What is a Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder changes the way a person behaves, thinks or feels. It is a mental health condition which causes difficulties in daily life.
Personality disorders are present in just over nine percent of adults. This includes all races, genders and ethnicities. (1)
Everyone’s personality is different; it is what makes people who they are. People with personality disorders behave, think and feel in a manner which is detrimental to themselves and others.
Symptoms
A personality disorder is grouped into one of three categories. These are suspicious or eccentric, impulsive and emotional, and anxious. There are ten different types and each has different symptoms. (2)
We will detail each type and its symptoms.
Suspicious or Eccentric Personality Disorders
Paranoid Personality Disorder
People with this type of personality disorder will have difficulty trusting other people. This includes close family and friends. They think everyone is trying to take advantage of them or trying to use them in some way.
They will not confide in others and will be watching for signs of hostility or betrayal. Danger and threats which don’t actually exist are seen in everyday situations.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
This disorder makes people disinterested in close relationships with others, including family. They will also be reluctant to form new relationships. They much prefer to be left alone with their own thoughts.
They will feel that relationships are too much hassle. They think these will interfere with their freedom and cause them problems. They choose to live a solitary life and see intervention from others as meddling. They will appear indifferent to criticism or praise.
It is likely they will be emotionally cold towards others and appear detached. There will be little or no interest in forming intimate or sexual relationships.
People who have schizoid personality disorder will take little pleasure from activities.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
People with this type of disorder will not have close friends. They will not place confidences in anyone other than immediate family. They will express themselves in ways which others view as peculiar or odd, often using unusual phrases or words.
They will have a blinkered vision of the world, oversimplifying and stereotyping things. For example, placing everyone in a category of good or bad, weak or strong. There will be no middle ground.
Others might view the behavior or appearance of these people as eccentric. They can be superstitious or have a strong belief in clairvoyance. They might think they are telepathic or have a “sixth sense”.
Suspiciousness and paranoia, or a limited or inappropriate expression of emotions, will be present.
Anxiousness and paranoia can manifest in social situations. This will be particularly evident when they are with people who do not share their beliefs. Social anxiety tends to be linked with their paranoia and fears. They will not worry about negative judgements about themself.
They may also have bodily illusions. For example, having a feeling that are they not in control of a part of their body. (3, 4)
Impulsive and Emotional Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder
People with Antisocial Personality Disorder will often have a criminal record. They have little or no regard for the law. They will not conform to what is considered normal in respect of lawful behavior.
They will get involved in fights on a regular basis. They will often display irritated aggressive behavior.
They are likely to place themselves in risky and dangerous situations. They have reckless disregard of consequences their actions have on themselves or others.
They will steal from, cheat and deceive others without feeling any remorse or guilt. They will not care about hurting and mistreating people to get what they want. As far as they are concerned, their needs come first.
They will repeatedly lie, use aliases and be deceitful, for their own pleasure or profit. They have a sense of entitlement and believe they can do whatever it takes to succeed.
People with this disorder are often impulsive, irresponsible and easily bored. It is unlikely they will maintain gainful employment for any length of time. They will not be able to fulfill and honor financial obligations, and fail to plan ahead.
Borderline Personality Disorder
This type of personality disorder makes people worried about being abandoned by others. They will go to any lengths to prevent that from happening.
They lack a sense of personal identity. They don’t know who they really are, and find it hard to either make or maintain close relationships.
The emotions experienced by these people can be intense and change very quickly. For example, feeling upbeat, confident and happy then a few hours later feeling like they have the weight of the world in their shoulders. These feelings are usually short lived, rarely lasting for more than a few days.
Actions can be very impulsive and potentially cause them harm. They are likely to go on shopping sprees, binge eat, abuse substances or drive recklessly. They will often feel intense, inappropriate anger. This can be uncontrollable, leading to displays of temper or fights.
A feeling of emptiness and loneliness is common. This condition is associated with suicidal thoughts, behaviors and tendencies. There is a likelihood of self harming or self mutilation.
Other symptoms include paranoia, psychotic experiences and a feeling of numbness. They might not being able to recall events after they have occurred.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
This type of personality is not happy when they are not the centre of attention; it makes them feel extremely uncomfortable. They will be much happier when all attention is focused on them.
Their behavior is easily influenced by others and they feel a constant need for approval.
Their behavior and physical appearance will be maximised to draw attention. Flirtatious and inappropriate sexually provocative or seductive behaviors are common behavioral characteristics.
These personalities will be viewed as overly emotional and dramatic by others. Their emotions can change rapidly and they often appear shallow. They will consider relationships with others to be more intimate than they really are.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by a sense of self importance and entitlement. A person will exaggerate their own achievements and want to be seen as superior to others. This is the case even though there is no substance to it.
They will believe they are unique and special, and can only associate with, or be understood by, other like minded special people.
They will have fantasies about their own beauty, power, success or brilliance and will expect constant admiration.
They will exploit others to satisfy their own needs, and lack empathy towards the needs or feelings of others.
Appearing haughty and arrogant, they will be envious of others, or think that others should be envious of them. (5, 6)
Anxious Personality Disorders
Avoidant Personality Disorder
People with this disorder avoid social or work situations where they have to interact with others. They fear rejection, disapproval or criticism. They are unlikely to form relationships unless they are sure they will be liked. They will also hold themselves back in intimate relationships in case they are rejected or shamed.
They will see themselves as being socially inept and inferior to others, expecting to be rejected or criticized. They will often feel isolated and lonely and be reluctant to take part in new activities for fear of embarrassing themselves.
Dependant Personality Disorder
This disorder leaves people feeling weak, needy or unable to make their own decisions. They will find it difficult to function on a daily basis without considerable support and reassurance.
They will let other people assume responsibility in many aspects of their lives, having low self confidence. They will find it hard to disagree with others and see them as being more capable.
They will go to great lengths to ensure they are nurtured and supported by others, even if it means doing something unpleasant. They are generally viewed by others as being passive and submissive.
Being afraid of being left to fend for themselves, they will seek another close relationship when one ends. Unrealistic fears of being left on their own to cope can preoccupy their time.
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
People with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder need to keep everything under control and in order. They will be obsessed with lists, schedules and details, to the extent that the point of what they wanted to achieve is lost.
The standards they set for themselves and others will be unrealistically high and their perfectionism means tasks might not be completed.
They are likely to think theirs is the only way to do something and they will be stubborn and rigid. They are unlikely to work with others or delegate unless things are done their way.
They will hoard worthless items being reluctant to discard them, and will be miserly in matters concerning money. (7, 8)
Stages
There are no stages for personality disorders. There are criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosis of each disorder. These are based around the symptoms experienced and their duration. (9)
Treatment
Each personality disorder is different, as are their symptoms. Treatment will be decided upon between a patient and their medical professional.
The treatments available include medications, psychotherapy, or both.
Medications include antidepressants, anti anxiety drugs, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. (10)
Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can be administered on a one to one basis or in a group setting.
Whatever talk therapy a doctor decides is best for an individual, the aim is to enable people to recognize and cope with their disorder. The goal is to try and change the way that a person thinks, feels and behaves in a positive way. (11)
FAQ
What is a personality disorder? A personality disorder changes the way a person behaves, thinks or feels. It is a mental health problem which causes difficulties in daily life.
What are the signs of a personality disorder? The signs and symptoms of this condition will vary depending on the type of disorder. They generally concern behaviors, thoughts and feelings.
How do you develop a personality disorder? The exact causes of personality disorders remain unknown. It is thought that genetics, the environment and early childhood and teenage experiences play a part. (12)
How are you diagnosed for a personality disorder? Diagnosis is made on set criteria, based on symptoms and their duration.
What is the best treatment for a personality disorder? Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or both.
What are the long term complications of a personality disorder? A personality disorder can interfere with a person’s ability to function in a day to day basis.
Is a personality disorder considered a disability? These disorders are not considered disabilities, however social security benefits might be pid in some instances.
Is there a cure for a personality disorder? A personality disorder cannot be cured at the the present time. There are treatments which help people manage the symptoms.
Is a personality disorder life threatening? Some personality disorders can lead to suicidal tendencies and thoughts of self harm.
Summary
A personality disorder changes the way a person behaves, thinks or feels. It is a mental health condition which causes difficulties in daily life.
There are different types of personality disorders, each with their own unique symptoms. Fortunately, no matter which one a person suffers from, treatment can help manage the symptoms.