What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a type of mental disorder that can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These are different from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, because they involve long-term patterns of abnormal thinking and behavior.

The patterns of a personality disorder often begins to show in adolescence or early adulthood and can cause significant distress or problems in functioning.

There are many different types of personality disorders, and a lot of information comes with them. In this post, we’ll be discussing some of the main types of personality disorders, so if you see the signs, you’ll know exactly what it is.

Different Types of Personality Disorders

There are different types of personality disorders, and each type has its own set of symptoms. 

Below are some of the most common types of personality disorders are:

Paranoid Personality Disorder

People with paranoid personality disorder are extremely distrustful and suspicious of others. They think that other people are out to get them and are always on the defensive.

They may be quick to get angry and have a difficult time trusting anyone.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder/ Schizoid personality disorder

Those with schizotypal personality disorder have odd or eccentric behaviors. They may dress oddly, have unusual mannerisms, and be paranoid or suspicious of others.

They may also have problems with relationships and interactions with others.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

People with antisocial personality disorder are manipulative, deceitful, and aggressive. They tend to break the law and have a lack of remorse for their actions.

Even if they hurt a family member, harm their close relationships, or put anyone in immediate danger.

The symptoms might also be paired with a lack of self-awareness, pervasive distrust, and extreme shyness. They may also be quick to anger and have a history of violence.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

This is a serious mental illness marked by intense and unstable emotions, erratic behavior, and a distorted self-image.

People that have borderline personality disorder usually tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, leading to outbursts of anger, anxiety, or depression.

They might also engage in risky or impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or impulsive spending. Borderline personality disorder can be a very difficult disorder to live with, but there is hope. With treatment, most people with borderline personality disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthy and productive life.

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD)

People with HPD are often described as “drama queens” or “attention seekers.” They are usually high-strung and emotional, and they may be overly dramatic or sexually provocative.

They may also be easily influenced by others and crave attention. HPD can be a difficult disorder to live with, but treatment can help.

Dependent personality disorder

People with dependent personality disorder are excessively needy and show clingy behavior They have a fear of abandonment and may be submissive to others.

They may also be unwilling to make decisions or take risks.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (or obsessive compulsive disorder) are preoccupied with order, perfection, and control.

They may be workaholics and have a need for control over their environment. They may also be inflexible and have difficulty dealing with change.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

People with avoidant personality disorder are extremely shy and have a fear of rejection. They may avoid social situations and activities for fear of being embarrassed or criticized. They may also have low self-esteem and feel inadequate.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

People with this particular type of disorder tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for constant attention and admiration. They might be preoccupied with their own success or appearance and have little empathy for others.

They may also take advantage of others and be quick to anger. NPD can be a difficult disorder to live with, but treatment can help.

What are the 3 main characteristics of a personality disorder?

There are three main characteristics of a personality disorder:

1. A persistent pattern of abnormal thinking and behavior.

2. Difficulty functioning in work, school, or social settings.

3. A lack of empathy for others.

These are just some of the signs that someone may have a personality disorder, but it’s not important that everyone will display the same signs. That’s why it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor.

What is personality disorders treatment?

Treating personality disorders can be a little complicated because there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for personality disorders, but there are a variety of effective options.

Treatment may include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Medication can help to stabilize mood and ease symptoms of anxiety or depression. It is important to work with a doctor to find the right medication and dosage.

Therapy, like dialectical behavior therapy, can help people with personality disorders learn to manage their symptoms and emotions.

Therapy may be conducted individually, in a group, or with family members.

Most people with personality disorders will need long-term treatment. However, that doesn’t mean that treatment isn’t effective.

With the right help, most people start to see improvements within a few months and can easily manage their symptoms as long as they’re following the doctor’s orders and sticking with the treatment.

Who do personality disorders affect?

Personality disorders can affect people of any age, gender, or background. Generally, they first develop in adolescence or young adulthood.

Personality disorders are more common than you may think. In fact, it’s estimated that one in every five adults has a personality disorder.

However, only a small number of people with personality disorders seek treatment.

This may be because personality disorders can be difficult to diagnose. Often, people with personality disorders don’t realize that they have a problem.

Or, they may not want to get help because they think their symptoms are just part of their personality.

That’s why it’s important to know the signs beforehand so help can be reached on time and the symptoms can be managed.

Personality disorder self-care and coping strategies

There are a few things you can do to help yourself if you have a personality disorder:

Study as much as you can about your disorder. This will help you understand your symptoms and how to manage them.

• Stay on top of your treatment plan.

This also includes taking your medicine as the doctorprescribed and attending therapy sessions.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Substance abuse can make symptoms worse and lead to other problems.

• Build a support system for friends or family members.

They can offer encouragement and understanding and make the process less isolating.

• Take care of yourself physically.

Eat a healthy diet, make sure you’re exercising regularly, and get enough sleep.

• Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy and stick with it.

This can help reduce stress and improve your mood and make the treatment process easier.

If you have a personality disorder, it’s also important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose your disorder and create a treatment plan that’s right for you. With the right help, you can manage your symptoms and live a healthy and productive life.