What is a personality disorder?
Your personality — the way you feel, think, and behave that makes you different from everyone else — is determined by a mix of your genetics, experiences, and environment. Normally, your personality stays the same over time.
Personality disorders are dysfunctional feelings and behaviors that typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. A personality disorder changes the way you think about yourself, the way you respond emotionally, and how you relate to people.
The changes associated with personality disorders significantly influence all aspects of your life and cause problems with relationships. Personality disorders lead to symptoms such as:
- Rapidly changing values
- Fluctuating opinions of others
- Intense or frequent anger
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Feeling inferior
- Feeling superior
- Submissive behavior
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Disregard for others
- Sense of entitlement
- Extreme perfectionism
What are the different types of personality disorders?
The 10 types of personality disorders are placed into three groups that share some similar characteristics.
Cluster A personality disorders are broadly characterized by eccentric or odd thinking or behavior. This cluster includes:
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster B personality disorders are known for their dramatic, emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behavior. This cluster includes:
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
Cluster C personality disorders include those defined by anxious or fearful thinking or behavior. This cluster includes:
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
It’s important to know that a long list of in-depth and precise behaviors and symptoms identifies each personality disorder.
How are personality disorders treated?
Our physicians begin treatment with therapy, from which there is insight into what contributes to your feelings and behaviors. With therapy, many patients learn to manage their symptoms and control problematic behaviors. A few types of therapy that help treat personality disorders include:
- Psychoanalytic therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychoeducation
While there aren’t any psychiatric medications to treat personality disorder, several medications can diminish symptoms such of associated depression and anxiety.
If you struggle with relationships or have any of the other symptoms of a personality disorder, call Carolina Wellness Psychiatry, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online.
