Personality Disorders are defined by widespread patterns of behavior and thinking that cause a person to greatly differ from social expectations—oftentimes to a degree that creates distress in themselves or others. These behaviors limit their ability to develop strong relationships, perform well at work or school or function well as a part of society.
There are ten disorders classified beneath the personality disorder umbrella. These disorders are: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive*, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal.
Diagnosing a personality disorder is a complex process that is best done by a clinician who can build a therapeutic relationship with the person in distress. Cultural differences and expectations, among many other factors, need to be considered when determining if an individual’s personality and behavior are considered disordered. This step is critical in treating a patient, as an accurate diagnosis is necessary to improve a patient’s mood and emotional wellbeing.
*Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is distinctly different from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)
Recognizing the Signs of Personality Disorders
The core symptoms of all personality disorders include:
