PERSONALITY DISORDERS

 Basic information

description

Personality disorders are a group of conditions that are not illnesses, but ways of behaving. Each condition is defined by its main symptoms. Persons with these conditions have patterns of abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. These patterns interfere with daily activity, personal relationships, and social and work functioning. The person feels their behavior patterns are "normal" and "right."

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Paranoid—shows unwarranted suspiciousness and distrust of others; is defensive, oversensitive, angers easily.
• Schizoid and schizotypal—cold (emotionally); has difficulty forming relationships; is withdrawn, shy, superstitious, or socially isolated.
• Compulsive—perfectionist, rigid in habits, indecisive; needs control.
• Histrionic—dependent, immature, excitable, vain; constantly craves stimulation and attention; communicates by appearances or behavior (not verbally).
• Narcissistic—has an exaggerated sense of one's own importance; is preoccupied with power; lacks interest in others; demands attention; feels entitled to special consideration.
• Avoidant—fears and overreacts to rejection; has low self-esteem; is socially withdrawn; dependent.
• Dependent—passive, over-accepting, unable to make decisions; lacks confidence.
• Passive-aggressive—stubborn, sulking; fears authority; procrastinates; is chronically late, argumentative, helpless, clinging.
• Antisocial—selfish, callous, promiscuous, impulsive, reckless; unable to learn from experience; fails at school and work.
• Borderline—impulsive; has unstable and intense interpersonal relationships; displays inappropriate anger, fear, and guilt; lacks self-control; has identity problems; may self-mutilate (cut or burn oneself to relieve tension); may be suicidal; views world as good or evil.

causes

Unknown. May be multiple factors, including genetics, type of parenting in childhood, one's own personality traits, and early social experiences (such as abuse).

risk increases with

• History of abuse as a child.
• Family history of mood disorders.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There are no specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Treatment can be effective for some patients, bringing about a gradual change in behavior. For others, prognosis is guarded; and for some, the outcome is poor.

possible complications

• Difficulty maintaining personal relationships and jobs; anxiety and depression. Risk of suicide.
• Drug and alcohol abuse. Behaviors may lead to trouble with the law.
• Noncompliance with treatment.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Diagnostic measures may include observation of symptoms by other people. Diagnosis may include medical history, behavioral history, physical exam, and psychological evaluation by your health care provider.
• Treatment requires a trusting relationship between the therapist and patient. This can be difficult, as motivation for treatment often comes from someone other than the person with the disorder.
• Psychotherapy provides help with thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It may include:
  • Family and group therapy, group living situations, and self-help groups.
  • Behavior-changing techniques involve the learning of social skills, reinforcement of appropriate behavior, setting limits on inappropriate behavior, learning to express feelings, self-analysis of behavior, and accepting accountability for actions.
• To learn more: Visit a library or do an Internet search.

medications

No drugs will cure a personality disorder. They may be prescribed for treatment of specific symptoms (e.g., antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, or antipsychotic drugs).

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of a personality disorder.
• Symptoms don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: