What Are Personality Disorders?

Nelson Guerreiro
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

We all have different and unique personalities. Some of us are more extroverted, and some prefer to be alone. Some like to stick to known surroundings, while others like new and exciting things. These differences are what makes us interesting.

But sometimes the things that make us different can become problematic. Our patterns of thinking can become repetitive and overwhelming. Our emotional state can become stuck, and our behavior can make our social life difficult.

A personality disorder occurs when this patterns become long-lasting and take over our lives. These are genuine mental diseases that require medical help.

Personality disorders cover a broad range of problems. Some people may isolate themselves, even spending years without human contact, while others may be social butterflies to the extreme. Others might be seen by society as plain eccentric or simply “colorful.”

Symptoms usually develop during adolescence, and often people don’t seek help or don’t even recognize to having a problem. It’s not rare for people with personality disorders to suffer from anxiety and depression.

There are many types of personality disorders. Here are some:

  • Paranoid personality disorder: people with this disorder suspicious of others, and see them as hostile and harmful.
  • Schizoid personality disorder: no interest in social interactions or relationships
  • Schizotypal personality disorder: with this disorder people might have bizarre behaviors and thoughts. They feel uncomfortable in social settings.
  • Antisocial personality disorder: no interest in the laws of society or the well being of fellow humans. No remorse about stealing, etc.
  • Histrionic personality disorder: high need for attention. Very dramatic and emotional, and obsessed with looks and appearance.
  • Borderline personality disorder: self-destructive behavior, intense relationships, emotional extremes.
  • Narcissistic personality disorder: no empathy for others, huge self-esteem, a constant need for admiration and validation.
  • Avoidant personality disorder: extreme sensibility to the perceived judgment of others, intense feelings of inadequacy. Usually isolate themselves from society.
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: obsession with rules and order. A constant need for control, and perfectionism.
  • Dependent personality disorder: the need to be taken care for. Have great difficulty separating from loved ones.

The best option for people with personality disorders is always to seek professional help. Unfortunately, many people suffering from these diseases have significant difficulty seeking help from strangers, and never get the help they so much need.

The treatments include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), medication, etc.

More information:
Disorders of Personality: DSM-IV and Beyond
Personality Disorders in Modern Life

Images from pixabay


Originally published at steemit.com on July 24, 2017.

Nelson Guerreiro

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