Understanding Personality Disorders: Different Types and Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

A personality is a way of being and thinking that makes you unique. It includes your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and how you relate to the world around you. When a person has a personality disorder, they’re thinking and behaving in unhealthy ways that cause problems for them and others.

Personality Disorder is a type of mental disorder that causes people to have enduring patterns of thinking and behaving that deviate from social expectations. Someone with a personality disorder has difficulty perceiving and relating to situations and other people. This causes them to have trouble in relationships and work. 

People with personality disorders may find it hard to fulfill responsibilities at school or work, maintain long-term relationships, and manage finances. Personality disorders generally appear during adolescence or early adulthood, although sometimes they begin to show symptoms in childhood or late adulthood. Without proper treatment, personality disorders can be long-lasting. Many health professionals recognize ten different personality disorders, and in this article, we will look at each of them.

Personality Disorders (Types)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard reference publication for recognized mental illnesses, divides personality disorders into three clusters: A, B, and C. Each cluster(category) has different symptoms in common.

Cluster A:

These disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric behaviors and a lack of empathy. This cluster includes paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypical personality disorder. 

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder: People with this disorder generally distrust others and believe that others are out to harm or exploit them. They are often extremely sensitive to rejection and have a deep fear that they will be betrayed at any moment. People with this disorder may be highly aggressive and irritable, prone to complaining, and as cold or distant.
2. Schizoid Personality Disorder: They typically enjoy spending time alone and show little interest in interacting with others. These individuals often take pleasure in solitary activities and rarely connect with others, even family members. People with this disorder may appear cold, distant, passive, and detached.
3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder: An individual with a schizotypal personality disorder may have difficulty forming relationships. They may appear odd or peculiar to others due to strange behaviors, such as believing in unusual superstitions or believing that they are special and have extraordinary powers or abilities. These individuals also often experience extreme anxiety around social situations.

Cluster B:

These personality disorders are characterized by dramatic and emotional thinking, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. These individuals may be impulsive and manipulative and consistently violate the rights of others. This category includes the following disorders: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder: An individual with this disorder has a lack of empathy and concern for the feelings, rights, and sufferings of others. These individuals may be aggressive, act recklessly, and show disregard for the safety of themselves or others. They are often deceitful and manipulative in order to achieve their own goals.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder: A person with borderline personality disorder has trouble regulating emotions. They may feel extremely depressed or irritable, engage in risky behaviors, and have unstable relationships. People with this disorder tend to experience intense anger, depression, and anxiety episodes that can last from a few hours to days.
3. Histrionic Personality Disorder: An individual with a histrionic personality disorder will be overly concerned about how others perceive them. They may use attention-seeking behavior such as flirting, seductive behavior, or provocative clothes to draw the attention of others.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: People with a narcissistic personality disorder will have an inflated sense of their own importance. They think and believe they are superior to others and have little regard for other people’s feelings. They may also feel a need for constant attention and admiration from others.

Cluster C:

These are characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors. People suffering from these disorders may have difficulty with social interactions and difficulty trusting others. This includes:

1. Avoidant Personality Disorder: They generally fear rejection and dislike by others. They appear very sensitive to criticism and often fear that others will judge them harshly. This excessive sensitivity may cause people with this disorder to withdraw from social interactions and feel isolated from others.
2. Dependent Personality Disorder: People with this issue need to be taken care of excessively. They are submissive, clingy, and unable to make decisions on their own. They often feel helpless when alone and rely heavily on other people for advice or help.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder tend to be inflexible, perfectionistic, orderly, and uptight. They place great emphasis on rules and procedures and have difficulty tolerating any deviation from these rules. An OCPD, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder.

What Causes Personality Disorders?

While the cause of personality disorders is not well understood, experts believe that it develops as a result of both environmental and genetic factors. Additional evidence suggests that as certain parts of the brain develop, they may interact differently with each other. However, despite many years of research and discoveries, experts are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this disorder.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Although the exact cause of personality disorders is unknown, certain factors appear to increase the risk of developing or triggering them, including:

• Additional mental illnesses. Numerous studies have shown a link between personality disorders and other mental conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
• Family environment while growing up. Children raised in families exposed to abuse, neglect, or trauma may be at an increased risk of developing personality disorders later in life.
• Being diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder
• Variations in the brain’s chemistry and structure may be linked to personality disorders.

How To Determine If Someone Has A Personality Disorder?

It is difficult to make a confident judgment about the presence of a personality disorder in someone without first having them assessed by a professional.

It is essential to understand the difference between personality types and personality disorders. A shy person who enjoys solitude does not necessarily have an avoidant or schizoid personality disorder.

The difference between personality style and a personality disorder can be determined by assessing how an individual’s personality affects various parts of their life, including:

• Relationships
• Work
• Self-identity
• Feeling Or Emotions
• Behavior And Impulse Control
• Awareness Of Reality

A person with a personality disorder may exhibit the following behaviors:

• People with personality disorders may not behave consistently from one situation to another or from one day to another. They may be inflexible and rigid in their thinking, which can create frustration and confusion for those who have to interact with them.
• They may have trouble understanding how to treat others and appropriately behave around them.
•  A person may be unaware of how their behaviors cause problems for themselves and others.
• If they are a parent, their parenting style may be overemotional, detached, or abusive. It can sometimes lead to their kids’ emotional, physical, or mental issues.

What Can You Do If You Think Your Loved One Has A Personality Disorder?

Getting a diagnosis is a starting point for individuals who have personality disorders. You may worry about your loved one getting angry at you if you bring it up, but they need to understand what is happening. If they have a personality disorder, it won’t go away on its own and will likely get worse over time. Treatment can help your loved one manage their symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life.

However, talking to your loved one about seeing a therapist is not always easy. So, if you are unsure what to say, here are some ideas:

1. You may start the conversation by saying something like, “I’ve noticed some changes in you recently that are concerning me. I want to make sure we both understand what is going on and how we can work together to help solve the problem.” You may follow up by providing the resources needed to find a therapist or make or attend an appointment.
2. The common reaction you would receive from them is they will deny that there is a problem. This can be frustrating and hurtful, but you should not give up. Keep trying to express your concerns if your loved one is refusing help.
3. When an individual starts to accept there is a problem, they usually deny the seriousness of it. They resist medical treatment and think they can change behaviors independently. At this level, encourage a loved one to make medical help a part of their personal treatment plan. However, to prevent future problems, It is recommended to discuss therapy as a temporary form of treatment with an end date in mind.
4. Once they start therapy, someone with personality disorders often skips or stops treatment without warning. Be there to remind your loved one that no one is perfect and that tomorrow offers new chances to make healthier and wiser choices.
5. After receiving the support needed to overcome the denial, resistance, and problems with staying in treatment, individuals with these disorders may come to a stage of acceptance. In these situations, treatments are seen as an essential part of the recovery process.

How Are Personality Disorders Treated?

In general, personality disorders are treated with a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapists can help patients gain insight into their behaviors and how they interact with others. A therapist may also try correcting certain thought patterns or beliefs contributing to maladaptive behavior. 

Finding a reliable therapist who has experience with personality disorders is essential, as these disorders are very complex and require specialized treatment. Hanei Health Solutions has a team of highly qualified therapists who specialize in personality disorders. We can help patients understand their condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. If you are wondering if someone you know has a personality disorder, there is no need to worry. We are here to help! Our therapists can perform an assessment and determine whether he has one or more of the common personality disorders.