Understanding What Personality Disorders Are and How They Affect People
Personality disorders are a complex set of disorders that affect how individuals think, behave and feel. These disorders deeply impact an individual’s ability to connect with others and form healthy relationships. Personality disorders often manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from mild to severe, and can cause significant distress, both for the individual with the disorder and those around them. In this article, we will discuss what personality disorders are, how they manifest, and what can be done to support individuals impacted by personality disorders.
What are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterized by a pattern of long-term, deeply ingrained behaviors and thoughts that deviate significantly from what is considered normal or expected. These patterns can be visible across a variety of different situations and can cause significant problems for the individual. People living with personality disorders often experience difficulty relating to others, understanding social cues, and can struggle to maintain healthy and stable relationships.
There are 10 distinct personality disorders recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), each with its unique set of defining characteristics. The DSM-5 differentiates personality disorders into three clusters: cluster A, B, and C disorders.
Cluster A personality disorders involve behaviors and thought patterns that are unusual, eccentric, and may result in people being socially isolated. Cluster B personality disorders consist of behaviors characterized by dramatic, erratic, and emotional responses, often leading to social instability and turmoil. Finally, cluster C personality disorders involve behaviors that focus on anxiety and fearful avoidance, with individuals often being seen as submissive or dependent.
Specific examples of personality disorders within these clusters include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.
How Do Personality Disorders Impact People?
Personality disorders can have a profound impact on individuals, both in terms of their personal and professional life. People living with personality disorders often experience significant difficulties, including trouble forming and maintaining relationships, a lack of emotional control, difficulty understanding social cues, and an inability to see their own impact on others. In turn, individuals with personality disorders may feel isolated, alone, and misunderstood, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Additionally, personality disorders can create significant challenges in the workplace, particularly if the disorder impacts social interactions. People with personality disorders may struggle with teamwork, communicating effectively, and receiving feedback. This can often lead to frequent job changes as well as difficulty finding and maintaining employment.
What Can Be Done to Support People with Personality Disorders?
Given that personality disorders deeply impact an individual’s ability to connect with others and form meaningful relationships, the support available to those living with these conditions is crucial. This often begins with proper diagnosis and treatment from a mental health professional. While personality disorders can be challenging to treat, there are some evidence-based approaches that can offer relief. Two common treatment approaches include psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy involves working with a mental health professional to identify and address the underlying beliefs and behaviors associated with the disorder. During therapy, the individual is encouraged to explore patterns of behavior and thought, work on emotional regulation techniques, and try new approaches to social interactions.
Medication can also be useful in treating personality disorders, particularly if there are related symptoms such as anxiety or depression. While medication won’t cure personality disorders, it can help manage related symptoms, making them more manageable and less disruptive.
In Conclusion
Personality disorders are complex and deeply ingrained mental health conditions that can affect individuals in a variety of ways. They can create significant challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, as well as impact an individual’s ability to succeed both personally and professionally. With proper support from a mental health professional and utilizing evidence-based solutions, including psychotherapy and medication, individuals living with personality disorders can find avenues for meaningful growth and improvement.
