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Personality Disorder Types: Causes and Treatment

Alanoud AlturkiMedical review: Tatmeen team5 min read
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Article contents
  1. What Is a Personality Disorder?
  2. Classification of the Disorder
  3. Types of Personality Disorders
  4. Complications of the Disorder
  5. Causes of Personality Disorders
  6. Diagnosing a Personality Disorder
  7. Treatment of Personality Disorders
  8. Ways to Prevent the Disorder
  9. Sources and references
  10. Writer and reviewer

It can be difficult to quickly understand what a personality disorder is because the term covers many classifications and types; the symptoms must be understood accurately to identify the specific type of disorder.

People with this disorder have a very different perspective from others. They find it difficult to get along with them and to handle everyday problems in the ways others expect.

In this article, we will answer the following questions:

1.   What is a personality disorder?

2.   How are personality disorders classified, and what are their types?

3.   What are the complications and causes of the disorder?

4.   How is the disorder diagnosed and treated, and what are the ways to prevent it?


What Is a Personality Disorder?

A personality disorder is defined as a type of mental disorder involving an unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving.

It causes significant problems and limitations in social relationships and activities because affected people have difficulty perceiving and communicating with others.

This disorder can leave people feeling isolated and blaming others for their challenges, which may lead to depression and anxiety.


Classification of the Disorder

There are 10 specific types, classified into three groups based on their characteristics and symptoms.

·    Cluster A: This cluster is characterized by unusual thinking and behavior, such as paranoia and schizotypal personality disorder.

·    Cluster B: This cluster is characterized by excessively dramatic or emotional thinking or behavior, as seen in borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders.

·    Cluster C: This cluster is characterized by anxious or fearful thinking, as seen in avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.


Types of Personality Disorders

1.   Paranoid personality disorder: This disorder is characterized by persistent suspicion and distrust of others, along with the belief that people will harm or deceive them.

2.   Schizoid personality disorder: A person with this disorder prefers to be alone, does not seek relationships with others, and is unconcerned by either criticism or praise.

3.   Schizotypal personality disorder: A person with this disorder may behave and speak in eccentric ways and may also experience excessive social anxiety and discomfort in close relationships.

4.   Borderline personality disorder: This involves an impaired self-image. A person with this disorder may make great efforts to avoid being abandoned, may make multiple suicide attempts, show intense and inappropriate anger, or experience persistent feelings of emptiness.

5.   Histrionic personality disorder: A person with this disorder feels uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, may use their physical appearance to attract attention, and has rapidly shifting and exaggerated emotions.

6.   Narcissistic personality disorder: With this disorder, a person has an inflated sense of importance and needs to be admired by everyone. They also lack empathy for others and exploit them for personal benefit.

7.   Antisocial personality disorder: A person with this disorder does not conform to social norms, lies repeatedly, consistently deceives others, and violates their rights.

8.   Avoidant personality disorder: Also described as a pattern of social withdrawal, this disorder is characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and intense sensitivity to criticism.

People with this disorder are unwilling to engage with others because they believe they are socially inadequate.

9.   Dependent personality disorder: A person with this disorder has difficulty making everyday decisions without consulting others and receiving reassurance from them. This type involves a need for care and support from others.

10. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: A person with this disorder focuses excessively on details, works excessively without taking breaks, and is inflexible about morals. It involves a preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control. It should be noted that this differs from obsessive-compulsive disorder.


Complications of the Disorder

·    Problems at work, in education, or in social relationships.

·    A desire to isolate oneself.

·    Addiction to alcohol and drugs.


Causes of Personality Disorders

Your personality is what makes you unique because it is a combination of thoughts, behavior, and emotions. Personality forms during childhood, and the following contribute to its development:

·    Genes: Certain personality traits inherited from parents.

·    Environment: The surroundings and events in which a person was raised, as well as their relationships with their parents and other people.

The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown, but they are thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Certain factors may also increase the risk of developing a personality disorder, such as:

·    Genetic factors.

·    A difficult family life during childhood.

·    Differences in brain chemistry and structure.


Diagnosing a Personality Disorder

Diagnosis begins when a person reaches the age of 18 and is not made before then because the personality is still developing. A person may have more than one type of personality disorder.

Diagnosis requires a mental health professional to examine long-term patterns of functioning and symptoms and refer to the revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Diagnosis is made through questions asked by a healthcare provider to determine the type of disorder based on the criteria specified in the diagnostic manual.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may request blood tests to determine whether a medical problem is causing the symptoms. Screening for alcohol or drugs may also be requested.


Treatment of Personality Disorders

Treatment depends on the specific type of disorder, its severity, and the person’s circumstances. Psychotherapy may help treat the particular disorder by supporting the person to:

·    Understand the disorder and the symptoms they experience.

·    Talk about their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

·    Understand how their behavior affects others.

·    Learn to control and cope with symptoms and manage behavior that causes problems at work or in social relationships.

Types of psychotherapy that may be used include:

1.   Psychoanalytic therapy/psychodynamic psychotherapy.

2.   Dialectical behavior therapy.

3.   Cognitive behavioral therapy.

4.   Group therapy.

5.   Psychoeducation (teaching the person and family members about the condition, its treatment, and ways of coping with it).

There are no medications specifically for treating personality disorders, but some medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may help treat certain symptoms.


Ways to Prevent the Disorder

In addition to following the treatment plan, there are strategies for preventing these disorders. These include:

·    Developing a good understanding of the type of disorder and the person’s condition.

·    Exercising and practicing breathing and relaxation exercises.

·    Avoiding drugs and alcohol to prevent the disorder from worsening.

·    Attending psychotherapy sessions consistently and following the treatment plan.

·    Expressing feelings regularly.

·    Avoiding isolation and spending time with family and friends.

·    Joining a support group with others who also experience the same disorder.

Finally, because there are many types of personality disorders, there is no single approach that suits everyone, and treatment must be tailored to the individual. Psychotherapy is often helpful, but support from others is also important.



Writing and article review

Alanoud AlturkiWritten byAlanoud Alturki

Content writer and researcher at Tatmeen, writing in Arabic and English on mental health and everyday life topics, including relationships, stress, work, habits, and family.

Tatmeen teamMedical reviewTatmeen team

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