A personality disorder involves traits that make a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors different from others. These patterns are relatively stable over time. They typically start in late adolescence or early adulthood and can only be diagnosed in individuals over 18 years old.
There are various types of personality disorder broadly classified into three clusters. There common signs and symptoms are as follows.
It involves pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, believing they have malicious intentions, leading to social isolation and difficulty forming close relationships.
It is characterized by a consistent pattern of detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression. Individuals with this disorder often prefer solitude and have little interest in forming close personal connections.
It involves odd beliefs, behaviors, and thoughts, along with social anxiety and discomfort in close relationships. Individuals may have unusual perceptions, eccentric speech, and difficulty forming close connections, often feeling misunderstood or isolated.
Antisocial personality disorder is marked by a disregard for others' rights, impulsive and deceitful behavior, and a lack of remorse. Individuals often engage in manipulative or unlawful activities.
Borderline personality disorder involves intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships. Individuals may experience mood swings, fear of abandonment, and difficulty maintaining a consistent self-image.
Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals often exhibit dramatic, theatrical, or exaggerated expressions of emotion and crave approval and reassurance from others.
Narcissistic personality disorder involves an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals often exploit relationships and expect special treatment.
Avoidant personality disorder involves extreme sensitivity to rejection, leading to social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy. Individuals often avoid social interactions and fear criticism or disapproval, despite longing for acceptance and relationships.
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. Individuals may have difficulty making decisions and fear separation from others.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, often at the expense of flexibility and openness. Individuals may focus excessively on details and have difficulty completing tasks.
Dialectical behaviour therapy.
Mentalization-based therapy.
Transference-focused psychotherapy.
Insight-oriented psychotherapy.
Supportive psychotherapy.
Family therapy and group therapy.