What is Personality Disorder? And also Argue Types of Personality Disorders.

Before we can describe a personality disorder, we must first define personality. Personality is a set of characteristics or qualities that determine an individual’s distinct character. A person’s manner of thinking, feeling, attitude, and conduct distinguishes them from others.  Experiences, environment, and genetic factors all influence an individual’s personality. 

Personality disorders are mental health problems with long, all-encompassing, disturbing patterns of thinking, behavior, mood, and interpersonal relationships. The pattern of experience and conduct usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Paranoid personality disorder

A tendency to be suspicious of others and to perceive them as mean. The main feature of this neurological disease is paranoia, which is a constant mistrust and suspicion of people for no apparent cause. People with paranoid personality disorder frequently believe that others will harm or deceive them; hence, they do not trust or become close to them.

Schizoid personality disorder 

This disorder is characterized by a lack of attachment to social relationships and a lack of emotional expression.

Schizotypal personality disorder

A pattern of being extremely uncomfortable in close relationships, defective thinking, and quirky behavior. A person suffering from a Schizotypal Personality Disorder may have odd views, strange behavior or speech, or extreme social anxiety. Relationships may suffer as a result of their warped perceptions of reality, superstitions, and strange actions.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

A pattern of disregarding or disrespecting others’ rights. An antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a refusal to comply with social norms, a pattern of lying or deceiving others, and impulsive behavior. They may refuse to accept responsibility for their acts and/or show contempt for the unfavorable consequences.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

This disorder is characterized by issues with emotional regulation, which results in low self-esteem, intense emotions, mood swings, and subsequent relationship difficulties. A person suffering from borderline personality disorder may go to tremendous efforts to prevent abandonment or experience chronic feelings of emptiness.

Histrionic personality disorder

An overly emotional and attention-seeking pattern. People with a histrionic personality disorder may be uncomfortable when they are not the focus of attention, may utilize their physical appearance to gain attention, or may experience fast-shifting or exaggerated emotions.

Narcissistic personality disorder

A need for adoration and a lack of empathy for others. A narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, taking advantage of others, and a lack of empathy.

Avoidant personality disorder

People with this condition experience chronic feelings of inadequacy and are extremely sensitive to negative judgment from others. Though they would like to communicate with people, they limit social interaction owing to a strong fear of rejection.

Dependent personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a condition in which a person needs consistent care, which causes clingy behavior and actions. People with DPD have a fear of separation. 

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)

A pattern of obsession with orderliness, perfection, and control. An obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may cause a person to be extremely focused on details or schedules, to work excessively, to not allow time for leisure or friends, or to be rigid in their morality and ideals.

Treating personality disorders is challenging because many individuals do not view their behaviors as problematic and therefore rarely seek help on their own.

Psychotherapy is the primary and most effective treatment. Through therapy, individuals can better understand their condition, recognize patterns that cause distress, and explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also helps them see how their actions impact others, develop healthier coping skills, and reduce behaviors that interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

Commonly used psychotherapy approaches include:

• • • Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic / Transference-Focused Therapy

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Group Therapy

    • Psychoeducation (educating the individual and family about the diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies)