Personality disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions in which chronic behavior patterns cause serious problems with relationships and work.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe exact cause of personality disorders is unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Mental health professionals categorize these disorders into the following types:
Symptoms vary widely depending on the specific type of personality disorder.
People with personality disorders have difficulty dealing with everyday stresses and problems, and they often have stormy relationships with others. These conditions vary from mild to severe.
Signs and testsPersonality disorders are diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.
TreatmentPeople with these disorders usually do not seek treatment on their own. They tend to seek help once their behavior has caused severe problems in their relationships or jobs, or when they are diagnosed with another psychiatric problem, such as a mood or substance abuse disorder.
Although personality disorders are difficult to treat, there is increasing evidence that both medications and some forms of talk therapy can help many people.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook varies. Some personality disorders diminish during middle age without any treatment, while others persist throughout life despite treatment.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider or mental health professional if you or someone close to you has symptoms of a personality disorder.
ReferencesMoore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chaps 134-143.
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. They can affect relationships, work, and daily functioning. Treatment often involves therapy, medications, and support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Personality disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions in which a person's long-term (chronic) behaviors, emotions, and thoughts are very different from their culture's expectations and cause serious problems with relationships and work.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe causes of personality disorders are unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Mental health professionals categorize these disorders into the following types:
Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of personality disorder.
In general, personality disorders involve feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that do not adapt to a wide range of settings.
These patterns usually begin in adolescence and may lead to problems in social and work situations.
The severity of these conditions ranges from mild to severe.
Signs and testsPersonality disorders are diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.
TreatmentAt first, people with these disorders usually do not seek treatment on their own. They tend to seek help once their behavior has caused severe problems in their relationships or work, or when they are diagnosed with another psychiatric problem, such as a mood or substance abuse disorder.
Although personality disorders take time to treat, there is increasing evidence that certain forms of talk therapy can help many people. In some cases, medications can be a useful addition to therapy.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook varies. Some personality disorders go away during middle age without any treatment, while others only improve slowly throughout life, even with treatment.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider or mental health professional if you or someone close to you has symptoms of a personality disorder.
ReferencesBlais MA, Smallwood P, Groves JE, Rivas-Vazquez RA. Personality and personality disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 39.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/14/2010
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
There are more than 200 classified forms of mental disorders, but the most common include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders. Each disorder has its own set of symptoms and criteria for diagnosis.
Some disorders associated with lack of empathy include narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and certain forms of autism spectrum disorder. These disorders can hinder an individual's ability to understand or connect with others' emotions and perspectives.
Personality traits become disorders when they significantly deviate from cultural norms and cause distress or impairment in important areas of functioning, such as work and relationships. Disorders like borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder involve extreme and maladaptive versions of common personality traits.
A common factor in all personality disorders is enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural norms. These patterns typically cause distress or impairment in various areas of functioning, such as relationships, work, or self-identity.
Yes, rigid behavior patterns can contribute to the development of personality disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. These patterns can restrict flexibility in thinking and behavior, resulting in difficulties in adapting to changing situations and relationships. Therapy can help individuals develop more adaptive coping strategies and increase their ability to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity.
Very difficult to change personality disorders.
no
Some of the personality disorders portrayed in the movies include anger, anxiety and distress. Personality disorders affect how people think, feel and relate with others.
No, they are not
Russell Ronald Monroe has written: 'Episodic behavioral disorders' -- subject(s): Disorders of Personality, Impulse, Personality, Disorders of
Personality Disorders
Patricia M. Chatham has written: 'Treatment of the borderline personality' -- subject(s): Accessible book, Borderline personality disorder, Personality disorders, Therapy, Borderline Personality Disorder, Personality Disorders
Thomas A. Widiger has written: 'Personality disorders and the five-factor model of personality' -- subject(s): NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Personality disorders
A book with good reviews about personality disorders is 'A Life in Pieces'. Another book with a variety of true disorders is 'Bizarre Diseases of the Mind'.
Axis I disorders are predominantly mood disorders while Axis II disorders are personality disorders.
Borderline personality disorders, although they cause social difficulties, can be hard to "treat." These disorders are usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, and a prescription isn't necessarily prescribed. To "treat" personality disorders, patients often go through extensive counseling sessions.
Yes!