“Difficult” Personality or Personality Disorder?
Personality?
If you were asked to describe yourself, what characteristics do you choose? You may describe yourself as “warm”, “fun” or may be “no nonsense” and “assertive”. These traits all describe your personality. Personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thought, feelings and behaviors that makes you unique from others. Your personality is thought to be your innate disposition and inclinations, but it can also be influenced by environmental factors and experiences.
As we grow and mature how we view and interact with the world around us will often change throughout the years. However, our personality remains fairly consistent throughout our life. Unfortunately with personality disorders that is not necessarily the case.
What is A Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder is an mental health condition characterized by long-lasting rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning and behaving. These patterns often lead to impairment in one’s ability to function and relate to others due to mannerisms that are not culturally expected.
Personality disorders may distort a person’s perception of reality. Because of this distorted perception people with a personality disorder often do not recognize their troubling behaviors or the negative effect they have on others. These unhealth patterns begin to develop during late adolescence and into adulthood. Without proper treatment, personality disorders can be long-lasting and have lasting negative life affects.
What Are the Different Types of Personality Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference for classification of mental disorders, recognizes 10 types of personality disorders and organizes them into three main clusters (groups). The personality disorders within each “cluster” are grouped based to similar characteristics and symptoms, marked cluster A-C.
Cluster A Personality Disorders: Odd and Eccentric
Personality disorders within cluster A are characterized by odd thinking and eccentric behavior. These disorders often lead to social problems, as the individual is often extremely socially detached, distrusting of others, and harbors unusual beliefs.
Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster B Personality Disorders: Erratic and Dramatic
Personality disorders within cluster B are characterized by dramatic, intense emotional and unpredictable thinking or behavior. These individuals often feel like they need attention constantly, are impulsive, and can be very manipulative.
Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder
Cluster C Personality Disorders: Anxious and Fearful
Personality disorders within cluster C are characterized by severe anxiety and fearful patterns of thinking and behaviors. These individuals are often overly cautious and timid especially in personal relationships.
Avoidant personality disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Dependent personality disorder
What Causes A Personality Disorder to Develop?
Personality disorders are among the least understood of mental health illnesses. However, research suggests that genetics, parenting, peer influences and life experience may all increase someone’s risk for developing a personality disorder. Researches have also discovered that personality disorders do not occur in a vacuum meaning that an individual may experience multiple personality disorders in tandem.
Personality disorders can be hard to differentiate from personality style. However, one may be able to assess the difference by assessing how the person’s personality affects different parts of their life, including:
Work
Relationships
Feelings/emotions
Self-identity
Awareness of reality
Behavior and impulse control
How To Treat A personality Disorder?
There is no medication developed specifically for personality disorders. However, that does not mean there is not treatment. Treatment of personality disorders focuses on symptom management. There are medications that can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common in people with a personality disorder. Additionally, psycho “talk” therapy is frequently utilized to manage the condition.
If you feel that you need treatment for a personality disorder and are looking for an attentive, empathetic and knowledgeable psychiatric provider request a consultation today. Our home-visit concierge model will provide you with the accessibility that you need to make your mental health a priority.
Dr. Moore looks forward to discussing how the psychcierge lifestyle can get you on the road to mental prosperity.
