Understanding Personality Disorders
“Personality” is more than being friendly or having a good sense of humor. It’s the way a person thinks about and relates to the world. A personality disorder can make it hard for a person to relate to others in healthy ways. But there is hope. A doctor or mental health professional can help.
What Are the Symptoms of a Personality Disorder?
People with personality disorders have a hard time forming normal relationships. They often have trouble with school or work. And they may often feel depressed, sad, and alone. There are many types of personality disorders. Each has specific symptoms. But all greatly disrupt the life of the affected person and those around them.
What Causes Personality Disorders?
No one knows what causes these disorders. They are sometimes triggered by childhood abuse or neglect. They also may occur when certain brain chemicals are out of balance. Most likely, both nature and nurture play a role.
What Can Be Done?
Certain types of talk therapy (counseling) can help treat these disorders. Medications may help relieve symptoms. Talk therapy and medications work best when used together. Many people with this disorder don’t realize or admit that they need help. And it may take a while before treatment begins to work. But most people who receive good treatment live a healthier, happier life.
Types of Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder. People with this disorder have little concern for others. They may deceive, bully, or even harm others without remorse.
Borderline Personality Disorder. People with this disorder have an intense fear of being alone. Yet they push others away. They may have wide mood swings and change their values and beliefs often.
Dependent Personality Disorder. This causes an intense need to be cared for by others.
Histrionic Personality Disorder. An affected person will do almost anything to be the center of attention.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). People with OCPD have a strong need for order, perfection, and control. This often causes them great distress.
Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. People with this disorder are often angry and unhappy. They tend to resent people in power, yet are not be able to express these feelings in a direct way.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder. An affected person feels intensely anxious in social settings. The person often has skewed perceptions. He or she may often behave in socially unacceptable ways.