What is a Personality
Disorder?
Those who struggle with a personality disorder have great
difficulty dealing with other people. They tend to be inflexible, rigid, and
unable to respond
to the changes and demands of life. Although they feel that their behavior
patterns are “normal” or “right,” people with personality
disorders tend to have a narrow view of the world and find it difficult
to participate in social activities.
Recognizing a Personality Disorder
A personality disorder must fulfill
several criteria. A deeply ingrained, inflexible pattern of relating,
perceiving, and thinking serious enough
to cause distress or impaired functioning is a personality disorder.
Personality disorders are usually recognizable by adolescence or earlier,
continue throughout
adulthood, and become less obvious throughout middle age.
What Causes a Personality Disorder?
Some experts believe that events occurring
in early childhood exert a powerful influence upon behavior later in
life. Others indicate that people are genetically
predisposed to personality disorders. In some cases, however, environmental
facts may cause a person who is already genetically vulnerable to develop
a personality disorder.
Types of Personality Disorders
There are many formally identified personality
disorders, each with their own set of behaviors and symptoms. Many of these
fall into three different
categories or clusters:
1.) Cluster A: Odd or eccentric behavior
2.) Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional or erratic behavior
3.) Cluster C: Anxious fearful behavior
Since there are too many identified types of personality disorders to explain
in this context, we will only review a few in each cluster.
Cluster A:
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid personalities are introverted, withdrawn, solitary, emotionally
cold, and distant. They are often absorbed with their own thoughts
and feelings and
are fearful of closeness and intimacy with others. For example, a person
suffering from schizoid personality is more of a daydreamer than a
practical action taker.
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
The essential feature for this type of personality disorder is interpreting
the actions of others as deliberately threatening or demeaning.
People with paranoid personality disorder are untrusting, unforgiving,
and prone
to angry or aggressive outbursts without justification because
they perceive others as unfaithful, disloyal, condescending or deceitful.
This type
of person may also be jealous, guarded, secretive, and scheming,
and may appear to be emotionally “cold” or excessively
serious.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
A pattern of peculiarities best describes those with schizotypal
personality disorder. People may have odd or eccentric manners
of speaking or dressing.
Strange, outlandish or paranoid beliefs and thoughts are common.
People with schizotypal personality disorder have difficulties forming
relationships
and experience extreme anxiety in social situations. They may react
inappropriately or not react at all during a conversation or
they may talk to themselves.
They also display signs of “magical thinking” by saying they
can see into the future or read other people’s minds.
Cluster B:
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
People with antisocial personality disorder characteristically act out their
conflicts and
ignore normal rules of social behavior. These individuals are impulsive,
irresponsible, and callous. Typically, the antisocial personality has
a history of legal difficulties,
belligerent and irresponsible behavior, aggressive and even violent relationships.
They show no respect for other people and feel no remorse about the effects
of their behavior on others. These people ware at high risk for substance
abuse, especially alcoholism, since it helps them to relieve tension,
irritability
and boredom.
- Borderline Personality Disorder
People with borderline personality disorder are unstable in several
areas, including interpersonal relationships, behavior, mood, and
self-image.
Abrupt and extreme mood changes, stormy interpersonal relationships,
an unstable and fluctuating self-image, unpredictable and self-destructive
actions characterize the person with borderline personality disorder.
These individuals generally have great difficulty with their own
sense of identity. They often experience the world in extremes, viewing
others
as either “all good” or “all bad.” A person with
borderline personality may form an intense personal attachment with
someone only to quickly dissolve it over a perceived slight.
Fears of abandonment may lead to an excessive dependency on others.
Self-multilation or recurrent suicidal gestures may be used to get
attention or manipulate
others. Impulsive actions, chronic feelings of boredom or emptiness,
and bouts of intense inappropriate anger are other traits of this
disorder,
which is more common among females.
-
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with narcissistic personality have an exaggerated sense
of self-importance, are absorbed by fantasies of unlimited success,
and seek constant attention.
The narcissistic personality is oversensitive to failure and often
complains of multiple somatic symptoms.
Prone to extreme mood swings between self-admiration and insecurity,
these people tend to exploit interpersonal relationships.
Cluster C:
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant personalities are often hypersensitive to rejection and are unwilling
to become involved with others unless they are sure of being liked. Excessive
social discomfort, timidity, fear of criticism, avoidance of social or work
activities that involve interpersonal contact are characteristic of the avoidant
personality. They are fearful of saying something considered foolish by others;
worry they will blush or cry in front of others; and are very hurt by any disapproval
by others.
People with avoidant personality disorder may have no close relationships
outside of their family circle, although they would like to, and are
upset at their inability to relate well to others.
-
Dependent Personality
Disorder
People with dependent personality disorder may exhibit a pattern
of dependent and submissive behavior, relying on others to make
decisions for them.
They require excessive reassurance and advice, and are easily hurt
by criticism or disapproval. They feel uncomfortable and helpless
if they
are alone, and can be devastated when a close relationship ends.
They have a strong fear of rejection. Typically lacking in self-confidence,
the dependent personality rarely initiates projects or does things
independently.
This disorder usually begins by early adulthood and is diagnosed
more frequently in females than males.
-
Compulsive Personality
Disorder
Compulsive personalities are conscientious and have high levels
of aspiration, but they also strive for perfection. Never satisfied
with their achievements,
people with compulsive personality disorder take on more and more
responsibilities.
They are reliable, dependable, orderly, and methodical, but their inflexibility
often makes them incapable of adapting to changed circumstances. People
with compulsive personality are highly cautious, weigh all aspects of a
problem, and pay attention to every detail, making it difficult for them
to make decisions and complete tasks.
When their feelings are not under strict control, events are unpredictable,
or they must rely on others, compulsive personalities often feel a sense
of isolation and helplessness.
Professional Help
When these characteristics are carried to an extreme, when they endure
over time and when they interfere with healthy functioning, a diagnostic
evaluation with a licensed physician or mental health professional is recommended.
Treatment of the Personality Disorder
There are many
types of help available for the different personality disorders. Treatment
may include individual, group, or family psychotherapy. Medications,
prescribed by a patient’s physician, may also be helpful in relieving
some of the symptoms of personality disorders, including problems with
anxiety and perceptions.
Psychotherapy for patients with personality disorders focuses on helping
them see the unconscious conflicts that are contributing to or causing their
symptoms. It also helps people become more flexible and is aimed at reducing
the behavior patterns that interfere with everyday living.
In psychotherapy, people with personality disorders can better recognize
the effects of their behavior on others. Behavior and cognitive therapies
focus on resolving symptoms or traits that are characteristic of the disorder,
such as the inability to make important life decisions or the inability
to initiate relationships.
There is Hope
The more you learn about personality disorders the more you will understand
that they are illnesses, with causes and treatments. People can improve
with proper care. By seeking out information you can recognize the signs
and symptoms of a personality disorder and help yourself or someone you
know live a healthier more fulfilling life.
For More Information:
Contact you local Mental Health Association,
community mental health center, or:
National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
National Mental Health
Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse
Phone: (800) 553-4539
National Mental Health Services
Knowledge Exchange Network
PO Box 42490
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: (800) 789-2647
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