Personality Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people.

This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school.

Types of Personality Disorders

There are numerous different types of personality disorders. They are grouped into three clusters based on similar characteristics and symptoms.

It’s not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed.

Cluster A: Suspicious

• Paranoid personality disorder: People with paranoid personality disorder are very distrustful of others and suspicious of their motives. They also tend to hold grudges.
• Schizoid personality disorder: People with this type of disorder display little interest in forming personal relationships or partaking in social interactions. They usually don’t pick up on normal social cues, so they can seem emotionally cold.
• Schizotypal personality disorder: In schizotypal personality disorder, people believe they can influence other people or events with their thoughts. They often misinterpret behaviours. This causes them to have inappropriate emotional responses. They may consistently avoid having intimate relationships.

Cluster B: Emotional and Impulsive

• Antisocial personality disorder: People with antisocial personality disorder tend to manipulate or treat others harshly without expressing remorse for their actions. They may lie, steal, or abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Borderline personality disorder: People with this type of disorder often feel empty and abandoned, regardless of family or community support. They may have difficulty dealing with stressful events. They may have episodes of paranoia. They also tend to engage in risky and impulsive behaviour, such as unsafe sex, binge drinking, and gambling.
• Histrionic personality disorder: In histrionic personality disorder, people frequently try to gain more attention by being overly dramatic or sexually provocative. They are easily influenced by other people and are extremely sensitive to criticism or disapproval.
• Narcissistic personality disorder: People with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they are more important than others. They tend to exaggerate their achievements and may brag about their attractiveness or success. They have a deep need for admiration, but lack empathy for other people.

Cluster C: Anxious

• Avoidant personality disorder: People with this type of disorder often experience feelings of inadequacy, inferiority or unattractiveness. They usually dwell on criticism from others and avoid participating in new activities or making new friends.
• Dependent personality disorder: In dependent personality disorder, people heavily depend on other people to meet their emotional and physical needs. They usually avoid being alone. They regularly need reassurance when making decisions. They may also be likely to tolerate physical and verbal abuse.
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder have an overwhelming need for order. They strongly adhere to rules and regulations. They feel extremely uncomfortable when perfection isn’t achieved. They may even neglect personal relationships to focus on making a project perfect.

Symptoms Personality Disorders

Personality disorders can manifest through various symptoms and patterns of behavior. While there are several types of personality disorders, here are some common symptoms and characteristics often associated with them:

1. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
– Intense fear of abandonment
– Unstable and intense relationships
– Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors
– Emotional instability, including frequent mood swings
– Chronic feelings of emptiness
– Difficulty regulating emotions and managing stress

2. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD):
– Disregard for the rights and feelings of others
– Persistent violation of societal norms and rules
– Lack of empathy and remorse
– Manipulative and deceitful behavior
– Impulsivity and irresponsibility
– Aggressive and violent tendencies

3. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
– Grandiose sense of self-importance
– Exaggerated sense of entitlement
– Need for admiration and constant attention
– Lack of empathy for others
– Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, or beauty
– Fragile self-esteem, easily threatened by criticism

4. Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD):
– Pervasive feelings of social inhibition and inadequacy
– Fear of rejection, criticism, or disapproval
– Reluctance to engage in social activities or form relationships
– Extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation or judgment
– Intense fear of embarrassment or humiliation
– Avoidance of situations that may trigger feelings of inadequacy

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD):
– Preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control
– Excessive attention to details and rigid adherence to rules
– Inflexibility and difficulty adapting to change
– Preoccupation with work or productivity at the expense of leisure or relationships
– Difficulty delegating tasks and reluctance to work in teams
– Tendency to hoard or save items with no apparent value

It’s important to note that these symptoms are general and may vary in intensity and presentation among individuals. A formal diagnosis of a personality disorder should be made by a qualified mental health professional based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s history, symptoms, and functioning.

Personality Disorders Causes:

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviours that makes you unique. It’s the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself. Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of:

• Your genes. Certain personality traits may be passed on to you by your parents through inherited genes. These traits are sometimes called your temperament.
• Your environment. This involves the surroundings you grew up in, events that occurred, and relationships with family members and others.

Personality disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of these genetic and environmental influences. 

Personality Disorders Treatment:

Treatment for personality disorders typically involves a combination of therapy, medication (in some cases), and support from healthcare professionals. Here are some commonly used approaches:

1. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, specifically a type called “talk therapy,” is the primary treatment for personality disorders. Different therapeutic approaches may be used, such as:

   • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps individuals with borderline personality disorder manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
   • Schema Therapy: Addresses deeply rooted beliefs and patterns developed during childhood that contribute to personality disorders.
   • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores past experiences and unconscious factors that influence present behaviors and relationships.

2. Medication: Medication is not a primary treatment for personality disorders, but it may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or mood instability.

3. Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals with personality disorders can interact, share experiences, and learn coping strategies from one another.

4. Skills Training: Skills training programs, such as social skills training or emotion regulation training, help individuals develop adaptive strategies for managing relationships, emotions, and everyday challenges.

5. Supportive Care: A strong support system of family, friends, or support groups can play a crucial role in the recovery process. They can provide emotional support, understanding, and encouragement.

6. Self-help Resources: Self-help resources, such as books, online materials, or mobile applications, can provide additional information, tools, and techniques for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Risk Factors:

1. Family History: Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with a personality disorder increases the risk of developing one yourself. Genetic factors and shared environmental influences within the family may contribute to this.

2. Childhood Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or unstable family dynamics, can increase the risk of developing a personality disorder later in life.

3. Environmental Factors: Growing up in an environment with chronic stress, instability, or inconsistent parenting practices can impact the development of healthy personality traits and increase the risk of personality disorders.

4. Genetics and Brain Chemistry: Certain genetic factors and abnormalities in brain structure or neurotransmitter functioning may contribute to the development of personality disorders. However, the specific genetic and biological mechanisms are still being studied.

5. Childhood Adversity: Adverse experiences during childhood, such as loss of a loved one, frequent relocations, or witnessing violence, can influence personality development and increase the vulnerability to personality disorders.

6. Temperamental Factors: Certain personality traits and temperament characteristics, such as impulsivity, emotional instability, or difficulty regulating emotions, may contribute to the development of personality disorders.

7. Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders, have a higher risk of developing personality disorders.