What is a personality disorder?

Personality is the way you think, feel, and act that makes one person different from others. A person's personality is influenced by experience, environment (environment, life circumstances), and genetic traits. A person's personality usually remains the same over time. A personality disorder is a pattern of thinking, feeling, and behavior that deviates from cultural expectations and causes stress or functional problems, and persists over time.1

There are 10 types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behavior and inner experiences that differ significantly from expectations. Behavioral experiences and patterns begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, leading to distress or operational problems. If left untreated, personality disorders can last a long time. Personality disorders affect at least two of the following areas:

• the way you think about yourself and others
• emotional response
• How to communicate with others
• how to control behavior

Types of personality disorders

Antisocial personality disorder: A pattern of hatred toward others or violation of rights. People with an antisocial personality disorder may not follow social norms, repeatedly lie, deceive others, or act impulsively.

Avoid Personality Disorder: A pattern of extreme shame, inappropriate emotions, and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People with an avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to socialize with people unless they are sure they are funny, unconcerned with criticism or rejection, or may be considered good enough or socially incompetent.

Borderline personality disorder: A model of interpersonal instability, intense emotions, low self-esteem, and impulsivity. People with a borderline personality disorder may go to great lengths to avoid feelings of abandonment, repeated suicide attempts, inappropriately intense anger, or a persistent sense of emptiness.

Employee Personality Disorder: You must lead by example and be submissive and affectionate. People with Dependent Personality Disorder may have difficulty making day-to-day decisions without confirmation from others or may feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of the fear of not being able to take care of themselves.

Hysterical Personality Disorder: Excessive emotion and attention patterns. People with a hysterical personality disorder may feel uncomfortable being the center of attention, use their appearance to draw attention to themselves or have moody or overwhelming feelings.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A pattern of lack of respect and empathy for others. People with narcissistic personality disorder may have high self-esteem, feel qualified, take advantage of others, or cannot empathize.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: A Pattern of Concern for Order, Perfection, and Control. A person with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may be overly focused on details or schedules, may be overworked with no time for leisure or friends, or maybe inflexible in his morality and values. (This is different from OCD.)

Paranoid personality disorder: A pattern of anxiety and its treatment as rude or hateful. People with Paranoid Personality Disorder often assume that people will hurt or cheat them and do not trust or approach others.

Schizotypal personality disorder: withdraws from social interactions and expresses little emotion. People with schizotypal personality disorder generally do not seek close relationships, prefer to be alone, and do not seem to accept praise or criticism from others.

Schizotypal personality disorder: A tendency to feel extremely uncomfortable in intimate relationships, distorted thoughts, and bizarre behavior. People with a schizotypal personality disorder may have strange beliefs or strange or unusual behavior or language or may have excessive social anxiety.

Diagnosing personality disorder requires a psychotherapist to assess long-term patterns of functioning and symptoms. The diagnosis is usually made in people over the age of 18. People under the age of 18 are usually not diagnosed with a personality disorder because their personality is still developing. Some people with personality disorders may not be aware of the problem. People may also have one or more personality disorders. An estimated 9 percent of American adults have at least one personality disorder. 2

Treatment

Some forms of psychotherapy are effective in treating personality disorders. During psychotherapy, individuals gain insight and knowledge about the factors that contribute to their condition and symptoms and can talk about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help you understand how your behavior affects others, learn how to manage or manage your symptoms, and reduce behaviors that cause functional and relational problems. The type of treatment depends on the specific personality disorder, its severity, and individual circumstances. Common types of psychotherapy include:

• Psychoanalysis/Psychodynamic Therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• group therapy
• Mental education (educating individuals and family members about the illness, treatment, and coping strategies)

There are no specific medications to treat personality disorders. However, medications such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, or mood stabilizers can help treat certain symptoms. More severe or longer-term symptoms may require a team approach involving the attending physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and family.

In addition to being actively involved in treatment planning, certain self-management and coping strategies can be helpful for people with personality disorders. 

• Knowledge and understanding help empower and motivate.
• Be active.
• Physical activity and exercise can help manage many symptoms, including depression, stress, and anxiety.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Alcohol and illegal drugs can make symptoms worse or interact with drugs.
• Ask for medical assistance every day. Do not neglect regular check-ups and do not consult the doctor.
• Join a support group for others with personality disorders.
• A diary to express emotions.
• Try relaxation and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation.
• Stay in touch with family and friends.
• Avoid isolation.