepressive phase may occur. Subsequently, these phases alternate with phases of recovery and periods of equal mood. The duration of the phases varies - at first days, 1-2 weeks, with age they can lengthen or, conversely, smooth out.

In the subdepressive phase, lethargy, loss of strength are noted, everything falls out of hand. What used to be easy and simple now requires great effort. It becomes more difficult to study. The company of surrounding people begins to be a burden, companies are avoided, adventures and risks lose their attractiveness. Teenagers these days are becoming lethargic couch potatoes. Minor troubles and failures, which are not uncommon during this period due to a decline in performance, are difficult to experience. Although they often respond to comments and reproaches with irritation and rudeness, deep down they fall into even greater despondency. Feelings of hopeless melancholy or causeless anxiety, as with psychotic depression, does not happen. They complain more about boredom. You also don’t have to hear ideas of self-deprecation. However, if these days there are serious criticisms or big failures, especially if they humiliate self-esteem, thoughts about one’s own lack of will, inferiority, worthlessness can easily arise and acute affective reactions with suicidal attempts can be provoked. Appetite decreases. Even your favorite foods don’t give you the same pleasure. Insomnia does not usually occur in teenagers. Sometimes they complain that it has become difficult to sleep and almost always about lethargy and weakness in the morning.

During the period of recovery, cycloid adolescents look like hyperthyms. What is striking is their usually risky jokes on their elders and their desire to make jokes everywhere.

Place least resistance is a radical change in the life stereotype (for example, the transition from supervised school studies to the relative freedom of a higher educational institution). Such withdrawal can prolong the subdepressive phase. In this phase, selective sensitivity to reproaches, reproaches, accusations appears - to everything that contributes to the emergence of the idea of self-accusation and self-abasement; emancipatory aspirations and grouping with peers are noted during upswings, and fade in the subdepressive phase. Hobbies are also characterized by instability: in the subdepressive phase they are abandoned, and during the recovery period they return to them or find new ones. Sexual activity increases during periods of recovery, but in the subdepressive phase, masturbation may increase. Delinquency, running away from home, and substance abuse behavior are unusual. They drink alcohol in groups and only during periods of recovery. Self-esteem is formed gradually, as the experience of “good” and “bad” periods accumulates. If there is a lack of such experience, it can be very inaccurate. Labile cycloids are a form of accentuation, intermediate between typical cycloids and labile adolescents, [Lichko A. E. Ozeretskovsky. S. D., 1972]. The phases here are very short - one to two days. On “bad” days, a bad mood is usually not combined with a lack of energy or poor health. Within one period, short changes in mood are possible, caused by relevant events or news. But unlike the labile type of accentuation described below, there is no excessive emotional reactivity, a constant readiness of the mood to change abruptly for minor reasons.

Cycloid psychopathy does not exist. With pronounced cycloidity, cyclothymia occurs, which can rightfully be considered as a mild form of manic-depressive psychosis. The cycloid accentuation itself can be the background for the development of both this and schizoaffective psychoses.

Labile type. In childhood, they do not differ from their peers or show a tendency to neurotic reactions. The main feature of adolescence is extreme lability of mood, which changes too often and extremely sharply due to insignificant and even unnoticeable reasons for others. An unflattering word spoken by someone or an unfriendly glance from a random interlocutor can suddenly plunge you into a gloomy mood without any serious troubles or failures. And vice versa, an interesting conversation, a fleeting compliment, tempting but unrealistic prospects heard from someone can instill gaiety and cheerfulness and even distract from real troubles until they remind you of themselves in some way. During frank and exciting conversations, you can see either tears ready to well up in your eyes or a joyful smile.

Everything depends on your mood at the moment: well-being, sleep, appetite, performance, and sociability. According to the mood, the future is sometimes painted with rainbow colors, sometimes it seems dull and hopeless, and the past appears like a chain pleasant memories, then consisting entirely of failures and injustices. And the everyday environment sometimes seems nice and interesting, sometimes ugly and boring.

Unmotivated mood swings can create the impression of superficiality and frivolity. However, lability of adolescents is distinguished by deep feelings, sincere attachment to those from whom they see love, care and attention. Attachments remain, despite the ease and frequency of fleeting quarrels. Losses are hard to bear. Loyal friendship is no less characteristic. They prefer to be friends with someone who, in moments of sadness and dissatisfaction, is able to console and distract, in times of attacks, to protect, and in moments of uplifting, share joy and fun, and satisfy the need for empathy. They love company and a change of scenery, but unlike hyperthymic teenagers, they do not look for a field of activity, but only new experiences. Sensitivity to all kinds of signs of attention, gratitude, praise and encouragement, which bring sincere joy, is not combined with arrogance or conceit.

Emancipatory aspirations are expressed moderately. They intensify if they are fueled by an unfavorable family environment. The craving for grouping with peers depends entirely on the mood. In good moments they look for company, in bad moments they avoid communication. In a group of peers they do not pretend to be a leader, willingly content themselves with the position of a favorite and spoiled child, cared for and protected by others. Hobbies are limited to the information and communication type, sometimes amateur artistic activities, and even some pets (their own dog is especially attractive, which serves as a lightning rod for emotions during mood swings). Sexual activity is usually limited to flirting and courtship. Attraction remains undifferentiated for a long time and deviation onto the path of transient teenage homosexuality is easily possible. But sexual excesses are always avoided. A kind of selective intuition allows such teenagers to immediately feel how others treat them, at the first contact determining who is disposed towards them, who is indifferent, and who harbors at least a drop of ill will or hostility. The response arises immediately and without attempts to hide it. Self-esteem is distinguished by sincerity and the ability to correctly note the traits of one’s character. “The weak link” of this type is rejection by emotionally significant persons, loss of loved ones, separation from them, accentuation, labile type is often combined with harmonious psychophysical infantilism, as well as with vegetative lability and a tendency to allergic diseases. This type of accentuation serves as the basis for acute affective reactions, neuroses, especially neurasthenia, reactive depression and psychopathic developments.

Astheno-neurotic type. Since childhood, signs of neuropathy are often detected: poor sleep and appetite, moodiness, fearfulness, tearfulness, sometimes night terrors, nocturnal enuresis, stuttering, etc. In other cases, childhood goes well, and the first signs of astheno-neurotic accentuation appear only in adolescence, the main features being fatigue, irritability and a tendency towards hypochondriasis. Fatigue is especially noticeable during mental activities or during physical and emotional stress, for example, in a competition environment. Irritability leads to sudden affective outbursts, often arising for an insignificant reason. Irritation, often poured out on those who happen to come to hand, is easily replaced by remorse and tears. The tendency to hypochondriasis can be especially strong. Such teenagers listen carefully to the slightest bodily sensations, willingly undergo treatment, go to bed, and undergo medical examinations. The most common source of hypochondriacal experiences in boys is the heart.

Adolescent behavioral disorders such as delinquency and alcoholism are not typical for this type. The emancipation reaction is usually limited to unmotivated outbursts of irritation towards parents, educators, and elders in general. They are drawn to their peers, looking for company, but quickly get tired of it and prefer loneliness or communication with a close friend. Self-esteem usually primarily reflects concern for health.

This type of accentuation is the basis for the development of neurasthenia, acute affective reactions, reactive depression, and hypochondriacal developments.

Breakdowns often occur when a teenager realizes the impossibility of cherished plans, the unreality of hopes and desires. Susceptibility to iatrogenic events is also high. Serious illnesses Hypochondriasis increases among relatives and friends.

What is a cycloid character type?

A sudden change in mood from cheerfulness to depression is not always a bad sign. Perhaps this is how the cycloid personality type manifests itself. And a teenager who has begun to become despondent, to study worse and to argue over trifles may not “go crazy”, because adolescence in this case is not the root cause, but just that moment of growing up when the cycloid type begins to become noticeable.

Like any other type of accentuation, cyclothymia is not a disease, but just a personality and character trait that rarely reaches the normal limit, but possible Negative consequences It is often possible to smooth it out by following a list of recommendations from a psychologist.

Cycloid type and its manifestations

People with a cycloid personality type periodically remain in one of two phases: hyperthymia and subdepression. As a rule, changes are cyclical, and there is no way to undo the change of states, you can only learn to minimize the consequences of one or another phase, which can last up to two weeks. Between phases there are long quiet periods when the cycloid has no special accentuation.

In the stage of hyperthymia, a person has:

increased mood and thirst for action;
communication skills;
flexibility of thinking;
quick change of hobbies;
active lifestyle;
openness and love for change.

When subdepression sets in, a person changes dramatically. Now it is characterized by:

Bad mood;
loss of interest;
the desire to minimize contact with other people;
lack of appetite;
pessimism;
increased drowsiness.

Transitions from states that are completely opposite in their worldview seriously affect the life of the cycloid. Everything that he managed to achieve in the hyperthymic phase tends intensely to zero during the period of subdepression. Irritability and sensitivity to criticism increase, new hobbies are abandoned, laziness and reluctance to do things arise. Personal life is also noticeably deteriorating.

Labile cycloids. This is the name given to those whose transition from the “good phase” to the “bad” and back occurs very quickly - a few days active life are replaced by 2-3 days of bad mood, and then it rises again, and the person wants to communicate with the whole world and move mountains.

As a rule, such frequent mood changes create more problems than the time intervals inherent in typical cycloids. After all, it is more difficult to get used to the rapid alternation of phases. But in fact, the labile cycloid type also has advantages. Yes, he is “thrown” from side to side, but the amplitude of the throws is usually smoothed out, you can get used to it. During the ascent there is no painful hyperactivity and withdrawal from lack of communication, and in the subdepressive phase there is no complete apathy and loss of strength.

Cycloid accentuation of adolescents

The most unpleasant thing about the cycloid personality type is that it does not appear from birth, and the child does not have the opportunity to get used to living in accordance with his own character traits. But the best thing is that the cycloid type may indeed be a consequence of adolescence, when the body is rapidly developing, and the psyche is affected by many factors that aggravate the adolescent’s reactions. The periods between accentuation phases can gradually increase and eventually disappear completely.

As a rule, in childhood, cycloids are no different from other children, except that they are a little more active and sociable than they may resemble hyperthyms. As the child ages (in girls, perhaps a little earlier, simultaneously with the first menstruation), cycloidity begins to appear - the first subdepressive phase begins. Irritability increases, drowsiness and apathy appear, problems with studying arise, and attentiveness decreases. Places where there are a lot of people seem almost like torture rooms, and even a noisy group of friends, which used to be so good, is not at all attractive.

The teenager himself does not notice that something is wrong with him. He just starts spending more time at home, eating less and sleeping longer. There may also be externally objective reasons for such behavior. Sometimes a decreased appetite is explained by the desire to lose weight, the desire to stay at home is due to a quarrel with peers or local punks, and memory loss is due to overwork.

Bad mood is aggravated by troubles arising from other manifestations of subdepression.

How to survive the moment of the appearance of cycloid accentuation?

It is not always possible for a teenager to cope with sudden attacks of despondency and apathy on his own. Too much sudden changes moods affect relationships with peers, lead to conflicts with adults and troubles in school. In turn, this increases the likelihood of a breakdown or even suicide. Not every school has a psychologist. And not every teenager is ready to talk and listen to recommendations.

We recommend that parents do not isolate themselves from their child, even if it seems that everything is fine with him. And even more so if there are still reasons to worry. Manifestations of subdepression are not always correctly recognized from the outside. He's become lazy, doesn't get enough sleep because of his computer games, is too rude, apparently has completely lost his temper. Or maybe it's drugs? Or maybe he just fell in love? First of all, you just need to talk to your teenager. Not as a parent with a child, but as an adult with a peer.

You should not impose aggressive care, this will only worsen the situation. It is better to make it clear that the teenager is dear to you, to show warmth and attention.

Meetings with good friends, people who are dear to a person with a cycloid personality type, and some positive events will help smooth out difficult periods of low mood.
Learn to predict the moments of the onset of the subdepressive phase, minimize urgent matters, and do not schedule important meetings and celebrations.
You should not abuse medications. If there is a need to take pills, then only under the supervision and advice of a specialist.
You should not try to solve the problem with alcohol or drugs. In this way, you can only “shake up” the psyche, cause an increase in frequency and increase the duration of the subdepressive phase.

In any case, cycloid accentuation is not a death sentence, and it rarely interferes with normal life and socialization.

Even in adolescence, only 2-3% of cycloids need the attention of a psychologist. The older a person is, the easier it is for him to cope with this himself, having received advice from a psychologist.

Chapter IV. Types of constitutional psychopathy and character accentuations in adolescence.

Cycloid type.

As is known, this type of character was described in 1921 by E. Kretschmer and was first often mentioned in psychiatric research. P. B. Gannushkin (1933) included four types of psychopathy in the “cycloid group” - constitutionally depressive, constitutionally excited (hyperthymic), cyclothymic and emotionally labile. He considered cyclothymia as a type of psychopathy. However, later this concept began to mean relatively mild cases of manic-depressive psychosis, and the existence of cycloid (tm) outside the framework of this disease was questioned. Since the 1940s, cycloid psychopathy has disappeared from psychiatric manuals. In recent years, cycloidity has again attracted attention, but as one of the premorbid types of patients with endogenous psychoses, and often the cycloid and hyperthymic types are not separated.

Meanwhile, there is a special group of cases where cyclical changes the emotional background never even approaches the psychotic level (Michaux L., 1953). G. E. Sukhareva (1959) noted similar non-psychotic cyclothymic fluctuations in adolescents, which can generally smooth out with the onset of maturity. Such cases, from our point of view, would be more correctly considered as cycloid accentuations.

Our research with S.D. Ozeretskovsky (Lichko A.E., Ozeretskovsky S.D., 1972) made it possible to identify two variants of cycloid accentuation in adolescence - typical and labile cycloids.

Yuri P., 16 years old. He grew up in a friendly family. Well studied at English school until the last class. He was distinguished by his cheerful disposition, sociability, liveliness, was fond of sports, willingly participated in social work, and was the chairman of the school club.

The last few weeks have changed. For no reason, my mood worsened, “some kind of blues set in,” everything began to fall out of my hands, I began to have difficulty studying, abandoned social work, sports, and quarreled with my comrades. After classes I sat at home. Sometimes he argued with his father, proving that “there is no truth in life.” Sleep and appetite have worsened. These days, he accidentally came across a popular science magazine with an article about the dangers of masturbation. Since he himself secretly masturbated, but had not previously attached any importance to it, he now decided to quit, but discovered that he “lacked the will.” He thought that “impotence, madness and dementia” awaited him. On the same days at school, at a general Komsomol meeting, he was subjected to severe criticism by his comrades for the collapse of the social work that he had previously led. One of his classmates called him "the mold of society." At the meeting, at first he snapped, then fell silent. I realized that he was a “defective person.” The thought of suicide arose. Returning home from school, I waited until nightfall and, when my parents fell asleep, took 50 tablets of meprobamate. He left a note where he wrote that he was a “spiritually poor person” and was guilty before the school and the state.

From the intensive care center he was taken to the adolescent department psychiatric hospital. Here, in the very first days, my condition suddenly and dramatically changed, although I did not receive antidepressants. My mood became slightly elevated, I became sociable, active, easily made contact, and was full of energy. He didn’t understand what was wrong with him, “for no reason, some kind of blues came over him.” Now it’s all gone, my mood has improved, I’m glad I’m still alive. A suicide attempt is assessed critically. She feels good, her appetite has even increased, her sleep has become sound and calm. He misses his family, school and friends. Strives to continue studying.

Follow-up after 2 years. He successfully graduated from school and is studying at the institute. He notes that after leaving the hospital there were “bad periods” lasting 1-2 weeks. and repeated every 1-2 months. By the time of follow-up, these fluctuations had smoothed out.

In typical cycloids, the phases are usually short, 1-2 weeks. (Ozeretskovsky S.D., 1974). Subdepression can be replaced by a normal state or a period of recovery, when the cycloid again turns into hyperthymia, strives for company, makes acquaintances, aspires to leadership and usually makes up for what was lost in study and work in the subdepressive phase. Periods of uplift occur less frequently than subdepressive phases, and are not as bright. According to the observation of Yu. A. Strogonov (1972), sometimes only usually unusual, risky jokes on elders and the desire to make jokes everywhere can catch the eyes of others.

Cycloid teenagers have their own places of “least resistance”. They are different in the subdepressive phase and during the recovery period. In the latter case, the same weaknesses appear as in the hyperthymic type: intolerance to loneliness, monotonous and measured life, painstaking work, promiscuity in acquaintances, etc. In the subdepressive phase, the Achilles heel becomes a radical break in the life stereotype. This apparently explains the protracted subdepressive states inherent in cycloids in the first years of higher education. educational institutions(Strogonov Yu. A., 1973) A sharp change in the nature of the educational process!, the deceptive ease of the first student days, the lack of daily control on the part of teachers, giving way to the need to learn much more material in the short period of the test and examination session than at school - all this breaks the educational stereotype instilled by the previous decade. You have to make up for lost time with intensive exercises, and in the subdepressive phase this does not lead to the desired results. Overwork and asthenia prolong the subdepressive phase, and an aversion to studying and mental activities in general appears.

Labile cycloids, unlike typical ones, are in many ways close to the labile (emotionally labile) type. The phases here are much shorter - two or three “good” days are followed by several “bad” ones. “Bad” days are more marked by a bad mood than by lethargy, loss of energy or poor health. Within one period, short changes in mood are possible, caused by relevant news or events. But unlike the labile type described below, there is no excessive emotional reactivity, a constant readiness of mood to easily and abruptly change for minor reasons.

Valery R., 16 years old. He grew up in a close-knit family, attached to his parents and older brother, who serves in the army. Since childhood, he was lively, affectionate, sociable, obedient. He studies well. In the last two or three years, he himself began to notice that his mood was fluctuating: two or three good days, when he felt uplifted, alternated with days of “blueness”, when he easily quarreled, and, in his words, “intolerance to comments and bossy tone” appeared. , prefers solitude, reluctantly goes to school, which he generally loves. He has been in love with a classmate for more than two years and is very attached to her. A few days ago my mood deteriorated again. It seemed that the beloved girl became interested in another boy. Out of jealousy, he deliberately told her that he himself fell in love with another, and a breakup occurred. I was extremely upset by what happened. I thought about her all the time, I couldn’t find a place for myself, I cried secretly, I saw her in my dreams every night. I looked for sympathy and empathy from my friends - I was amazed at their “indifference.” At their suggestion, I took part in a joint drink, but the wine only intensified the melancholy. Returning home, I felt “complete hopelessness and loneliness.” When his parents fell asleep, he climbed into the hot bath and inflicted several deep cuts on himself with a razor. He lost consciousness from bleeding. He woke up in the arms of his father, who accidentally discovered him.

Then my mood changed for the better (I did not receive psychotropic drugs), I met my beloved, and made peace with her. For two days I was “up” - I became cheerful, sociable, eager to go home and missed school. Subsequently, the mood is even. Critically evaluates his actions and considers himself guilty. In conversation, he reveals emotional lability and seeks empathy.

In both typical and labile cycloids, reactions of emancipation and grouping with peers intensify during periods of recovery. Hobbies are unstable - during subdepressive periods they are abandoned, during periods of recovery - they return to them or find new ones. Adolescents themselves do not show a noticeable decrease in sexual desire in the subdepressive phase, although, according to the observations of relatives, sexual interests in " bad days" fade away. Severe behavioral disorders (delinquency, running away from home, etc.) are not characteristic of cycloids. But during periods of recovery, they can show a tendency towards alcoholism in companies. Suicidal behavior in the form of affective (but not demonstrative) attempts or true attempts to kill Suicide is possible in the subdepressive phase, if at this time the teenager is subjected to mental trauma, strengthening him in thoughts of his inferiority.

Self-esteem of character in cycloids is formed gradually, as the experience of “good” and “bad” periods accumulates. A teenager may not yet have such experience and therefore self-esteem may be imperfect.

Cycloid accentuation, as indicated, only occasionally comes under the supervision of a psychiatrist (usually these are cases of suicide attempts). However, in healthy adolescents it can be detected in 2-5% (Ivanov N. Ya., 1976), and of these, half can be classified as typical, and the other half as labile cycloids. In post-adolescence (18-19 years), the percentage of cycloids increases significantly, and the percentage of hyperthymics decreases (Borovik T. Ya., 1976; Peretyaka O.P., 1981) Apparently, due to some endogenous patterns, the hyperthymic type can transform in the cycloid - against the background of previously constant hyperthymia, short subdepressive phases appear.

Cycloid type

As is known, this type was described by Kretschmer and first became widely used in psychiatric research. P.B. Gannushkin included four types of psychopaths in the “cycloid group” - “constitutional-depressive”, “constitutionally-excited” (hyperthymic), cyclothymic and emotionally labile. He considered cyclothymia as a type of psychopathy. However, later this concept began to mean relatively mild cases of manic-depressive psychosis. The existence of cycloidity outside of this disease has been questioned. Since the 1940s, the term cycloid psychopathy has disappeared from psychiatric manuals. And only in rare cases contemporary works cycloids are mentioned as a premorbid type of patients with endogenous psychoses, and they are not differentiated from hyperthymics.

Meanwhile, there is a special group of cases where cyclical changes in the emotional background never even approach the psychotic level. G.E. Sukhareva noted that such non-psychotic cyclothymic fluctuations in adolescents with the onset of maturity can completely smooth out. Such cases, from our point of view, would be rightfully considered as cycloid accentuation.

Our studies have shown that in adolescence, two variants of cycloid accentuation can be seen - typical and labile cycloids.

Typical cycloids in childhood are no different from their peers or more often give the impression of hyperthymia. With the onset of puberty (in girls this may coincide with menarche), the first subdepressive phase occurs. She is distinguished by a tendency towards apathy and irritability. In the morning you feel lethargic and lack of strength, everything falls out of your hands. What was previously easy and simple now requires incredible effort. It becomes more difficult to study. Human society begins to become burdensome, the company of peers is avoided, adventures and risks lose all attractiveness. Previously noisy and lively teenagers during these periods become sluggish couch potatoes. Appetite decreases, but instead of the insomnia characteristic of severe depression, drowsiness is often observed. In tune with the mood, everything takes on a pessimistic tint. Minor troubles and failures, which usually begin to fall due to a drop in performance, are extremely difficult to experience. They often respond to remarks and reproaches with irritation, sometimes with rudeness and anger, but deep down in their souls they fall into even greater despondency. Serious failures and criticism from others can deepen a subdepressive state or cause an acute affective reaction with suicidal attempts. Usually only in this case do cycloid adolescents come under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

In typical cycloids, the phases are usually short and last two to three weeks. Subdepression can be replaced by a normal state or a period of recovery, when the cycloid again turns into hyperthymia, strives for company, makes acquaintances, aspires to leadership and easily catches up on lost time in classes. Periods of recovery occur less frequently than subdepressive phases and are less pronounced in severity. Only risky jokes on their elders, which are usually unusual for them, and the desire to make jokes everywhere and everywhere catches the eye of those around them during these periods.

Cycloid teenagers have their own “places of least resistance.” The most important of them is probably instability to a radical change in the life stereotype. This apparently explains the protracted subdepressive reactions inherent in cycloids in the first year of higher education. Drastic change in character educational process, the deceptive ease of the first student days, the lack of daily control on the part of teachers, followed by the need to learn much more material in a short period of a test and examination session than at school - all this breaks the educational stereotype instilled in the previous decade. The ability to assimilate the material of the school curriculum on the fly during the period of recovery turns out to be insufficient here. You have to make up for lost time with intensive exercises, and in the subdepressive phase this does not lead to the desired results. Overwork and asthenia prolong the subdepressive phase, and an aversion to studying and mental work in general appears.

Labile cycloids, in contrast to typical ones, are in many ways close to the labile (emotionally labile or reactive-labile) type. The phases here are much shorter - several “good” days are followed by several “bad” ones. “Bad” days are more marked by a bad mood than by lethargy, loss of energy or poor health. Within one period, short changes in mood are possible, caused by relevant news or events. But unlike the labile type described below, there is no excessive emotional reactivity, a constant readiness of mood to easily and abruptly change for minor reasons.

Adolescent behavioral reactions in cycloids, both typical and labile, are usually moderately expressed. Emancipatory aspirations and reactions of grouping with peers intensify during the period of recovery. Hobbies are unstable - during subdepressive periods they are abandoned, during periods of recovery they find new ones or return to previously abandoned ones. Adolescents themselves usually do not notice a noticeable decrease in sexual desire in the subdepressive phase, although, according to the observation of relatives, sexual interests fade away on “bad days.” Severe behavioral disorders (delinquency, running away from home, exposure to drugs) are not particularly characteristic of cycloids. They show a tendency to alcoholism in companies during periods of recovery.

Suicidal behavior in the form of affective (but not demonstrative) attempts or true attempts are possible in the subdepressive phase.

Self-esteem of character in cycloids is formed gradually, as the experience of “good” and “bad” periods accumulates. Adolescents have not yet had this experience and therefore self-esteem may still be very inaccurate.

Cycloid accentuation, as indicated, only rarely comes under the supervision of a psychiatrist. However, among healthy adolescents it can be detected in 2-5%. Moreover, half of them can be classified as typical, and the other half - as labile cycloids.

Cycloid type of accentuations according to Leonard

People belonging to the cyclothymic, or cycloid, personality type are characterized by wave-like changes in mood and behavior. A joyful event awakens their thirst for activity, gives rise to vivid emotions, and gives rise to talkativeness. Something sad leads to sadness and depression, to slow reactions and lethargy, to lethargy and lack of initiative. In a word, they turn from hyperthymic to hypothymic and back. Excitation and inhibition change many times, either by waves of a certain frequency (as long as there is energy, they are hyperthymic; when there is less energy, they are hypothymic), or as a reaction to certain external events.

Cycloid type: hyperthym and hypothym in one person

Other types of accentuations:

Take the character accentuation test and find out which features of which types of accentuations according to Leonhard are most pronounced in you.

Fluctuations between these two opposite states can greatly change the personality of a representative of the cycloid type: in a state of recovery, such people are drawn to companies, seek communication, consider themselves on a horse, their self-esteem is usually high. In a state of depression, on the contrary, they tend to retire and tend to underestimate themselves and their achievements. Cycloids work and study unevenly - according to their mood and inspiration.

Sometimes in cycloids one can observe the presence of two states of different types simultaneously, manifested in different proportions, with a predominance of one type. In a state of excitement, they can feel sad, but in a state of depression, they may not lose their sense of humor. In conclusion, we note that frequently changing states tire a person, as well as his environment.

Cycloid type

With the cycloid type of character accentuation, the presence of two phases is observed - hyperthymia and subdepression. They are not expressed sharply, are usually short-term (1-2 weeks) and can be interspersed with long breaks. A person with cycloid accentuation experiences cyclical mood changes, when depression is replaced by elevated mood. When their mood declines, such people show increased sensitivity to reproaches and do not tolerate public humiliation well. However, they are proactive, cheerful and sociable. Their hobbies are unstable character, during a recession, there is a tendency to abandon things. Sex life is highly dependent on the rise and fall of their general condition. In the elevated, hyperthymic phase, such people are extremely similar to hyperthymic people.

Detailed description according to A.E. Lichko

As is known, this type of character was described in 1921 by E. Kretschmer and was first often mentioned in psychiatric research. P. B. Gannushkin (1933) included four types of psychopathy in the “cycloid group” - constitutionally depressive, constitutionally excited (hyperthymic), cyclothymic and emotionally labile. He considered cyclothymia as a type of psychopathy. However, later this concept began to mean relatively mild cases of manic-depressive psychosis, and the existence of cycloid™ outside the framework of this disease was questioned. Since the 1940s, cycloid psychopathy has disappeared from psychiatric manuals. In recent years, cycloidity has again attracted attention, but as one of the premorbid types of patients with endogenous psychoses, and often the cycloid and hyperthymic types are not separated.

Meanwhile, there is a special group of cases where cyclical changes in the emotional background never even approach the psychotic level. G. E. Sukhareva (1959) noted similar non-psychotic cyclothymic fluctuations in adolescents, which can generally smooth out with the onset of maturity. Such cases, from our point of view, would be more correctly considered as cycloid accentuations.

Our research with S.D. Ozeretskovsky [Lichko A.E., Ozeretskovsky S.D., 1972] allowed us to identify two variants of cycloid accentuation in adolescence - typical and labile cycloids.

Typical cycloids in childhood are no different from their peers or give the impression of being hyperthymic. With the onset of puberty (in girls this may coincide with menarche), and even more often at the onset of puberty, the first subdepressive phase occurs. More often it manifests itself as apathy and irritability. In the morning you feel a loss of strength, everything falls out of your hands. What was previously easy and simple now requires incredible effort. It becomes more difficult to study. Human society begins to become a burden. Noisy groups of peers, previously attractive, are now avoided. Adventure and risk lose all appeal. Previously lively teenagers are now becoming sad homebodies. Appetite decreases, previously favorite foods no longer evoke pleasure. Instead of the insomnia characteristic of severe depression, drowsiness is often observed. In tune with the mood, everything takes on a pessimistic tint. Minor troubles and failures, which usually begin to fall due to a decline in working capacity, are extremely difficult to experience. They may respond to comments and reproaches with irritation, even rudeness and anger, but deep down they make them feel even more despondent. Serious failures and criticism from others can deepen a subdepressive state or cause an acute affective reaction of the intrapunitive type with suicidal attempts. Usually only in this case do adolescents come to the attention of a psychiatrist.

Yuri P., 16 years old. He grew up in a friendly family. I studied well in English school until the last grade. He was distinguished by his cheerful disposition, sociability, liveliness, was fond of sports, willingly participated in social work, and was the chairman of the school club.

The last few weeks have changed. For no reason, my mood worsened, “some kind of blues set in,” everything began to fall out of hand, I began to have difficulty studying, abandoned social work, sports, and quarreled with my comrades. After classes I sat at home. Sometimes he argued with his father, proving that “there is no truth in life.” Sleep and appetite worsened These days, he accidentally came across a popular science magazine with an article about the dangers of masturbation. Since he himself secretly masturbated, but had not previously attached any importance to it, he now decided to quit, but discovered that he “lacked the will.” He thought that “impotence, madness and dementia” awaited him. On the same days at school, at a general Komsomol meeting, he was subjected to severe criticism by his comrades for the collapse of the social work that he had previously led. One of his classmates called him “the mold of society.” At the meeting, at first he snapped, then fell silent. I realized that he was a “defective person.” The thought of suicide arose. Returning home from school, he waited until night and, when his parents fell asleep, he took 50 tablets of meprobamate. He left a note where he wrote that he was a “spiritually poor person” and was guilty before the school and the state.

From the intensive care center he was taken to the adolescent ward of a psychiatric hospital. Here, in the very first days, my condition suddenly and dramatically changed, although I did not receive antidepressants. My mood became slightly elevated, I became sociable, active, easily made contact, and was full of energy. He didn’t understand what was wrong with him, “for no reason, some kind of blues came over him.” Now it’s all gone, my mood has improved, I’m glad I’m still alive. A suicide attempt is assessed critically. She feels good, her appetite has even increased, her sleep has become sound and calm. He misses his family, school and friends. Strives to continue studying.

Survey using PDO. According to the objective assessment scale, the cycloid type was diagnosed. Conformity is average, the reaction of emancipation is not expressed. There is a negative attitude towards alcoholism. According to the subjective assessment scale, self-esteem is insufficient: no traits of any type emerged.

Diagnosis. Acute affective intrapunitive reaction with a true attempt at suicide against the background of cycloid type accentuation.

Follow-up after 2 years. He successfully graduated from school and is studying at the institute. Notes that after leaving the hospital there were “bad periods” lasting 1-2 weeks and repeating every 1-2 months. By the time of follow-up, these fluctuations had smoothed out.

In typical cycloids, the phases are usually short, 1-2 weeks [Ozeretskovsky S. D., 1974]. Subdepression can be replaced by a normal state or a period of recovery, when the cycloid again turns into hyperthymia, strives for company, makes acquaintances, aspires to leadership and usually makes up for what was lost in study and work in the subdepressive phase. Periods of uplift occur less frequently than subdepressive phases, and are not as bright. According to the observation of Yu. A. Strogonov (1972), sometimes only usually unusual, risky jokes on elders and the desire to make jokes everywhere can catch the eyes of others.

Cycloid teenagers have their own places of “least resistance”. They are different in the subdepressive phase and during the recovery period. In the latter case, the same weaknesses appear as in the hyperthymic type: intolerance to loneliness, monotonous and measured life, painstaking work, promiscuity in acquaintances, etc. In the subdepressive phase, the Achilles heel becomes a radical break in the life stereotype. This, apparently, explains the protracted subdepressive states inherent in cycloids in the first years of higher educational institutions [Strogonov Yu. A., 1973] A sharp change in the nature of the educational process!, the deceptive ease of the first student days, the lack of daily control from teachers, giving way to the need to learn in a short The duration of the test and examination session is much more material than in school - all this breaks the educational stereotype instilled in the previous decade. You have to make up for lost time with intensive exercises, and in the subdepressive phase this does not lead to the desired results. Overwork and asthenia prolong the subdepressive phase, and an aversion to studying and mental activities in general appears.

In the subdepressive phase, selective sensitivity also appears to reproaches, reproaches, accusations addressed to oneself - to everything that contributes to thoughts about own inferiority, worthlessness, uselessness.

Valery R., 16 years old, grew up in a friendly family, attached to his parents and older brother, who serves in the army. Since childhood, he was lively, affectionate, sociable, obedient. He studies well. In the last two or three years, he himself began to notice that his mood was fluctuating: two or three good days, when he felt uplifted, alternated with days of “blueness”, when he easily quarreled, and, in his words, “intolerance to comments and bossy tone” appeared. , prefers solitude, reluctantly goes to school, which he generally loves. He has been in love with a classmate for more than two years, and is very attached to her. A few days ago my mood deteriorated again. It seemed that the beloved girl became interested in another boy. Out of jealousy, he deliberately told her that he himself fell in love with another, and a breakup occurred. I was extremely upset by what happened. I thought about her all the time, I couldn’t find a place for myself, I cried secretly, I saw her in my dreams every night. I looked for sympathy and empathy from my friends - I was amazed at their “indifference.” At their suggestion, I took part in a joint drink, but the wine only intensified the melancholy. Returning home, I felt “complete hopelessness and loneliness.” When his parents fell asleep, he climbed into the hot bath and inflicted several deep cuts on himself with a razor. He lost consciousness from bleeding. He woke up in the arms of his father, who accidentally discovered him.

During the first three days in the teenage ward of a psychiatric hospital, he remained depressed and spoke of his unwillingness to live. His beloved girl found him through the ambulance helpline and came to visit him - he refused to meet with her.

Survey using PDO. According to the objective assessment scale, the labile-cycloid type was diagnosed. Conformity is average, emancipation reaction is moderate. A high B-index (B-6) was detected, although neither in the anamnesis, nor during a neurological examination, nor on an EEG was there any evidence for the presence of residual organic brain damage. Psychological tendency to alcoholism is high. According to the subjective assessment scale, self-esteem is correct, labile, cycloid, hyperthymic features are highlighted, sensitive features are rejected.

Diagnosis. Reactive depression with a suicide attempt against the background of accentuation of the labile-cycloid type.

Follow-up after 2 years. Healthy. Studying at university. There were no repeated suicide attempts. Still notices mood swings.

In both typical and labile cycloids, reactions of emancipation and grouping with peers intensify during periods of recovery. Hobbies are unstable - during subdepressive periods they are abandoned, during periods of recovery - they return to them or find new ones. Adolescents themselves do not show a noticeable decrease in sexual desire in the subdepressive phase, although, according to the observations of relatives, sexual interests fade away on “bad days.” Severe behavioral disorders (delinquency, running away from home, etc.) are not typical for cycloids. But during periods of recovery, they may show a tendency towards alcoholism in companies. Suicidal behavior in the form of affective (but not demonstrative) attempts or true suicide attempts is possible in the subdepressive phase, if at this time the teenager is subjected to mental trauma, strengthening him in thoughts of his inferiority.

Cycloid accentuation, as indicated, only occasionally comes under the supervision of a psychiatrist (usually these are cases of suicide attempts). However, in healthy adolescents it can be detected in 2-5% [Ivanov N. Ya., 1976], and of these, half can be classified as typical, and the other half as labile cycloids. In post-adolescence (18-19 years), the percentage of cycloids increases significantly, and the percentage of hyperthyms decreases [Borovik T. Ya., 1976; Peretyaka O.P., 1981] Apparently, due to some endogenous patterns, the hyperthymic type can transform into a cycloid type - against the background of previously constant hyperthymicity, short subdepressive phases appear.

Human characters are very diverse, but among them, nevertheless, typical “drawings” can be distinguished. To describe some of these patterns in psychology, there is the concept of “accentuation.” This is the name given to the sum of the most clearly defined character traits that are still within the clinical norm, but make a person vulnerable to psychological stress of a certain type. Cycloid accentuation is one of its variants. T&P talks about what differentiates a cycloid from a cyclothymic, what the pros and cons of this type are, and what to do if you have this personality.

Character accentuation is not a disease. Despite the fact that some names of accentuation variants: epileptoid, hysteroid, schizoid and others are derived from the names of mental illnesses, any person with accentuation is healthy and normal. An epileptoid does not have epilepsy, and a schizoid does not suffer from schizophrenia (otherwise they would become an epileptic and a schizophrenic). In people with accentuation, certain character traits are only aggravated. The creator of this concept, German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard, for example, wrote that “the population of Berlin is 50% accentuated individuals and 50% standard type of people.” However, in some unfavorable circumstances, accentuation can turn into a disease, adding pathology.

The compilers of the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology and Pedagogy (2013) write about this concept as follows: “Character accentuations differ from psychopathy in the absence of simultaneous manifestation of the triad of signs characteristic of the latter: stability of character over time, the totality of its manifestations in all situations, social maladjustment" In other words, the epileptoid does not always strive to manically maintain order, and the hysterical does not in every situation long to be the center of everyone's attention.

In Russian psychology, character accentuation remains a popular concept, but a generally accepted classification does not exist today. Modern versions of the typology are based on the work of Karl Leonhard, the monograph of the Soviet psychiatrist Andrei Lichko and other studies. Lichko’s work made it possible to better understand the causes and etiology of neuroses, since the psychiatrist put forward the concept of the so-called “place of least resistance”, or “weak link” in character.

“Introduction of the concept of “places of least resistance” character, as well as a description of these places in relation to each type - important contribution V psychological theory character,” writes Russian psychologist, specialist in the field of experimental psychology and neuro-linguistic programming, professor at Moscow State University Yulia Gippenreiter in her monograph. - It also has invaluable practical significance. You need to know the weak points of each character in order to avoid wrong steps, unnecessary stress and complications in the family and at work, when raising children, organizing your own life, etc.”

Along the rainbow in a thunderstorm: the pros and cons of cycloid accentuation

The name of the cycloid accentuation of character was given by a geometric curve - a cycloid, or roulette, as it was called before. This curve is drawn by a rolling circle. Pascal wrote about it this way: “The roulette is a line so common that after the straight line and the circle there is no more frequently occurring line; it is so often outlined before everyone’s eyes that one must be surprised that the ancients did not consider it... for it is nothing more than a path described in the air by the nail of a wheel.”

On the plane, the cycloid looks like an endless sequence of arches that rest their base on the horizontal. The circle “rolls” along this horizontal line, and a point on its side describes a semicircle, then ending up in highest point, then falling to the foot. This is how the mood of a person with cycloid character accentuation rises and falls. Cycloid does not have cyclothymia, a mental affective disorder in which a person’s emotional state fluctuates between depression and hyperthymia (or even hypomania). The cyclothymic suffers from sudden swings in mood and performance, which prevent him from leading his usual way of life, while the cycloid simply lives as if on a swing, which constantly describes a semicircle, raising it high above the ground and lowering it again to the starting point.

The “diameter” of the cycloid along which such a person’s mood slides can be different: from soft, causeless changes between “not very good” and “okay” to real jumps from happiness to deep melancholy and back. At the same time, for those around him, such a person, as a rule, remains an excellent business partner, an attentive friend and a gentle lover. He is not prone to conflicts (except for the moments of the deepest falls), behaves naturally and good-naturedly, calmly treats many circumstances that cause a lot of negative feelings in other people. The cycloid's temperament is warm and gentle, and he is characterized by humor and mischief. He does not part with these qualities even in moments of sadness, although he becomes a courteous loner, not showing hostility towards others.

A significant advantage of cycloid accentuation of character is that it makes a person flexible and adaptive, contributing to the development of empathy abilities. The Cycloid can easily tune in to any wave, since the emotional “swing” a priori provides him with a wide psychological range. Such a person acutely feels the joy of life and its sadness. This helps in the development of creative skills and sometimes allows you to “transform” cycloid accentuation into a career as a writer, artist or journalist.

At the same time, the mood swings themselves, especially in adulthood, are not clearly felt. A person with a cycloid accentuation of character would rather call it a “gradient” - from light sadness to full-blown melancholy - and from a slight desire to smile to cheerfulness, joy and a tendency towards hedonism. Various kinds of pleasures, shades of feelings and nuances of circumstances are available and familiar to such people. They know a lot about them - and they can tell a lot about them, providing the interlocutor, listener or reader with a different character a chance to learn to enjoy everyday life.

Emotional gradients of cycloid accentuation, on the other hand, create a specific rhythm of life: performance, emotionality, sociability, self-esteem, general energy level, and creative abilities fluctuate. And in this case, of course, you need to adapt your life schedule to the accentuation: for example, choose project work with its jerks and pauses, or a free schedule. In the latter case, it is worth remembering that in the rise phase everything usually works out, develops and bears fruit on its own, but in the decline phase it can be difficult. At the bottom of the curve, the cycloid becomes vulnerable, suffering from a lack of vitality and self-confidence.

And this will pass: if you are a cycloid

A person with cycloid accentuation of character needs to remember that declines in his mood arise on their own - and disappear the same way. Negative state it just “passes”, and the main task is not to make mistakes before the start of a new takeoff, quarreling with others, dropping out of college or an unfinished book.

A more serious danger for cycloid is that, under unfavorable circumstances, such accentuation can turn into bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, or manic-depressive psychosis. Those who have already had cases of one of these mental illnesses in their family should be especially attentive to their “differences.” And yet, even if there is a family history, the disease can be avoided, because it usually does not develop on its own, but against the background of prolonged and intense stress. It is from this that the cycloid needs to protect himself, avoiding truly stressful circumstances or mitigating them to the best of his ability.

Wheel nail: if there is a cycloid nearby

People with cycloid accentuation of character tolerate many unpleasant moments in interpersonal relationships well, however, they also have an “Achilles heel”. They do not tolerate monotonous actions in work and routine in personal relationships. In pursuit of variety and adventure, such people can sometimes commit real little madness, but they will probably be glad if their loved ones decide to take part in the venture.

In the negative phase, the cycloid’s self-esteem is easily damaged, since at these moments he tends to underestimate himself. He has little strength, no self-confidence, he gives up what he started, abandons past goals. That is why, in the fall phase, it is important for a person with cycloid accentuation to be consistent and support him so that he does not lose the achievements and bonuses earned during the rise.

In childhood, a schizoid accentuator is autistic, he sits alone, plays alone, he is taciturn, misunderstood, unkempt and thoughtful, prefers to stay among adults, sometimes he is silent for a long time, the occasion of their conversation. Does not reach out to peers, avoids noisy fun. To this is sometimes added some kind of coldness and childish restraint.

It's like he's not from here. And in fact, he's probably not here. Its isolation is the door to a bizarre inner world. A world in which everything is different, everything is complex and confusing for others, but so clear and familiar to him...

E.G., 16 years old. Difficulties in relationships with peers and parents. She - " White crow, which is inappropriate." In clothes he prefers gray, nondescript tones. Invisible. Reduced background mood, amicable, speaks quietly, monotonously. According to her peers, she is: “...strange,...abstruse,...overbearing,...thinks a lot about herself,...complicated.” In progress psychological counseling the girl reveals her inner world. Most time she lives in it. In this world there is a mother who is attentive to her, caring, in this world there are understanding and loving friends. She sees herself in this world as bright, beautiful, noticeable, easy to get into contact with, cheerful and cheerful. She assures that she created this world due to the misunderstanding of those around her of her complex essence, her peculiarities.

Children with schizoid accentuation are not emotional and are restrained in expressing feelings. Adolescence is a very difficult time. If accentuation persists after adolescence, all of the above characteristics remain.

They are closed, fenced off. It is extremely difficult to penetrate their inner world.

The inner life of the “I” can be bizarre, disharmonious, paradoxical. A certain pretentiousness and unnaturalness are possible.

Movements may be “broken”, angularity and awkwardness appear. They are often sloppy in their clothing.

Speech is florid, with a special subtext of statements, sometimes with complex personal symbolism of words, a tendency to reasoning

They are prone to abstraction, to flight away from reality, to mystification, to religious rituals, sectarianism, eccentricity and originality. Poor understanding of simple, concrete, natural properties(both people and objects).

Reality should be, as it were, an illustration of their own “internal constructions” (otherwise they reject it or begin to stubbornly and unclearly reshape the environment to suit their idea).

The will can be directed towards fanciful, strange interests.

Often these are bright individualists - with certain inclinations they can achieve high results. Often these are people of art: artists, poets. People who prefer free creative style gravitating towards the new, unknown. They have a penchant for theosophy, psychology, and psychiatry. They often build abstract pictures of the world, gravitate towards schemes and systems, and love to engage in methodology. There are original systems in the head with their own strange order - but around, as a rule, there is chaos.

They do not tolerate formalities or frameworks, and feel the need for freedom of subjective choice. They react violently to an attempt to invade the world of their interests, fantasies, and hobbies.

At the same time, “emotional coldness” is manifested, sometimes even cruelty (because they do not understand well the experiences of other people). At the same time, in some cases they can be quite “refined” (a contradictory combination of sensitivity within the “I” and insensitivity outside). Frequent escapes into a fantasy world (sometimes this helps creativity, if there are inclinations). They can perform seemingly inexplicable actions. They are not interested in the reaction of others.

Such people are characterized by non-contact, but this non-contact can be of a different nature:

1) Non-communicative, emotionally cold, uncommunicative. And this satisfies them.

2) Non-contact and they worry that they are like that. They are aware of their lack of success in terms of interpersonal relationships. It is really difficult for them to communicate, especially since they are characterized by an inability to empathize. Suffering from loneliness, they withdraw more and more into themselves.

A schizoid accentuator cannot grasp “subtle things” in relationships: when to say what or remain silent, where to go or stay. His coldness is more an inability to feel the soul of another than indifference. He has no emotional resonance, so he can be cruel. He seems to be “in a shell,” but if the shell cracks, he reveals a vulnerability that is unexpected for those around him.

Personalities of this type may have sexual excesses and sexual aggression; alcoholism, as a rule, is not typical. They can become drug addicts, substance abusers, because they live in fantasies and need them due to the inability to realize themselves in a normal sphere.

A schizoid is not demanding of those around him, and it is easy to be with him if you give him the opportunity to do his own thing. He is stable in his hobbies and affections. But connecting him to another business so that he is actively involved in it is very difficult. He is not attracted to money; in general, earthly concerns concern him little.

In life, such people are usually very impractical, absent-minded, and difficult to adapt to everyday life. They have vague thinking and sometimes have difficulties in generalizing. Often they build an image based on a small, insignificant feature. Originality of thinking, originality of statements, independence of views, tendency to abstraction.

A defense mechanism during stress is withdrawal into fantasy, into the world of dreams.

As a rule, these are typical introverts. When making decisions, they do not focus on society, but rely only on their own opinion.

IN interpersonal relationships manifest themselves as pronounced individualists.

Mixed, closer to weak, type of reaction.

The motives are usually unclear.

- Schizoid accentuators need acting training and the development of stage sense and imagination more than others. It is necessary to find an opportunity for them to study in a drama studio or club artistic word, pantomimes - where their mental and physical expressiveness will develop.

Try to give them the opportunity to be in the center - to play the role of a mass entertainer, even though they will have quite natural resistance. We need to do this unobtrusively, imperceptibly involve them, give them the initiative.

It is worth encouraging them to speak louder, to monitor the imagery and brightness of speech. But this should not be a direct rude suggestion, the motivation should be unobtrusive and gentle

Such individuals should be taught to monitor their clothing - whether it corresponds to fashion trends, and taught to evaluate how their appearance looks from the outside.

During group trainings, teach them to play choleric - to react to everything vividly and impulsively.

You need to learn to imitate the facial expressions and intonations of other people, try to copy their facial expressions. These exercises are especially difficult for people with schizoid (looking ahead, we can also say about a character with sharpened epileptoid features) accentuation. Sometimes it takes months before the schizoid begins to show even the slightest signs of empathy. In response to a proposal to simply imagine oneself as another person, not to mention copying their facial expressions, the psychologist will most likely hear a disarming: “But I can’t. I can not". Or more like a protest: “I am me.” Water wears away the stone, and the psychologist, drop by drop, breaks through the wall of closeness and negativism of his charges.

Recommend that the schizoid-accentuant person take up some kind of sport that develops plasticity and coordination of movements - for example, dancing or karate-wushu. If this is a schoolchild, talk to the physical education teacher, let him try to interest the student and push him to study in this direction. Be prepared for the fact that at the beginning this may not be easy, both for you in your beliefs and for him in accepting these beliefs, and even more so, in implementing your recommendations.

In relationships with people, such a person must avoid both excessive friendliness and unjustified hostility. Try to set him up for calm, even goodwill.

Hyperthymic type

Since childhood, such people are very energetic, independent, carefree sociable and talkative. These are mischievous people, prone to pranks, such as petty hooliganism and violation of discipline at school. They are prone to risk and adventure - this is their element. In particular, they are prone to gambling, which they will play until the last minute - they are one of those who need everything or nothing. They are very cheerful, witty, and generally completely devoid of shyness. Thanks to their friendliness and sociability, they easily get to know each other, easily fit into any teenage company, and love to lead. The desire for leadership (usually informal) makes hyperthymic people the ringleaders of noisy companies, the initiators of large-scale undertakings that are rarely completed. They can make the most favorable impression on others. Active, low-fatigue. They do not accept loneliness.

An energetic hyperthymic teenager is usually restless, not systematic in his activities and has only superficial knowledge and interests. Very charming. They may be capable, but it is difficult for them to study - even with good abilities, they usually do poorly in their studies, and also experience great difficulties in complying with disciplinary standards. They are characterized by increased distractibility, restlessness, and impatience. Tendency to disorder, irresponsibility in assignments. Extremely inconsistent hobby. Plans are rarely completed. The energy of activity is scattered. They may have conflicts with teachers and parents, but after that they can easily resolve these same conflicts themselves.

They know how to find a way out of any situation. When they find themselves in dubious companies, they know how not to sink to the bottom. However, with a pronounced sharpening of accentuation, the symptoms of this group also include characteristic negative features: falling into the power of their desires, such children can join asocial companies, being in which often entails early alcoholism, drug use, delinquent behavior (often doing something... then just for company, without thinking about the consequences). Due to promiscuity in dating, early sexual relationships occur and sexually transmitted diseases are possible. Emancipation is very difficult. Representatives of this type are very independent from childhood; long-term escapes from home are possible.

A.S., 15 years old. He disarms with his optimism and overflowing cheerfulness. Captivating “sincerity”, behind which, as a rule, there are fictitious facts. Charming, inspires confidence, easily makes promises that he never keeps. Comes into contact with people of different ages right on the street, which often leads to the emergence of criminal connections. Alcohol abuse, systematic running away from home. He approaches the future with carefree ease and frivolity. He boasts of connections, friends, and is convinced that he “will not be lost.” Dangers of Doing similar image He doesn’t understand life and wonders why those around him don’t share his point of view.

Failures can cause an affective reaction in hyperthymic people, but not for long. They quickly move away and return to their usual cheerful state. They apologize easily.

In the life of hyperthymic people, brilliant ups and downs are possible (although in business matters these people are extremely unreliable) and sharp downfalls, which, however, are easily tolerated; hyperthymic people remain resourceful and inventive in any difficult situation. Their active orientation may also have asocial manifestations (scams, fraud, etc.).

- Advise a hyperthymic person to start a notebook to work on himself.
- In the notebook, first of all, you need to write all the immediate and distant plans, after which you should cross out half of them and forget them. It is better to plan a little than to plan a lot and not complete it.
- Let him come up with a “punishment” for himself for every unfinished business and unfulfilled promise. He still won’t punish himself too much, but he will learn to fix and control his indiscipline.
- Recommend that he ask himself (preferably in writing, all in the same notebook) - “What is still left in me that is negative for others?”, “What do I need to do so that these qualities do not interfere with me and other people?”
- A hyperthymic person must be encouraged to maintain order around him - in the room, in his bag, on the table - then order in his soul will come much sooner.

Hysterical type

This personality type has two main “cores”: artistry, ease of getting used to any role (on the one hand) and the desire to stand out and attract attention (on the other hand). Often found in teenage girls.

This type is visible from childhood: here is a child in the center of the room declaring poetry - with rich and precise intonation, getting used to the image - and catches admiration. Then, when everyone has sat down at the table and everyone has forgotten about him, he again tries to attract attention to himself. If this does not work out, he spins under his feet again and again, ending up knocking over the tablecloth on himself. He is scolded, punished, he throws a tantrum - but everything is fine - he received his share of attention.

As a rule, people of this type have good artistic abilities, imaginative thinking, and an artistic disposition. He feels subtly, is overly emotional, everything is in colorful details and vivid images. But it’s difficult for him to express the essence in a dry, conceptual way; it’s “not his thing.”
He is dressed ostentatiously, takes picturesque poses, climbs into the center in company, speaks loudly and beautifully, boasts and lies with clear eyes about his merits and exploits. Can be upset or offended if someone else is the center of attention.

He can become a leader if people are interested in him and believe him, but not for long, because he easily becomes a coward and betrays. When he was found out, he says that he was disappointed in this company and goes in search of new viewers. So he easily changes both attachments and work.
Well protected inside. If his girlfriend dances with someone else, he will easily devalue it in his heart: “She didn’t appreciate me, well, in vain, I’ll go find someone else.” What matters to him is not people, but their attention.
But this is in his soul, and outwardly he is a lover of drama. His jealousy is always aimed at the viewer. He tears out the hair of himself and others, pretends to commit suicide (almost always survives, unless he makes a mistake), and to stage suicide he will do something completely insignificant (eat harmless medicines from the medicine cabinet, cut his forearm). And if he does something dangerous, he makes sure that those around him know about it and can prevent it: he makes secret confessions in advance, makes long preparations for hanging or searching for poison, and so on. But such demonstrative games, unfortunately, sometimes lead to the most tragic consequences - the teenager just wanted to scare his parents or friends, and the result is an absurd death.

N.Z., 16 years old, has a strongly accentuated, hysterical type of character. Prefers bright, provocative clothes; speaks expressively; reacts to comments sharply and impulsively. Often conflicts. But no one can do without her school holiday, she is irreplaceable on stage. She gets used to the role like a real actress. He plans to enter the pedagogical institute. Taking into account her personal characteristics and high intelligence, the choice was made correctly, because by giving a lesson, she will be able to be “on stage” every day. The prognosis in this case is very promising - presumably the development of the personality in this case will proceed favorably, its characterological features will fall into the right direction.

Characterized by self-mourning, flight into illness or extravagance. They are often into hippies, yoga and everything that is fashionable. But even in these areas they lie and invent more than they do.
Relationships with parents are ambivalent: there may be runaways from home, loud demands for freedom, independence, noisy conflicts - but in fact, the hysterical will not run far. He is attached to his parents, but not with care and gratitude, but with selfishness - after all, here is his material and emotional feeding ground, they will always warm him here, feed him with attention and care.
He is easy to negotiate with, easy-going, but not obligatory. It promises a lot, but delivers little. It flashed - and to the side. The concept of “duty” and “obligatory” is an abstraction for him. You can only talk about this beautifully.
If the hysterical person does not meet with sympathy, he becomes angry.

Suggestible, outwardly they can be captivatingly simple.
They almost always do not admit their mistakes. They humiliate the enemy for any reason. They are vengeful and vindictive towards their enemies.
The dominant role of external impressions.
They feel good in an atmosphere of scandals and gossip.
Excellent blackmailers (they threaten to run away from home - but if he has escaped, he should be looked for in a reasonable place - where they should be looked for, they blackmail with suicide, which is not typical for them). Sometimes an attempt that is demonstrative by design crosses the line and becomes true. They are not prone to delinquency, but are prone to petty fraud.

Deep feelings are not typical for them - everything is just a theatrical game for them.
Alcoholism is not typical, although they may drink in company - they drink little, but brag a lot and act out their intoxication.
They may try drugs and toxins once, but then they will talk about them for a long time.
The weak link is wounded pride, collapse of hopes for a prestigious place, debunked exclusivity.
As a rule, the hysterical type hides very low self-esteem and a very large complex.
It is interesting to observe how hysterical people react to the description of their type; as a rule, they really like the hysterical accentuation, and they begin to be proud of it. Pointing out character weaknesses becomes quite difficult. They just don't hear about them.

The type of perception, processing and reproduction is visual-figurative, sensual, artistic.
Defense mechanisms – 1) displacement of negative information from consciousness, 2) withdrawal into illness.

- Such people need to play phlegmatic, practice a low voice, slow movements
- Teach them how to write a report – without pauses, facial expressions, or playing with intonations.
- Give them this task: let them do a good job and not tell anyone about it. This task by hysterics meets with special approval. For them, this is just another game, but a useful game.
- Recommend that at a party or in a company they try to sit on the sidelines and keep quiet, do so not to be noticed and be glad that there are good people around.
- Invite them to pass off their idea as someone else’s. The reaction of hysterics to this task is interesting. Usually it is very similar - at first he thinks for a long time, and then with a heavy sigh he declares: “It’s hard.”
- Let him help another to be in the center of attention and be happy for him.
- Let them learn to love themselves: give themselves so much warmth and care so that they don’t need so much attention and care from others.

People with the cycloid type experience a periodicity of opposite states. Multiple “wave-like” changes of “excitation” and “inhibition”. Moreover, even with an increase, these two processes have an admixture of their opposite.
For example, sadness may occur when excited.

S.I., 17 years old. Usually sociable, happy to make contact, willing to attend classes with a psychologist, trusting, not secretive. With the onset of the subdepressive phase, withdrawal into oneself is observed. He doesn’t refuse psychological help, but during classes he remains silent, says that “everything is fine”, opens up reluctantly, takes closed poses, avoids eye contact, gets irritated, may cry.

In childhood they resemble hyperthymics (superficially active – sociability, activity, elevated mood), and in adolescence, in a difficult situation, the first subdepressive phase begins.
It should be noted here that depression should not be confused with subdepression. The difference is that depression is a painful condition, while subdepression is not.
With subdepression, energy disappears, lethargy, weakness, and lack of initiative overcome. Efficiency decreases and withdrawal from contacts is observed. The future is seen in dark tones. A person cannot gather his thoughts, sleep disturbances occur, and daytime sleepiness occurs. Failures are acutely experienced, but not in the form of a conflict outlet, but in relation to oneself. They often respond to comments and reproaches with irritation, sometimes rudely and angrily, and in the depths of their souls, they fall into greater despondency.

Then there is a rise. The phase lasts 1-2 weeks (according to psychiatrists). Sociability increases, they become sociable, promiscuity in acquaintances is possible. The background mood changes to elated. Activity and efficiency increase, and a thirst for activity is observed.

Thinking corresponds to one or another phase (according to the dynamics of the flow mental operations). Most often, they learn the material quite easily.

If a traumatic situation continues for a long time, it provokes the manifestation of obvious accentuation, which leads to the subdepressive phase being lengthened. At this time, a person is sensitive to insults, assessments, accusations, failures and other environmental influences.

The main problem: in the subdepressive phase, a continuous emotional breakdown can occur, including suicide.

Adolescents, being in this phase, often look for shortcomings in themselves (personal reflection (from the Latin Reflexio) - turning back - the process of self-knowledge by the subject of internal mental acts and states) and, having discovered them, get scared, consider themselves different from others and worse than them. Awareness of your problems and search for solutions to overcome them in the subdepressive phase does not help. Such a teenager needs to seek help by using a helpline or turning to a psychologist.

With a patient, understanding attitude from loved ones, the sharpness of the phases sooner or later smoothes out.

- In the subdepressive phase, it is necessary to support the person with gentle advice, be careful with him, and be extremely tactful.
- In no case should you be rude, as cyclothymic can give an acute emotional reaction.
- Recommendations described for hyperthymics and hypothymics, according to the phases.

Psychasthenic type

These people are not very sociable, shy, and are characterized by fears. They are characterized by indecisiveness, self-distrust, and seeking help or advice from others. Wanting to do something, such a person doubts whether it is right. Having decided to do something, he does it immediately, and indecision begins to be combined with impatience. The work they start is completed (although they have a “boundary of entry” to which they can still turn back). When the job is finished, he starts to worry again about how well he did.

Since childhood, timidity and fearfulness have been observed. Then prudence and suspiciousness intensify. Thinking is usually correct and logical. May be motorically awkward. Prone to daydreaming and introspection.
They are often well-developed and well-read, but due to their indecisiveness they can be overshadowed by complete nonentities.

T.P., 18 years old. She has a very high intelligence, is versatile, talented, friendly and tactful, and has a pleasant attractive appearance. But she worries about everything all the time. The slightest insult causes tears in her, long-term experiences that are difficult for her to cope with on her own. If she has nothing to worry about, she will still find a reason, even the most insignificant one. The expression on his face is tense and sad all the time, with a readiness to cry at any moment.

In a difficult extreme situation, they have a peculiar reaction - to everyone’s surprise, they can find fast decision and manifest complete fearlessness(which is sharply different from hysteroids).
This type often develops as a result of specific upbringing (very high requirements and expectations imposed by parents - usually authoritarian). A psychasthenic person is afraid more than anything else of not living up to the expectations placed on him. Usually attached to parents and capable of deep feelings. They are afraid for their loved ones, afraid of death, accidents. Sensitives (about them we'll talk below) they worry about everything very deeply, but psychasthenics also look at things realistically and constantly analyze the situation. Such a person can create a problem where other people usually do not have one. Anxious thoughts are characteristic (when analyzing situations).

They often become pedantic and prone to rituals. They cannot afford to be late - they are overly punctual. If there are a lot of rituals, they can turn into obsessive states (neuroses). They are characterized by self-examination, dissatisfaction with themselves, and excessive philosophizing. They will never solve the problem through suicide. They are too responsible to their relatives for this.
No teenage problems. From personal problems- obsessiveness and neurotic reactions are possible. Character - tiresome.
These are also people with low self-esteem and very high levels of anxiety.

- When working, simulate the most terrible situations, let the psychasthenic mentally play them out, accept them and begin to look for possible solutions.
- Teach the psychasthenic a constructive attitude towards problems: “It happened. So what's now?"
- Let them violate any established order and make sure that nothing terrible happened.
- Recommend doing facial exercises. The psychasthenic has a tense forehead all the time, and his mouth feigns sadness. Let him learn to relax his forehead, portray various positive emotional states - joy, interest, confidence, pleasant surprise. Acting training and trying on heroic, brave roles are very useful - It is necessary to develop reactivity and impulsiveness. - The idea must be conveyed that only those who do nothing make no mistakes, and that without mistakes it is difficult to accumulate life experience. - The psychasthenic must be encouraged to express own opinion without regard to the parental shadow and their judgmental assessment. It is necessary to convey to such a person his right to freedom of thoughts and opinions.

A person has a mood that changes too often and too abruptly, and the reasons for these changes are often insignificant and unnoticeable to others (an unflattering word spoken, rain at the wrong time, a torn button - such little things can instantly cause a bad mood, while a pleasant conversation, new thing, interesting idea - they can raise it).
Such people are either very active and talkative, or slow and stingy with words.

The experiences are deep and personally significant - they can affect sleep, appetite, ability to work, and communication. With a change in mood, the perception of the world, other people, even the perception of the past and future sharply changes: then everything seems hopeless, unfair, then suddenly bright prospects emerge.
This can make a person seem superficial and frivolous. But that's not true. He is capable of deep feelings, sincere affection, primarily to his family and friends. He needs close people, love and friendship. His actions are usually altruistic.

He has an excellent intuitive sense of those around him, especially their attitude towards him, and reacts instantly and sincerely.

Possible tendency towards alcoholism.

Real losses and serious troubles are very difficult to bear - breakdowns and depression are possible

E.Z., 18 years old. Talented. He draws very well. At times she is lively and cheerful, then suddenly she seems to “go limp in her chair.” He lowers his head down, his facial expression becomes disappointed and sad. The next second she is already in the center of some events, her voice stands out sharply from all the voices. Also in studies. Either she is actively engaged in concentration, then suddenly her attention switches to something else, and the activity seems to “take off with her hand.” He often quarrels with his classmates, but immediately makes up with ease. If the conflict could not be resolved immediately, he will worry deeply and try to rectify the situation.

- It is necessary to teach such a person to accept himself - to understand that a fragile child lives inside him - a delicate pink flower. This child in yourself needs to be understood, protected and admonished.
- Automotive training is required.
- It is advisable to recommend accustoming yourself to a contrast shower.
- We must learn to distinguish between a spiritual (reasonable) and an emotional being, more often identifying with the first, learn to cultivate rationality and analyticity in ourselves: cause - consequences. You need to love the emotional part of yourself, but treat it somewhat detached.
- It is useful to keep a diary in which you note each time when a change in mood occurred and why it happened. In the evening, review and analyze the recordings. With this analysis, one can imagine that these are the actions and reactions of another person. How then does the attitude towards these actions change? It is also helpful to journal about this and reflect on it.
- You shouldn’t fight the elements of emotions, but you need to learn to manage them - laugh 3 minutes a day for no reason, enter into different roles with different emotional states - this will help to trace the mechanism of occurrence of a particular emotion.

Sensitive type

Since childhood, such a person is not very sociable, shy, anxious, characterized by fears (of spiders, dogs, darkness, loneliness), and hypersensitivity. Tendency to exhaustion (asthenic traits). They are impressionable, responsive to any external assessment, deeply experience failure and failure, getting stuck on their experiences. When communicating with them, one must not allow rudeness, insults, or accusations, especially false ones. In childhood, they are distinguished by a very rapidly developing morality (increased sense of duty, responsibility, super control). Adults have very high moral demands on themselves. A very deep and vulnerable type. They are characterized by self-doubt and increased conscientiousness.

Such people avoid large companies and are not inclined to easily communicate with strangers. But among people among whom they feel safe, they are quite sociable. Great affection for family. Joining a new team is painful for them, but then, having gotten used to it, they are extremely reluctant to move to another. Inspections and reporting periods are unbearably painful and alarming for them.

M.S., 19 years old. She is very shy and is perceived by others as “strange”. Communication is difficult - those around her often do not understand her high moral demands, and she does not understand the immoral behavior of her peers. She is drawn to art, is passionate about theater and reading. Spiritually developed. She is inclined towards philosophy. At the same time, she is tormented by fears. Sometimes she is afraid to be alone at home, despite her age. Free time she devotes to studies or cultural events.

There is a tendency to become tearful, usually when making too harsh remarks. People of this type are very afraid of the rudeness of others. Overcompensation is possible, expressed by excessive diligence, which exhausts them. In general, they tend to work as expected, following instructions.
In a situation of failure, a feeling of one’s own insufficiency and inferiority may develop. If you fall in love, sometimes it ends sadly. Representatives of this type prefer not to talk about their love, often believing that they are unworthy of their chosen one.

Typical problems in adolescence transition period they do not experience, but there are unexpected behavioral reactions (inappropriate behavior - very high self-esteem).

If such a person is haunted by failure (or a chain of failures), suicide may follow (as in a cycloid in the subdepressive stage).
Reproaches and moralizing cause remorse and even despair, instead of protest.

- You should be extremely careful and tactful with people of this type.
- It is necessary to work with self-esteem, to identify fears, as well as deep work with the revision and rethinking of the value system, since too high and impossible demands on oneself can cause neurosis
- The recommendations given for the hypothymic and psychasthenic types also apply to this type.

Hypothymic (dysthymic) type

Representatives of this type are characterized by a low mood and a tendency to see their surroundings in black. A constant joyless feeling limits their activity. Increased sensitivity to troubles, anxious anticipation of misfortunes.
Joy is poisoned by thoughts about its fragility, that it will soon pass and everything will be bad again. He does not experience joy, because he immediately transfers himself to his gloomy future.
Such people often feel that others look down on them or treat them with contempt. They constantly feel guilty about something.

Because of all this, they can avoid others and withdraw into themselves (but this is not schizoid autism). At the same time, they are quite responsive to calls for help, but they themselves reveal themselves in a very narrow circle that they trust. They become very attached to the person to whom they have opened up and can be very intrusive; at the same time they become dependent on this person.
The need for love, understanding, friendship, and sympathy is clearly expressed. These people need support, positive assessment, reassurance that they are needed, exceptional and important.

A-dr. S. Calls himself a “dark person.” He has virtually no friends, is always misunderstood by everyone, wears only black clothes, writes poetry with severe depressive content, gloomy themes are constantly repeated, “overplayed.” We are constantly overcome by thoughts of suicide. He eats very little and suffers from insomnia and headaches. Abuses alcohol in hopes of numbing anxiety. This person is torn apart by internal conflicts. Constantly in search of an understanding, approving person.

This type often causes difficulties for psychologists, since often it is the psychologist who becomes the person they want to follow, in whom they look for support, and then such accentuators look for different ways attract the attention of a specialist, try to increase the number of classes, complaining about severe mental condition. In this regard, it is very important for a psychologist to track the line between real problems and simulation, accompanied by attempts to manipulate him.

Dysthymics are fully aware of their bad mood, self-absorption and even some insensitivity, and this bothers them (unlike schizoids, who do not feel this).
In what they have to do, dysthymics see only bad things, only difficulties; incapable of sustained volitional effort, indecisive. Quite slow (internal inhibition predominates). Frequent migraines, constipation, poor night sleep and daytime sleepiness. Poor appetite, dizziness.

Fearful, thoughtful, whiny in childhood. There may be psychotic outbursts (manic or depressive). A related group is psychasthenics.
Hypothymic people are responsible at work and you can rely on their word. With overcompensation, insolence and excitability are possible, and the greater the fearfulness, the stronger the excitability (with access to somatic stigmas: “signs” on the body, local redness of the skin, ulcerations, pimples).
Thinking is well developed. The style of thinking is verbal. They rely on the word, a semantic basis, and meaningful analysis.
Stop reactions may occur under stress. Activity is blocked, and often such people become thoughtless followers.
The defense mechanism is refusal of self-realization and strengthening of consciousness control.

- Such people need to communicate more. Although this can be very difficult to achieve. Very often they make a depressing impression on people, which is why, for obvious reasons, the group tries to oust them.
- They need it more than anyone else healthy image life. Gymnastics and contrast showers will improve your tone and distract you from gloomy thoughts.
- Laughter is the best medicine. We must provoke them to laugh, because this is such a rarity for them.
- Praise them more. For every task, for every piece completed, for everything you can praise - don’t be stingy, these people cannot be over-praised.
- Be sure to work with self-esteem. Help this person to love himself, let him answer the questions: “what is attractive about me,” “how can I be interesting to others.” Do not be discouraged if at first you hear the answer: “Nothing.” Patience and work - and he will definitely begin to see his positive qualities. Every person has resources that help overcome all difficulties.
- Self-hypnosis: “My affairs are getting better every day in every way,” “I am sweet, kind and wonderful.”

One of the most socially difficult types for others. But you shouldn’t perceive him only in this form. As has already been said, each type of accentuation can be directed in a socially useful direction, in each one can find something valuable that makes a person this particular person, and valuable to us for these very reasons. unique qualities. In addition, it is the epileptoid type that is one of the strongest male characters. “The man is like a bull, what a whim will get into his head...” - this is just about him. However, insufficiently correctly oriented epileptoid accentuation can make communication difficult.

Since childhood, such children cry a lot, and nothing can calm them down. Strong, capricious, angry, he does everything as if on purpose. In a children's company, he does not even pretend to be a leader, but to the role of a ruler: he dictates everything and everything is in his favor. Childish thriftiness of clothes, toys, everything “of one’s own.” It is impossible to take anything away from him - he is ready to kill for his own.

At school there are neat notebooks and meticulous attention to detail, but this doesn’t help much in studying. In adolescence, he is dangerous: he easily falls into uncontrollable rage, like an animal, then his face becomes filled with blood, he tries to hit the genitals, becomes cruel, indifferent to the weakness and helplessness of the enemy. He just doesn't look at it, so he also attacks the one who surpasses him in strength.
Such teenagers have a hard time experiencing emancipation.

Difficult relationship with parents. He adjusts when he needs to, and will be soulless when he needs something else. A teenager of this type (and then an adult) demands not only independence, but also his “rights” and his “share”, and may begin to hate his parents. In case of conflict, they are vindictive (they remember the insult for a long time, then they will take revenge, sometimes after decades)). As adults, they can break off relations with their parents. They claim rights to living space and material goods. They only collect things that have material value.
They are aggressive, like to put pressure on the weaker, dependent, and have a soft character. Those who resist them are in a more advantageous position. Epileptoids love strength. Sometimes they treat their superiors servilely and are ready to please, but only as long as they need it. When cooperation with a superior person becomes unprofitable, the epileptoid will gladly assist in his overthrow.

Epileptoids tend to be suspicious, picky, sticky, and fixated on feelings and relationships. . They are conflicting. Tension and anger in communication are often observed. They do not know how to compromise at all, and are not familiar with the art of argument - the ability to listen to another point of view, much less consider different points vision. When an epileptoid takes up an argument, the only possible reaction is to listen to him to the end and not enter into a discussion with him.

Their existence is accompanied by a melancholy and angry mood; they are characterized by explosiveness, self-centeredness and pedantry. The epileptoid constantly accumulates anger, dissatisfaction, irritation, and then a random drop can cause an uncontrollable explosion. The detente is angry and slow to pass. They boil slowly - over several hours, sometimes days. This is followed by violent affect, after which the dysphoria slowly emerges. Affect is characterized by unbridled rage - cynical abuse, severe beatings, threats of harm to others, and sometimes to oneself.

Sometimes they themselves look for reasons for quarrels, fights, and bullying others. An increased experience of the “evil melancholy” type is possible, during which such a person needs to find someone on whom to take his anger out. They react very sharply to comments and do not tolerate criticism.

The style of behavior is dominated by pettiness, stinginess, protection of only one’s own, personal, and with cruel reactions even if there is a suspicion of an attempt on one’s own. Sometimes all of the above is combined with hypocrisy, hypocrisy, even some sweetness - with their harshness and cruelty, diminutive words can be used in speech. For them, there are no authorities - when there is a looming benefit, they drown the one they fawned over.

The desire for power is highly developed. If the husband in the family is an epileptoid, he puts pressure on his wife and children. Tries to subdue them. As a boss, he establishes a strict disciplinary regime, commands everyone, interferes in everything, and interprets everything in his favor. He is more often feared than respected. He cannot stand others’ own opinions or criticism of him, he is inclined to blame himself and never admits his guilt. He is vindictive.

An epileptoid should never be given power. In this case, he will bully everyone who is nearby, imposing on them his strictly established order.

There may be excesses in the sexual sphere - they are very selfish, love themselves. It is characterized by the intensity of instinctive life and strong sexual attraction. The only thing holding him back is the “fear of infection”, so they are not inclined to have casual relationships. Love is always tinged with dark, heavy jealousy, he is very suspicious, and never forgives betrayal.

Prone to early alcoholism. They drink a lot until they pass out. No remorse, no sympathy.

With solid upbringing, their negative traits can be given a positive connotation (thrift, housekeeping, perseverance, neatness, active fight against crime, sporting achievements).

M.H. 18 years. Before the examination, it was difficult to imagine that this friendly, always cheerful, very neat young man could have such high rates of epileptoid accentuation. The examinations were carried out one after another with the same result. In the process of work, it turned out that epileptoidism is indeed inherent in this young man, but it manifests itself in a zealous attitude towards order in the house, which is why conflicts with relatives often occur; he does not have problems in other areas of his life. He readily agreed that such housekeeping was difficult for those around him, and from then on he began to pay attention to his behavior and control it, knowing his weak points.

The epileptoid is conflicted externally and conflict-free internally. He is the only one for himself good man.

It works clearly, simply, realistically, but without flights of fancy. Creativity and creativity are inaccessible to him. As a rule, conservative and conformist. He hates everything that differs from his views.

Sometimes he is sentimental. Many representatives of this accentuation love music and singing and receive special sensual pleasure from this. They generally have good sleep and appetite.

Thinking slowly but carefully. Distinctive feature– sobriety of thought, convincing argumentation, adherence to principles, commitment to one’s point of view.

Defense Mechanisms:
1) rationalization with devaluation of the object of frustrated need - when such a person cannot achieve something, he devalues it in his own eyes.
2) reacting outwardly in an externally accusing manner (when he gives vent to anger). At the same time, he attributes to others those qualities that are characteristic of himself.

- The most important thing is to teach such a person to be more patient and friendly.

Exercise smile. A person must accustom himself to having a warm, friendly smile as his usual expression. If there is no smile, then the face should express readiness for it. This is impossible without feeling an inner smile. Otherwise, instead of a smile, you will get an animal grin.

Exercise “Peace be with you.” This is an internal phrase, an attitude. When meeting a person, he must sincerely say to himself “peace be with you.” This phrase must be given to another with all your soul, with all your heart. It is especially worth repeating this phrase to yourself during arguments. But getting an epileptoid to do such an exercise is not easy. You will need the entire arsenal of your creativity, talent, patience and desire to help this person.

- “Transfer of initiative in conversation.” Let him learn to listen actively, sincerely, interestedly and without interrupting. This is very difficult for him, the more important it is to understand the need to correct this trait.

Self-assessment: a person with epitheptoid accentuation must learn to understand how others feel from his behavior? If someone has made a mistake, draw their attention not to the fact of the mistake, but to your reaction. It is very difficult for an epileptoid to put himself in the place of another.

- “Cloud in pants” - teach him to speak more quietly, softly and less. "Feel like a cloud."

- “Approval” is necessary to be able to sometimes agree in a dispute, and not object - “You do it cleverly.” Model different types of disputes and conflicts with all sorts of possible ways out of them.

- “The thunderstorm is cancelled” - the epileptoid must understand that if it is difficult for him to restrain negative emotions, then it is difficult for those around him to endure them. Teach not to swear and forgive. How long could he stand in the place of his family and friends?

Exercise “sage” - the ability to lose and contemplate. Before you make a noise, you should ask yourself, “How would a wise person react to this?”

Self-hypnosis slogans: “Business is for man, not man for business,” just like “Order is for man, not man for order” - the well-being of people is more important than the work done or not done. “You cannot make those who are far away happy by making those near you unhappy”

Exercise - “I through the eyes of others”

Psychology and psychoanalysis of character Raigorodsky Daniil Yakovlevich

Cycloid type

As is known, this type was described by Kretschmer and first became widely used in psychiatric research. P.B. Gannushkin included four types of psychopaths in the “cycloid group” - “constitutional-depressive”, “constitutionally-excited” (hyperthymic), cyclothymic and emotionally labile. He considered cyclothymia as a type of psychopathy. However, later this concept began to mean relatively mild cases of manic-depressive psychosis. The existence of cycloidity outside of this disease has been questioned. Since the 1940s, the term cycloid psychopathy has disappeared from psychiatric manuals. And only in rare modern works are cycloids mentioned as a premorbid type of patients with endogenous psychoses, and they are not differentiated from hyperthymics.

Our studies have shown that in adolescence, two variants of cycloid accentuation can be seen - typical and labile cycloids.

Cycloid teenagers have their own “places of least resistance.” The most important of them is probably instability to a radical change in the life stereotype. This apparently explains the protracted subdepressive reactions inherent in cycloids in the first year of higher education. A sharp change in the nature of the educational process, the deceptive ease of the first student days, the lack of daily control on the part of teachers, giving way to the need to learn much more material in a short period of a test and examination session than at school - all this breaks the educational stereotype instilled by the previous decade. The ability to assimilate the material of the school curriculum on the fly during the period of recovery turns out to be insufficient here. You have to make up for lost time with intensive exercises, and in the subdepressive phase this does not lead to the desired results. Overwork and asthenia prolong the subdepressive phase, and an aversion to studying and mental work in general appears.

Suicidal behavior in the form of affective (but not demonstrative) attempts or true attempts are possible in the subdepressive phase.

The study of individual differences, in particular character accentuations, belongs to a separate discipline - the field. The works of many scientists - Western and domestic - are devoted to this field.

Rationale for character trait research

Why it is necessary to study the types of accentuation of differences between individuals has two objectives. Firstly, this is a research goal - to highlight as much as possible more groups, develop specific advice for representatives of each of them. The more classes are identified, the more effective psychological recommendations for their representatives will be.

Secondly, it is necessary to know the types so that the person himself understands the characteristics and reasons for his behavior and can, in accordance with this, correct it.

Often in this regard, everyday psychology is completely insufficient. For example, there is a common belief that fat people are kind. Conversely, a thin person is sometimes perceived as anxious and wary. Of course, such a breakdown into categories may be partly correct. Even Hippocrates did not avoid such an error in classification, although already in the medical field: once upon a time, an ancient doctor directly linked the tendency to apoplexy with obesity.

Soviet psychologist A. E. Lichko, like the German psychiatrist K. Leongard, used the concept of “accentuation” in their research. In application to a certain property, this term means that it is highlighted brighter than others, as if emphasized. In other words, accentuation is the expression of a certain character trait. For a person with this or that quality, certain social situations will be very painful, while others will be easily tolerated. This article will discuss the types of accentuation according to Lichko and Leonhard.

The psychology of differences is not a strict discipline. Types of accentuation are always descriptive in nature, and in pure form practically never occur. Each person can find himself in two or more types.

It should also be noted that assigning oneself to a certain category should not be aimless. Having fun psychological tests, you need to ask yourself the question: “Why am I doing this?” If a person understands that he belongs to one group or another, he needs to develop for himself an appropriate compensation and self-help strategy. To do this, you need to study the advice given by psychologists for representatives different classes, and apply them to life.

Classification by A. E. Lichko

A Soviet psychologist studied the types of accentuation of adolescents. In total, he identified eleven groups. The features of the types of character accentuation in his theory have much in common with the classification of Karl Leonhard. Let's look at them in order.

Hyperthymic type

A high level of energy, the ability to quickly find contact with people, a desire for leadership - all this distinguishes the hyperthymic type of accentuation. Lichko considered hyperthymia to be a general characteristic characteristic of adolescence. High emotional tone makes representatives of this category leaders in any company. They are not aggressive. They can enter into conflict, but only if they encounter sharp opposition to their activity. Therefore, it is better not to stand in their way, but, on the contrary, to encourage them to act.

Superficiality of interests is a negative feature that the hyperthymic type of accentuation has. Its representatives may have many abilities, but their interests are unstable.

Cycloid type

The main characteristic of this category is mood variability. An elevated state is replaced by despondency and irritability. Moreover, this happens every two to three weeks.

Labile type

The emotional tone of these teenagers, Lichko noted, cannot be defined as consistently low or high. Their mood is unstable and can change very quickly. Within this category, two subtypes can also be distinguished: reactive-labile and emotionally labile. The former are prone to mood swings due to external factors. The condition of others is more determined by internal experiences.

Representatives of the labile type sometimes seem indifferent to others. But this is far from true - the real problem for some of them may be the ability to correctly express their feelings. Having deep attachments to loved ones, they do not know how to communicate them.

Astheno-neurotic type

Those who belong to this category are the main visitors to medical institutions. Their main difference is the concentration of attention on the state of their body. As soon as they feel unwell, they may suspect that they have a fatal illness - their suspiciousness reaches such proportions.

Sensitive type

The main characteristic of adolescents in this category, Lichko noted, is increased sensitivity, which is reflected in their behavior. People of the sensitive type are also characterized by painful irritability. Their weak point is big companies. They always feel uncomfortable in them, try to carefully observe what is happening, and sometimes copy the behavior of others. Representatives of the sensitive type can attract the attention of the entire company, for example, by going on some kind of prank. But they succeed poorly in this, and they return to the previous state only with even more aggravated timidity.

The advantage of representatives of the sensitive type is diligence, responsibility, and the ability to make and maintain deep friendships.

Psychasthenic type

Characterized by indecisiveness. Any everyday situation can become a source of painful uncertainty for a psychasthenic. They are distinguished by high intelligence and confidence in their conclusions. But the latter is rarely confirmed by deeds. Psychasthenics are prone to impulsive actions just at those moments when it is worth weighing the pros and cons.

Schizoid type

Despite the fact that they are very vulnerable internally, schizoids have virtually no ability for empathy - they are not sensitive to the pain of others. The schizoid type of accentuation has positive side- They make good inventors. Most of those people who moved forward the progress of mankind were schizoid. Their main feature, which immediately catches the eye, is their eccentricity. “Not of this world,” this can safely be said about schizoids.

Epileptoid type

The most pedantic and picky type. It would seem that what is good about these character traits? But representatives of other types are difficult to imagine in some professions. For example, the best teachers of mathematics or physics are epileptoids. Their accuracy and attention to detail are undeniable advantages in teaching the exact sciences.

Hysterical type

For this category, all life is one huge stage. Some people may initially find it unpleasant to be in company with a hysterical person. After all, their main quality is a constant desire to be in the center of attention. But for certain professions, belonging to this class(its analogue in Leonhard is a demonstrative type of accentuation) is an advantage. For example, hysterics make excellent salespeople, actors, and singers.

Unstable type

Lichko's representatives of this category turned out to be the most irresponsible teenagers. These were those who had no stable interests and practically did not think about their future. Unstable people cannot concentrate for long labor activity, they are distinguished by a constant craving for idleness and entertainment.

Conformal type

A distinctive feature of conformists is the desire not to differ from their environment. Their credo is “to be like everyone else.” A negative feature of this category is the tendency to betray difficult situation. Conformist person he will not suffer from remorse - he will always find justification for his actions.

Types of character accentuation according to Leonard

Karl Leonhard identified twelve. In many ways, his classification overlaps with Lichko’s theory, and some types in them are identical. Leonhard created three categories: the first was associated with accentuations of character, the second with accentuations of temperament. The criterion for identifying the third group is personal characteristics(focus on oneself or on the outside world).

First, we need to clarify the difference between temperament and character. People unfamiliar with psychology often confuse these concepts. But even some psychologists tend to believe that temperament and character are one and the same thing.

Temperament is the speed of a person’s reaction to current events. This quality is, rather, a physiological property of the nervous system. Temperament includes emotionality, degree of response, balance. Character is public education. Starting from birth, those around them seem to leave their mark on the child. Such social interactions “sculpt” his personality.

So, I carried out the classification in accordance with character, temperament and personality traits, and the criteria for identifying categories were the styles of human social interaction.

Accentuations associated with temperament

Hyperthymic type. The main characteristics are mobility, sociability. In childhood, hyperthyms have good memory and are easy to learn. In adolescence, conflicts are possible, since the group does not always allow hypertim to take a leading position. As adults, representatives of this category remain sociable and energetic. It’s easy to find a common language with them if you don’t confront them.
Dysthymic type. Sullenness, phlegmaticity, and inhibition of reactions are the main features of dysthymics. They are silent and seem to be incorrigible pessimists. The positive side of the dysthymic type is responsibility, developed sense justice.
Labile type. He, as in Lichko’s classification, is distinguished by the ability to quickly change mood. Even a harshly spoken word can have an effect on a representative of the labile type. A good mood can be ruined even because it rains.
Exalted type. Representatives of this type are non-conflict, love society, and are attentive to others. The exalted type of accentuation is distinguished by amorousness, a tendency to sublime feelings, and sociability. Such people are very quickly influenced by events in the outside world - they are easily delighted by the positive ones, and panicked by the negative ones. Many designers, musicians and artists have exalted type accentuations.

Anxious type. The main feature is a feeling of anxiety for no apparent reason. Anxious children are quickly recognized by their peers, and because of their indecisiveness, they can become an object of ridicule. Having become adults, they remain no less suspicious than they were as children. It is difficult for such people to insist on their own. However, the anxious type of accentuation has its advantages - its representatives have a rich inner world, and are also always able to adequately assess their capabilities. Among other types, they perceive reality most clearly.
Emotive type. It is believed that representatives of this category “think” with feelings. Their main characteristics are kindness, responsibility, the ability to empathize, and low conflict. People can feel relaxed only in the company of close people. They are soft-hearted, compassionate, and also appreciate the beauty of nature more than others. When communicating with them, their feelings are always recognized. The main value for them is a good relationship in the family and at work. Representatives of the emotive type are very vulnerable to callousness and rude behavior.

Accentuations in accordance with character traits

Stuck type. A person belonging to this category can carry certain feelings within himself for years. If these are negative emotions that were not correctly expressed, then they torment the stuck person for a long period of time. The pursuit of a goal is the most important characteristic of this accentuation. The stuck type will get his way no matter what. Often for this he strives to find good travel companions. Those who get stuck become good leaders in any activity. However, if their fate is not so rosy, they may become leaders of gangster groups. In addition, like the demonstrative, stuck type of accentuation needs recognition from society. However, this must be truly deserved respect, glory that has a basis.

Pedantic type. Like the epileptoids in Lichko’s classification, the main features of representatives of this group are scrupulousness and attention to detail. Pedantic people are highly valued in an office environment for their responsibility and efficiency. This accentuation also manifests itself in concern for one’s own health, lack of bad habits. Downside medals for such people is a constant fear of making a mistake, perfectionism.

Excitable type. Impulsiveness, irritability, the desire to satisfy surging impulses immediately - this is what characterizes the excitable type of accentuation. People belonging to this group are usually endowed with a high level of conflict, which often prevents them from building meaningful relationships. The advantage is that they live entirely in the present.
Demonstrative type. It is easy to identify, starting from the age of two. Such kids, having once been the center of attention, then try to win it at all costs. If this tendency is supported by parents, then they almost always have an inflated self-esteem that is not really supported by anything. Students of this type can be set as an example to others. Therefore, it is not always easy to recognize that their abilities in a certain area are hardly above average. On the other hand, the demonstrative type of accentuation is distinguished by artistry and good taste in clothing.

Types of accentuations according to personality characteristics

Introverted type. Characterized by focusing on one's experiences, avoiding social contacts. Reality for them is secondary to inner world. Introverts are responsible, unobtrusive, and love privacy.
Extroverted type. Its representatives are self-confident people who love being among people and receive energy from communication. They do not tend to get hung up on aspects of their inner life and always act in accordance with what reality presents to them.

Currently, Lichko's theory has greater application among psychologists, since the scientist conducted his research on healthy people (teenagers). Leonhard's classification is more often used by psychiatrists. Despite the names presented in both classifications, these groups have nothing to do with mental disorders. The schizoid type of accentuation, for example, in no way means the presence of schizophrenia - all terms are conditional. Various types Accentuations mean the severity of a characteristic is within normal limits.