Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning, and behaving. They can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, work, or other areas of functioning. This article provides an overview of personality disorders, common signs, and advice on seeking professional help, grounded in scientific research.

Personality disorders are categorized into three clusters based on similar characteristics:

• Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric): Includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders.
• Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic): Includes Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.
• Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful): Includes Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders.

These disorders are typically long-standing and affect multiple life areas. They can often be traced back to adolescence or early adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

While signs can vary widely depending on the specific disorder, some common symptoms include:

1. Inflexible and Pervasive Behaviour Patterns: Persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are significantly different from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment (Skodol et al., 2002).
2. Difficulties in Interpersonal Relationships: Problems in forming or maintaining relationships due to mistrust, social withdrawal, or inappropriate responses.
3. Distorted Self-Image: Unstable or distorted views of oneself, which may affect moods, values, goals, and relationships.
4. Impulsivity or Risk-Taking Behaviours: Especially noted in Cluster B disorders, impulsivity and failure to consider consequences can be a significant issue.
5. Intense or Inappropriate Emotional Reactions: Difficulty controlling emotions leading to extreme reactions or mood swings.
6. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness or Boredom: Persistent feelings of dissatisfaction, emptiness, or boredom.

Diagnosis of a personality disorder is complex and should only be made by a qualified mental health professional. It involves a comprehensive assessment of long-term patterns of functioning and symptoms. Various methods, including clinical interviews, observations, and standardized assessments, are used for diagnosis (Tyrer, 2014).

If you suspect you or a loved one may have a personality disorder:

1. Consult a Mental Health Professional: A psychiatrist, psychologist, or other trained mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
2. Consider Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a primary treatment for personality disorders, often focusing on increasing self-awareness, improving relationships, and coping skills.
3. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring disorders.
4. Support Systems: Engage with supportive friends, family, or support groups that can provide understanding and assistance.

Personality disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, and behaving. Recognizing the signs can be the first step toward seeking help. Consultation with a mental health professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With support and treatment, individuals with personality disorders can lead fulfilling lives.

Take this quick self assessment

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Skodol, A. E., Gunderson, J. G., Pfohl, B., Widiger, T. A., Livesley, W. J., & Siever, L. J. (2002). The borderline diagnosis I: Psychopathology, comorbidity, and personality structure. Biological psychiatry, 51(12), 936-950.
• Tyrer, P. (2014). Personality Disorders and the DSM-5: Scientific and Extra-Scientific Factors. Journal of Personality Disorders, 28(1), 1-10.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.