6 Most Common Personality Disorders
How do you tell a person who has a few issues from someone who has a full blown personality disorder? Do you even know exactly what a personality disorder is? Take a look at the 6 most common personality disorders along with some background information on personality disorders in general. This information might make you look at people in a whole new way.
What Is A Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder is a type of mental illness wherein an individual has difficulty perceiving people and situations as they are. They will also have problems relating to those people and situations. The individual is included in this statement in that if you have a personality disorder you may not be able to accurately perceive or relate to yourself either.
The result of these mistaken perceptions and ways of relating are a fixed way of thinking about and dealing with people and situations. You will find it hard to change your behavior and you may not see any problem with your maladaptive behavior. Even though this personality disorder may be problematic in your personal and professional life, you may not see anything wrong with your actions. In fact, you may blame others for the problems in your life.
What Are The Symptoms?
There are many symptoms that can come along with personality disorders and of course those symptoms will depend upon the specific personality disorder that you have. Some of the more general symptoms include mood swings, tumultuous relationships, social isolation, a lack of impulse control, periods of uncontrolled anger, distrust of people, misuse of alcohol, and drug use. If you have a personality disorder then you may not be able to see these symptoms or you may insist that everyone has them. This defensiveness could be another indicator that a personality disorder is a strong possibility.
What Causes Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are caused both by genetic factors and environmental factors. It is where these two influences meet that personality is formed and where personality disorders may be formed as well. It is not a specific circumstance or set of circumstances that leads to the development of personality disorders. In most cases it is just a possible end result of experiences that trigger a genetic predisposition toward certain personality traits.
Can Personality Disorders Be Treated?
Yes. These disorders can be treated with professional help but the amount and type of help will depend on the personality disorder and the severity of the symptoms. Therapy, medications, and your own efforts may all be utilized to treat a personality disorder and to improve the quality of your life.
6 Most Common Personality Disorders
1. Borderline personality disorder
2. Antisocial personality disorder
3. Narcissistic personality disorder
4. Depressive personality disorder
5. Passive-aggressive personality disorder
6. Obsessive Compulsive personality disorder
The most common personality disorders are more common than you think. There are many people who do not deal with life effectively and who do not see that their thought processes and behaviors are keeping them from a happier, and often more peaceful, life. It is a shame because treatments for personality disorders are quite remarkable and for many are the key to happiness.
Thomas Rheinecker likes writing about online schools that offer students the opportunity to pursue a psychology degree online.