A personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by a deviation from the typical personality development. It can be so severe as to impair functioning and interfere with everyday life. Personality disorders are classified into Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. The severity of the condition will determine which category it falls in.

According to one study (NIMH), more than 9.1% of people live with a personality disorder at any given time, usually starting during adolescence or young adulthood. Two types of personality disorders were found to have increased the most over time: anxious-ambivalent personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

Personality is essential to describing who we are and why we do the things we do. It influences our relationships, our social interactions, and what we believe in. Personality becomes apparent in our moods, responses to situations, and even the words we use.

Types Of Personality Disorders

Every person is different, and every person has a unique personality. It is true for everyone, including those with a personality disorder. However, that does not mean that there are personality disorders that affect one gender more than the other.

Personality disorders can be further divided into three main groups: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Cluster A personality disorders involve eccentric and unusual behavior. These disorders are considered odd or irrational, and the person with this disorder will often make strange and illogical statements. The types of personality disorders in this cluster include:

Paranoid personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves suspicious, delusional, or paranoid thoughts. These thoughts could be regarding a person, an object, or a situation. The most vital symptom of this type of personality disorder is showing aggression towards an individual.

Schizoid personality disorder: This personality disorder involves a person indifferent to social relationships and enjoying or prefers being alone. They prefer solitary activities and have no desire for interaction with others.

Schizotypal personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person who has many eccentric and unusual behaviors, social withdrawal, and a lack of empathy. They can often feel uneasy around others and have strange beliefs or experiences.

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Cluster B personality disorders involve dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior. These personalities tend to be chaotic and unpredictable. The types of personality disorders in this cluster include:

Antisocial personality disorder: This personality disorder involves a person who has a lack of empathy and a disregard for the rights of others. They tend to be aggressive, deceitful, impulsive, and parasitic.

Borderline personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person who exhibits extreme behavior, such as intense anger episodes or severe depression. They also tend to experience unstable personal relationships.

Histrionic personality disorder: This personality disorder involves an overly emotional person who acts in an attention-seeking way. They crave admiration, and they can often be manipulative.

Narcissistic personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person who has excessive self-esteem and self-importance. They are often a threat to others and can tend to be manipulative.

Cluster C Personality Disorder

Extreme emotional reactions characterize Cluster C personality disorders. These types of personalities are considered unstable and unpredictable, and the person with this personality disorder will often have sudden emotional episodes. The types of personality disorders in this cluster include:

Avoidant personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person with intense fears of rejection from others. They are often very self-conscious and cautious when others are around them.

Dependent personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person who is overly sensitive to external stimuli or their environment. They often have a fear of being abandoned, and they need constant reassurance from others.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: This type of personality disorder involves a person with solid thoughts that they cannot control. They may also have intense fears about cleanliness and orderliness.

If you or someone you know expresses these disorders, it is essential to seek help immediately. Treatments are available for all personality disorders, including group and individual therapy, medications, and other behavioral therapies.

At Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, we provide professional therapy for all types of personality disorders. Do not wait another day if you or a loved one is struggling with a personality disorder. Call our offices today to get started on the path to recovery. (443-978-1330)

Causes For Personality Disorders

When we attempt to look at the cause of personality disorders, it is not easy to understand precisely how they come about. Experts believe that an element of genetics and brain development may play a role in how personality disorders develop.

Genetics: There is evidence that suggests there might be a genetic component to personality disorders. Notice that certain personality traits run in your family. You could be more susceptible to developing a personality disorder.

Childhood trauma: Experts believe that past childhood experiences, such as neglect or abuse, can contribute to personality disorder development. These experiences have been shown to impact brain development and can cause severe mental trauma.

Brain changes: Evidence suggests changes in the brain during development, especially during childhood. These changes could contribute to developing a personality disorder and difficulty coping with emotions. It could also cause someone to become overly depressed or anxious.

Cultural factors: Some personality disorders are more common in certain cultures. It could be due to their beliefs on how they should behave or because they are taught to value different characteristics, such as being submissive or aggressive.

Verbal abuse: Experiencing verbal abuse during childhood has been linked to developing a personality disorder. The effects of verbal abuse can impact a person’s ability to cope with emotions and cause them to lash out against other people uncontrollably.

When it comes to these causes, it’s best to see a mental health professional who can evaluate the case and help determine if any underlying issues may have contributed to the development of a personality disorder. Visit Hanei Health Solutions in Catonsville and Gaithersburg, MD, to learn more. (443-978-1330)

Signs & Symptoms

As we mentioned, personality disorders are not easy to identify. It is prevalent that people who struggle with one of these disorders do not even realize they have them. The signs and symptoms of these disorders can vary widely. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that are often associated with a person who has developed a personality disorder:

• Inconsistent behavior

• Overemotional

• Delusional or paranoid

• Odd or irrational behavior

• Social withdrawal

• Lack of empathy

• Dramatic or erratic behavior

These signs and symptoms can present themselves in several ways. Your loved one may be very emotional and have intense episodes of anger or sadness. They may also lash out at other people because they don’t understand their feelings. Consider visiting Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, to learn more about treatment options.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing a personality disorder can vary. Still, one factor that is often present is experiencing trauma as a child or as an adult. People who have experienced some type of trauma, whether it’s neglect or abuse, are at a higher risk of developing a personality disorder.

Diagnosis

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, personality disorders are diagnosed by a mental health professional based on several factors. The diagnosing doctor will examine your loved one’s behavior and ask questions about their childhood and adult experiences.

Treatments And Therapies

There are several treatments for personality disorders, some of which include therapy and medication. Many of these treatments are effective, but seeking the help you need from a medical professional is essential.

Medications

Several medications may be prescribed to help with the symptoms of some personality disorders. These medications can help stabilize moods, reduce anxiety levels, and improve symptoms of depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapies are also a pervasive form of treatment for personality disorders. Psychotherapy is when a mental health professional works with you to identify the root cause of your symptoms and help you learn new coping mechanisms to manage them.

Group therapy

Some groups can help those with personality disorders by providing an environment where people understand what it’s like to live with these conditions. Group therapy is very effective and is often recommended for those who struggle with depression or anxiety and those with personality disorders.