Personality Disorders

Personality is the way by which we think, feel and behave that distinguishes a person from the other. An individual’s personality is influenced by different things like the environment, which includes life situations, experiences, and surroundings. Generally, a person’s personality stays the same over a long duration. However, this definition changes when a person is diagnosed with a personality disorder(s).

What is Personality Disorder?

A personality disorder is a way people think, feel, and behave that generally deviates from the expectations and causes additional distress and functioning problems and generally lasts for a longer period.

Experts and psychologists categorise ten specific types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are patterns of behaviour as well as inner experiences that are long term and differ significantly from what is generally expected. Generally, the experience patterns, as well as behaviours, start in late adolescence or at the start of adulthood. They generally cause additional distress as well as other problems related to functioning. Without proper treatment, these personality disorders can be long lasting.

Personality disorders generally affect two of the following areas at least:

• The way of thinking about the self as well as that of others
• The way of responding emotionally
• Relationship with other people
• The way through which one controls their behaviour

 Types of personality disorders: 

1. Antisocial personality disorder: It is associated with a pattern of continuously disregarding other people’s rights. This type of person does not tend to conform to social norms and may repeatedly deceive others, act impulsively or lie. 
2. Avoidant personality disorder: It is a pattern of extreme shyness, feeling inadequate or being very sensitive towards criticism. These people are often unwilling to be involved with other people and often view themselves as socially inept. 
3. Borderline personality disorder: Some people question, “What is borderline personality disorder?”. This signifies instability in relationships, a bad self-image, and feeling intensely emotional and impulsive. This type of person may take extreme measures from being abandoned, repeatedly attempting suicide, or feeling intense anger and emptiness.
4. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: It is a pattern of continuously being occupied with control, orderliness and control. They tend to be keenly focused on details and not allow themselves any leisure time. 
5. Paranoid Personality Disorder: This is a pattern where people start being extremely suspicious about others and feel that every other person is trying to deceive them.
6. Dependent personality disorder: This is a pattern of clingy, submissive behaviour and feeling that needs to be taken care of. These individuals have difficulty in taking decisions and need reassurance from others. They may also feel a fear stemming from the inability to take care of themselves. 
7. Histrionic personality disorder: This is a pattern signifying attention-seeking behaviour. These types of people may feel highly uncomfortable when not being the centre of attention. They also may use shifting emotions to draw attention to themselves. 
8. Narcissistic personality disorder: This is a pattern signifying the absence of empathy and need for admiration. This type of person has a high sense of self-importance self-entitlement and lacks empathy. They may also take advantage of others. 

Causes of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders have not been completely understood, and further research is on the process. However, certain causes have been identified over the years. Most mental experts believe that environment and genetics can sometimes play a big role in personality disorder development. It has been observed that certain personality disorders are linked to a genetic history of mental illness. Let us take an example; it has been observed that Mr X has an antisocial personality disorder and has some family members who also have similar family disorders. It has also been seen that a history of depression in the family may cause a certain person to possess borderline personality disorder.

Though significant research on personality disorders has been limited, it has been seen that no individual is born with a personality disorder. Even though family history plays a role in a person’s personality disorder, inheritance is the tendency to develop a disorder, not the personality disorder itself. A personality disorder is mainly triggered when there is an interference with the development of a proper personality. 

It has also been seen that certain personality disorders might develop as a solution to cope with any significant stress. The vital thing one must know is that personality disorders generally develop over a long period. 

Diagnosis of Personality Disorder

The diagnosis of a personality disorder requires a mental health professional, i.e., a psychologist or psychiatrist, to look at the patterns of symptoms as well as functioning. Generally, people who are 18 or older are diagnosed. However, personality disorders are not generally diagnosed in people under 18 years of age as their personalities are still developing. Various mental health experts have also observed that people can have multiple personality disorders at the same time.

Treatment

Psychotherapy is effective in curing personality disorders. Here, individuals gain insights and understanding of the disorder and its symptoms. They are allowed to talk about their feelings and behaviours. This kind of treatment helps a person understand the impact of their behaviours on others. They also learn to cope with the related symptoms and minimise problematic behaviours. However, the type of treatment varies with the type of disorder, individuals’ circumstances, and the severity of the situation. 

Some common Psychotherapy types include:

• Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy
• Dialectical behaviour therapy
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy
• Group therapy Psychoeducation

Medications have not been found to be effective In treating personality disorders. However, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications help cure symptoms. 

In addition to the above treatment, self-care strategies could be helpful to cure the disorders: 

• Get an understanding of the condition you are suffering from
• Stay engaged in exercises and activities throughout the day
• Stay away from alcohol and drugs
• Have a routine medical checkup plan
• Interact within support groups
• Try meditation and relaxation techniques
• Pen down your thoughts, feelings and Behaviours in a journal regularly.
• Lastly, always stay in contact with family and friends. 

Most importantly, family members are most valuable and effective in supporting a person with such personality disorder(s). 

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you understand different personality disorders and their causes, diagnoses and treatment options. Research has facilitated the development of several highly effective treatments for personality disorders that are evidence-based.