Description

People have unique personalities made up of a complex combination of different characteristics. Personality traits affect how people understand and relate to the world around them, as well as the way in which they see themselves.

Ideally, the people of personality traits allow to flexibly adapt to changes in the environment in ways that lead to the healthiest of relationships with others and better coping strategies. When people have personality traits that are less adaptable, this leads to inflexibility and unhealthy coping. For example, they can handle the stress by drinking alcohol or drug abuse, they have a hard time managing their anger, and they find it difficult to trust and connect with others.

The personality forms early in life. It is shaped by a mixture of:

  • The Genes — His parents can pass on some of the personality traits for you. Sometimes these traits are called your temperament.
  • Environment — This includes your surroundings, the events that have happened to you and around you, and the relationships and patterns of interactions with family members and others.

A personality disorder is a mental health condition where people have a pattern of being themselves and reacting to the other, so that can cause problems. People with personality disorders often have difficulty in understanding emotions and tolerate distress. And act impulsively. This makes it difficult for them to relate to others, causing serious problems, and that will affect your family life, social activities, work and school performance, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms

In some cases, you may not know that you have a personality disorder. That is because the way they think and behave, it seems natural. You might also think that others are responsible for their challenges.

There are many types of personality disorders, each with important differences. These disorders are organized into three groups, or groups with shared characteristics and symptoms:

A group of personality disorders

A group of disorders of the personality are always a pattern of dysfunctional thinking and behavior that reflects the suspect or the lack of interest in others. They include:

Paranoid personality disorder

  • Lack of trust and suspicion of others and the reasons for their actions.
  • Believe that others are trying to do damage with no reason to feel this way.
  • Doubt of the loyalty of others.
  • Not willing to rely on others.
  • Doubt and trust in others for fear that others will use that information against you.
  • Taking innocent comments or situations that are not threatening as personal insults or attacks.
  • It becomes anger or hostility to what is believed to be offenses or insults.
  • Has a habit of holding grudges.
  • Often it is suspected that a spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful with no reason to feel this way.

Personality disorder schizoid

  • It seems to be cold or not interested in the others.
  • Almost always chooses to be alone.
  • It is limited in how emotions are expressed.
  • You may not take pleasure in most activities.
  • You can't pick typical of social cues.
  • Has little or no interest in having sexual relations with another person.

Schizotypal personality disorder

  • Have thoughts, beliefs, speech or behavior.
  • You feel or think strange things, such as hearing a voice whisper his name.
  • Has the plane of the emotions or emotional reactions that are socially unusual.
  • Has social anxiety, including not being able to make close connections with others, or not to have close relationships.
  • Respond to others in ways that are not appropriate or showing suspicion or lack of interest.
  • Has "magical thinking"— the belief that your thoughts can affect other people and events.
  • Believe that casual incidents or events that have hidden messages.

The B group of personality disorders

The B group of personality disorders are always a pattern dysfunctional dramatic, too emotional thought or unpredictable behavior. They include:

Borderline personality disorder

  • You have a strong fear of being alone or abandoned.
  • Ongoing feelings of emptiness.
  • It sees itself as an unstable or weak.
  • It has deep relationships that are not stable.
  • It has moods, often due to stress when interacting with others.
  • Threat of self-harm, or behaves in a way that could lead to suicide.
  • Is often very angry.
  • Sample impulsive and risky behaviors, like having sex, gambling or binge eating.
  • It has been related to the stress of the paranoia that comes and goes.

Histrionic personality disorder

  • Always looking for attention.
  • It is too emotional or dramatic or arouses sexual feelings for attention.
  • Speaks dramatically with strong opinions, but it does have some facts or details of the backup.
  • It is easily led by others.
  • Has shallow emotions which shift quickly.
  • You are very concerned about their physical appearance.
  • Think that relationships with others are more close to what they are.

Personality disorder narcissistic

  • Has beliefs about being special and more important than the other.
  • You have fantasies about power, success and be attractive to others.
  • Does not understand the needs and feelings of others.
  • Stretches the truth about the achievements or talents.
  • Expect constant praise and wants to be admired.
  • You feel superior to others, and boasts of it.
  • Waiting favors and advantages without a good reason.
  • Often takes advantage of others.
  • Is jealous of others or believes that others are jealous of them.

Antisocial personality disorder

  • It has little, if any, concern for the needs or feelings of others.
  • Often he lies, steals, uses fake names, and the cons of the other.
  • He has repeated run-ins with the law.
  • Often violates the rights of others.
  • It is aggressive and often violent.
  • It has little, if any, concern for personal safety or the safety of others.
  • Behaves impulsively.
  • It is often unwise.
  • It has little, if any, is regretted how their behaviour negatively affects the other.

Cluster C personality disorders

Cluster C personality disorders are always a pattern dysfunctional anxiety by the thought or behavior. They include:

Avoidant personality disorder

  • It is very sensitive to criticism or rejection.
  • Not feeling good enough, important or attractive.
  • It does not take part in the work activities that include contact with others.
  • Is isolated.
  • Do not try new activities, and don't like to meet new people.
  • She is very shy in their social environment and in dealing with others.
  • The fears of rejection, embarrassment or ridicule.

Dependent personality disorder

  • Relies on others too much and feels the need to be careful.
  • Is submissive or clingy towards others.
  • Fears of having to take care of themselves if left alone.
  • You are lacking confidence in their own abilities.
  • You need a lot of tips and comforting others to make even small decisions.
  • Find it difficult to start or to do projects due to the lack of self-confidence.
  • It's hard not to agree with others, fearing that it will not approve.
  • Supports ill-treatment or abuse, even when there are other options available.
  • Has an urgent need to start a new relationship when a near one of the ends.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

  • Focusing too much on the details, the order and the rules.
  • Think that everything has to be perfect and get angry when perfection is not achieved.
  • May not finish a project, because perfection is not possible.
  • You need to be in control of people, tasks and situations.
  • You can assign tasks to others.
  • Ignores friends and pleasurable activities because of an excess of concentration at work or a project.
  • You can't throw away broken or worthless objects.
  • It is rigid and stubborn.
  • It is not flexible about the morals, ethics or values.
  • Has very tight control over the budget and spending of money.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is an anxiety disorder.

Many people with a type of personality disorder also have symptoms of at least one other type. The number of symptoms a person may vary.

When to see a doctor

If you have any of the symptoms of a personality disorder, see your doctor or a mental health professional. When personality disorders are not treated, they can cause serious problems in relationships and mood. Also, the ability to work and pursue personal goals may get worse without treatment.

Causes

It is believed that the personality disorders are caused by a mixture of how genetics and environment affect you. Genes may make it more likely that you will develop a personality disorder, and what happens in life you can set a disorder of the personality in motion.

Risk factors

Although the specific causes of personality disorders are not known, some of the factors that seem to increase the risk of having one:

  • Specific personality traits. This includes always trying to keep away from harm, or, on the contrary, a strong need to find new activities that get the adrenaline pumping. It also includes poor impulse control.
  • Early life experiences. This includes a home environment that is not stable, predictable, or support. Also includes a history of physical trauma, neglect or emotional abuse, neglect or abuse, or sexual abuse.

Complications

Personality disorders can seriously disrupt your life and the lives of those who care for you. Can cause problems in relationships, work or school. And that can lead to social isolation, other mental health problems with addictions, as well as occupational, and legal issues.

Diagnosis

Find out if you have a personality disorder may involve:

  • A physical exam. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. In some cases, your doctor may link their symptoms to an underlying physical health concern. Your evaluation may include laboratory tests, and screening for alcohol and drugs.
  • A mental health evaluation. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. This assessment includes a discussion about their thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and may include a questionnaire to help determine a diagnosis. With your permission, the information of the members of the family or others who can help.
  • The comparison of the symptoms to the standard guidelines. Your mental health professional can compare their symptoms with the guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), published by the American psychiatric Association.
  • The neuropsychological tests. Your doctor may refer you to a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist of the personality or cognitive test to better understand the way we see and interpret the world around you.

Sometimes it's difficult to find the type of personality disorder, because there is a large amount of overlap between the types of personality disorders. Other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, or substance abuse, may make it more difficult to know that the personality disorder a person has, or if a person has a personality disorder at all. It's worth the time and effort to obtain a correct diagnosis so that you get the appropriate treatment.

Treatment

The treatment that is best for you depends on your personality disorder, its severity, and your life situation. Often, a team approach is necessary in order to comply with your mental health, medical and social needs. You may need to be treated for months or years.

Your treatment team may include your doctor and a:

  • The psychiatrist.
  • A psychologist or other therapist.
  • A psychiatric nurse.
  • To your pharmacist.
  • The Social worker.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt), a form of psychotherapy also known as talk therapy, is the main avenue for the treatment of personality disorders. Medications can also be used during the treatment.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt

Dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt (DBT), a form of psychotherapy, is used for the treatment of disorders of the personality. This therapy focuses on the treatment of dangerous behavior, including behavior that can lead to suicide, as well as the behavior that can get in the way of treatment or affect the quality of life.

DBT consists of weekly one-on-one sessions with a therapist. The treatment can last for about a year.

The therapists in the treatment of patients using DBT regularly attend a consultation group where they talk about issues related to the treatment. DBT therapists are also available by telephone or by other means so that they can provide coaching to help ensure that the treatment discussed during the sessions are applied in real life.

This therapy also includes the modules:

  • Control your emotions.
  • The management of distress.
  • The practice of mindfulness.
  • Indeed, the relationship with other people.

This therapy has been shown to be effective for adolescents and adults, but a group of certified in DBT is essential.

Medications

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medication for the treatment of personality disorders in particular. But several types of psychiatric medications can help with the symptoms of a personality disorder:

  • Antidepressants. Antidepressants can help if you are feeling depressed, angry, impulsive, irritable, or hopeless. These symptoms may be related to disorders of the personality.
  • Mood stabilizers. These drugs can even mood swings or decrease how irritable, impulsive and aggressive they are.
  • The antipsychotic drugs. These medicines, also called neuroleptics, can help if your symptoms include loss of contact with reality. This is known as psychosis. They can also help with a little bit of anxiety or anger issues.
  • Anti-anxiety medications. These medicines can help if you're anxious, restless or can't sleep. But in some cases, they can make you more impulsive. That is why it is not used with some types of personality disorders.

The Hospital and residential treatment programs

In some cases, a personality disorder can be so severe that you need to stay in the hospital for mental health care. This is usually only recommended when you can't take care of himself properly or when it is in danger of harming yourself or someone else. After being stable in the hospital, your mental health professional may recommend a program of hospital-day, residential program or outpatient treatment.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Along with your treatment plan, it is also important to:

  • Participate in your care. This can help you manage your personality disorder. Don't skip therapy sessions, even if you don't want to go. The therapy may take 6 to 12 months. Think about your treatment goals and working towards achieving them.
  • Take your medicines as directed. Even if you feel well, do not skip your medication. If you stop, your symptoms may return. You may also experience symptoms of withdrawal of the suspension of a drug too fast.
  • Learn about your condition. To know more about your condition can motivate you to follow your treatment plan.
  • Stay active. Physical activity can help to control many of the symptoms such as depression, stress and anxiety. You can take a walk, jogging, swimming or in the garden or take another type of physical activity that you enjoy.
  • Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and street drugs can cause the disorder of the personality that the symptoms get worse or affect the way the medicine works.
  • Get routine medical care. Don't ignore checkups or skip visits to your doctor, especially if you are not feeling well. You may have a new health problem that needs to be discussed, or you may be feeling the side effects of a medication.

Coping and support

Having a personality disorder that makes it difficult to take actions that can help you feel better. Medical or mental health professionals can help to learn better coping skills and get the support you need.

If your loved one has a personality disorder

If you have a loved one with a disorder of the personality, work with your mental health professional to find out how you can offer support and encouragement.

You can also benefit from talking with a mental health professional about your concerns. A mental health professional can help you set boundaries and learn ways to take care of yourself, so that you can enjoy more of life.

Preparing for your appointment

Because personality disorders, often need the attention of a specialist, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Taking a family member or a friend can help remind you of something that you might have missed or forgotten.

What you can do

Prepare for your appointment by making a list of:

  • Its symptoms, including those that do not seem to be related to the reason for the appointment.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • All medications, including medications available over the counter, vitamins, herbal preparations, or other supplements you are taking and the dose.
  • Questions to ask your doctor or mental health professional.

Basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What type of personality disorder do I have?
  • How to treat my type of personality disorder?
  • Going to talk therapy help?
  • How can medications help?
  • How much time should I take the medicine?
  • What are the main side effects of the medications that you are recommending?
  • How long will treatment take?
  • What can I do to help myself?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have?
  • What sites do you recommend to visit?

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

During your appointment, your doctor or mental health professional will probably ask you some questions about your mood, thoughts, behavior, and calls, such as:

  • What symptoms have you noticed, or have others said notice in you?
  • When did or will begin to notice the symptoms?
  • How do your symptoms affect your daily life?
  • What other treatment, if any, have you had it?
  • What have you tried on your own to feel better, or the control of the symptoms?
  • What things make you feel worse?
  • Have the members of your family or friends, the comments about her mood or behavior?
  • Has relatives had mental health conditions?
  • What to expect from treatment?
  • What medicines, vitamins, herbs or supplements you take?
Symptoms and treatment of Personality disorders