Personality disorders: types, causes, symptoms & treatment

It is personalities that dictate our thoughts, not to mention our feelings and our behaviours. It influences the way we relate to each other, the way we make decisions and the way we look at the world. However, once these characteristics start being rigid, destructive, and disturbing, it can be a sign of a personality disorder. These diseases affect the individual in his interaction with others as well as with himself, which normally leads to trouble in normal daily life.

This blog covers the ten personality disorders, their causes, effects, and treatment and also answers some of the frequently asked questions.

What is a Personality Disorder?

When an individual thinks, feels and acts in a significantly different way than the expected social standards, they are said to have a personality disorder. Unlike transient emotional issues, personality problems begin in youth or early adulthood, are permanent and never change.

These conditions disrupt:

1. Educational and work performance.
2. Social ties
3. Family relationships.
4. Self-image and growth.

The 10 Personality Disorders

Psychiatrists classify ten personality disorders into three categories on the basis of behavioural and cognitive similarities.

Cluster A: Strange

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder: The paranoid personality disorder is characterized by deep suspicion, mistrust of other people.
2. Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include social awkwardness, bizarre opinions and unusual ways of thinking.
3. Schizoid Personality Disorder: It is characterized by detachment, as well as limited expression of emotions.

Cluster B: Frantic, Dramatic, or Emotional.

1. Antisocial personality disorder: It is characterized by impulsivity, manipulation and failure to respect the rights of others.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder: Among the symptoms of borderline personality disorder, one can distinguish intense relationships, self-image problems, and unstable emotions.
3. Histrionic personality disorder: Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include excess emotionality and attention seeking.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: This condition involves a consistent pattern of perceived superiority and grandiosity, an excessive need for praise and admiration and a lack of empathy for others.

Cluster C: Anxious

1. Avoidant personality disorder: Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include extreme sensitivity to criticism, shyness in social situations.
2. Dependent personality disorder: It is a symptom of excessive dependence on others to be supported and make decisions.
3. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder ( OCPD) has characteristics of perfectionism, control, and neatness.
4. Read More: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Awareness (OCD)

Some of the terminologies are often misunderstood

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which is not a personality disorder, was formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder and Split Personality Disorder. Though DID does not equal such disorders as borderline or narcissistic personality disorder, this misconception is quite common.

History and Evolution of the Diagnosis of Personality Disorder

There has been a major change in the way we understand personality disorders over time. Different or disturbing behaviour in past times was often misunderstood as a lack of moral strength or spiritual bankruptcy. By the 20th century, psychiatry began assigning personality disorders medical names to distinguish them as a separate group of diseases compared to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association and is now a very important resource to psychiatrists. With the development of psychology and neuroscience, the paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and other disorders were better defined, as the vague descriptions of these disorders were abandoned in the previous versions.

Diagnosis is more systemized now, although there is still disagreement. There are conflicting opinions on where normal personality ends and disease starts, since some argue that disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder are similar to traits found in the normal population.

Causes and Risk Factors

Though the specific causes of personality disorders are not clearly defined yet, it might be a combination of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors.

1. Genetics: It has been researched that disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder might have some genetic basis.
2. Childhood Trauma: There is an increased risk in cases of unstable family environments, abuse, or neglect.
3. Brain activity: Differences in the chemistry and structure of the brain influence the degree to which an individual is impulsive and emotionally stable.
4. Cultural Aspects: The social norms and expectations influence personality development, as well.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Despite the differences between all personality disorders, they share the following symptoms:

1. Always trying to provoke relationships.
2. Impaired self-image.
3. Inadequate self-control
4. Strong emotional responses
5. Poor and inflexible behaviour patterns.

To diagnose a patient, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist should examine the patient with regard to their history, symptoms, and functioning over the years.

Treatment Options

Psychotherapy is usually employed to treat personality disorders, but sometimes medication is employed to treat co-occurring issues such as anxiety or depression.

1. Psychotherapy, talk therapy.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
3. DBT is valuable in the treatment of borderline personality disorders.
4. Psychodynamic treatment
5. Medication

Read More: Top 9 Benefits Of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy And How Does CBT Work?

1. Support & Lifestyle
2. Acquiring positive coping skills.
3. Education and family counselling.
4. Peer help and support groups.

Relationships and Personality Disorders

A personality condition may greatly influence relationships. For example :

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder might not be honest and empathetic.

Since they fear being alone, individuals with borderline personality disorder often experience unstable relationships.

Paranoid personality disorder could lead to constant distrust of loved ones.

Narcissistic personality disorder can create problems due to the high addiction to admiration.

Awareness, counselling, and establishing proper limits may improve relationship outcomes.

Effects of Personality Disorders at Work and Education

Personality disorders affect both relationships and academic and professional achievements.

1. Borderline Personality Disorder: Being unstable emotionally may lead to difficulties at school or changing jobs frequently.
2. Antisocial Personality Disorder: Work conflicts can be brought about by a problem in authority, rules or cooperation.
3. Avoidant Personality Disorder: Individuals who are frightened of criticism may not speak during classes or seek employment.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is excessive rigidity that may lead to frustrations and delays in the project, but sometimes perfectionism can lead to success in school.

With the help of supportive employers and educational facilities that may provide mental health support, people can succeed despite these challenges.

Families and Caregivers on Coping Strategies

A personality condition can be emotionally demanding to live with a person. Families are often at a loss, regretful, or irritated. Some practical tactics are:

1. Education: Often, families may become more empathetic when they know about such disorders as histrionic personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder.
2. Boundaries: It is vital to create quality boundaries in dealing with emotional instability/manipulation.
3. Family therapy: Family therapy reduces blame and encourages open communication.
4. Self-Care: Caregivers need to prioritize their mental health in order to avoid burnout.

Caregivers have an opportunity to share experiences and receive support among other struggling caregivers in support groups.

Do Personality Disorders Get Worse with Growing Older?

Personality disorders are believed to be long-term issues. But with age and the ability to develop coping mechanisms, the symptoms can fade away. An example of this is that in middle age, borderline personality disorder often goes away. But without treatment, untreated conditions like antisocial personality disorder can get worse or persist.

Personality Disorders and Stigma, and Misconceptions

Although there is greater awareness, the issue of personality disorders remains greatly stigmatized. The common misconception about those with a dissociative identity disorder or antisocial personality disorder is that they are dangerous. The term narcissist is also being abused in popular culture regularly, which has watered down the narcissistic personality disorder.

Read More: What Is A Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The stigma discourages help-seeking. Open conversations, mental health awareness campaigns, and social education campaigns contribute to breaking the myth and fostering empathy.

The time to seek professional help

One should understand when he/she need professional assistance. Some warning indicators are:

1. Constant problems with trust and relationships.
2. Unpredictable feelings and extreme moods.
3. Repetitive self-destructive behaviours.
4. The presence of inflexible character traits that hinder the capacity to work or learn .

Psychologists and psychiatrists have the expertise to make proper diagnoses, eliminate other diseases, and offer specific treatment plans. Early intervention produces improved results, especially when it comes to paranoid and borderline personality disorders.

Are Personality Disorders Family-Based?

Research indicates a genetic factor. Scientists have identified a malfunctioning gene that may be a factor in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

However, not all people having an affected family history develop a condition because there is an interaction between genetics and the environment.

Is Therapy superior to Medication?

The efficacy of therapy in the treatment of personality disorders is a commonly posed topic. Treatment is largely based on psychotherapy, and then medication is used when it is necessary. As an example, where there is paranoid personality disorder, a psychiatrist can use drugs to minimize anxiety, though the primary treatment is therapy.

Can an individual develop Multiple Personality Disorders?

Yes, it is possible. Two examples of individuals who can meet the criteria of more than one ailment are Histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. Psychiatrists pay special attention to overlapping symptoms to give a specific diagnosis and a unique treatment plan.

Surviving with a personality disorder

Recovery is all about learning to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, not an ultimate cure. Many individuals live happy and complete lives with self-awareness, therapy and support. Stigma must be eliminated through early intervention, empathy and education to offer hope.

Lifestyle Interventions To Favour Recovery

Though professional treatment is required, there are several lifestyle options available to support recovery and wellbeing:

1. Mindfulness & Meditation: It keeps impulsivity and emotional control levels down in individuals with borderline personality disorder.
2. Healthy diet and sleeping routine: A Healthy diet and sleeping routine reduce stress levels and stabilize the mood.
3. Exercise: Physical exercise facilitates resilience and psychological health.
4. Engaging in work, education, or hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and self-worth.
5. Social Skills: Community activities and therapy groups may help individuals to practice safe and effective communication.

Self-reflection and peer-support programs can also be used to build resilience and supplement professional care with regular self-reflection and journaling.

Empathy and effective assistance are impossible without knowledge about personality disorders. Although conditions such as antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder may be difficult to manage, their early diagnosis, treatment, and management can transform lives. By eliminating stigma and raising awareness, society can help individuals live healthier and more interconnected lives.

Conclusion

Personality disorders are complex, deeply rooted patterns of behaviour, thought, and feeling that can greatly affect the life of a person. These disorders, encompassing antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder, affect the way individuals relate with others and themselves. It is important to remember that personality disorders are a medical and psychological issue that can be managed with the proper treatment, despite the apparent overwhelming effect of the symptoms they have.

Promoting recovery requires early identification, sympathetic support, and expert care. Psychotherapy is still the mainstay of treatment, and many patients see significant changes when it is paired with family education, healthy lifestyle choices, and, where necessary, medication. Crucially, realising that diseases like histrionic personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder are medical conditions rather than character defects can lessen stigma and promote empathy.