Personality disorders are chronic, maladaptive patterns of behavior that cause functional impediments in various aspects of life, including school, relationships, and work. These are mental health conditions characterized by long-standing thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from societal norms and expectations. These patterns and behaviors are inflexible, persistent, and often cause significant distress or impairment in occupational, social, and other activities.
- Affective Traits: Overly intense patterns of emotional response.
- Cognitive Behavioral Traits: Poor impulse control and maladaptive responses.
- Cognitive Traits: Unrealistic perceptions and responses to situations.
- Social Traits: Dysfunctional and unsatisfying interpersonal patterns.
Personality disorders are classified into clusters based on their characteristics and symptoms.
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Inability to recognize the problem or seek help.
- Difficulty engaging effectively.
- Inability to fit into one specific personality disorder (instead, they may display features of several similar disorders).
- Maladaptive patterns that are inflexible and pervasive across personal and social situations.
Symptoms of Personality Disorders
Symptoms of personality disorder are connected to the different clusters:
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Distrust and suspicion of others.
- Belief that others are exploiting or harming them.
- Difficulty forming close relationships.
- Quick to anger or resentment.
- Perceives attacks or threats easily.
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Social detachment and isolation.
- Restricted emotional expression.
- Lack of interest in social relationships.
- Aloof or distant behavior.
- Limited emotional range.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Eccentric behavior and appearance.
- Cognitive distortions and unusual perceptual experiences.
- Social anxiety and avoidance.
- Suspiciousness and paranoia.
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Self-destructive behavior.
- Identity disturbances.
- Unstable relationships and emotional dysregulation.
- Fear of abandonment.
- Impulsivity and reckless behavior.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Rapidly changing emotions.
- Dramatic and attention-seeking behavior.
- Seductive or flirtatious actions.
- Constant need for approval.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Grandiosity and self-importance.
- Arrogance and envy.
- Exploitative behavior.
- Need for admiration and attention.
- Feelings of entitlement and lack of empathy.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Aggression and violence.
- Recklessness and irresponsibility.
- Lack of respect for others’ rights and feelings.
- Impulsivity and lack of remorse.
- Manipulative and deceitful behavior.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Social avoidance and feelings of inadequacy.
- Hypersensitivity to criticism.
- Limited social relationships.
- Self-criticism and shame.
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Lack of self-confidence.
- Excessive need for reassurance.
- Fear of abandonment and separation.
- Reliance on others to take responsibility.
- Difficulty making decisions independently.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Rigidity and perfection
- Believes in order and details
- Need control and order
- Difficulty delegating task
- Resistance to change and stubbornness.
Personality disorders may also show other symptoms and criteria for other specific disorders.
- Causes and Risk Factors of Personality Disorder.
- Genetic:
- Family history predisposition
- Environment:
- Trauma, abuse, or neglect.
- Brain chemistry:
- imbalances in brain neurotransmitters.
- Brain abnormalities.
- Changes in brain structure
Complications of Personality Disorder.
Lifestyle changes
- Establishing daily routines
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Good sleep hygiene
Learn stress management techniques, along with relaxation activities
In Case of Emergency
For suicidal ideation or any danger to self or others, call 911
OR go to the nearest hospital to learn how to seek help.
Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Call NAMI Helpline at 1800 950 NAMI (6264) In Crisis 988 (24/7)
or info@nami.org
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)