Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a type of mental illness in which you have trouble perceiving and relating to situations and to people — including yourself. There are many specific types of personality disorders.

In general, having a personality disorder means you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking and behaving no matter what the situation. This leads to significant problems and limitations in relationships, social encounters, work and school.

In some cases, you may not realize that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving seems natural to you, and you may blame others for the challenges you face.

Prevalence: A govenment study in 2004 showed that 30.8 million Americans are affected with at least one personality disorde. Obsessive-Compulsive (7.9%), Paranoid (4.4%), Antisocial (3.6%), Schizoid (3.1%), Avoidant (2.4%), Histrionic (1.8%), and Dependent (.5%).

The researchers found that risk of having avoidant, dependent and paranoid personality disorders is greater for females than males [borderline is also more common in females than males]. The risk of having antisocial personality disorder is greater for males than females. They found no gender differences in the risk of having obsessive-compulsive, schiozoid or histrionic personality disorders. Other risk factors for personality disordes include being Native American or black; being a young adult; having low socioeconomic status; and being divorced, separaed, widowed or never married. Witht he exception of histrionic personality disorder, all the personality disorders assessed in the survey were associated with considerable emotional disability and impairment in social dn occupational functioning.

Schizotypal, Narcissistic, and Borderline personality disorders were not included in this study.

Types of Personality Disorders: The causes of personality disorders are unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. They are divided into three broad categories:

Cluster A - People who appear "odd or eccentric."

• Paranoid Personality Disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person has a long-term distrust and suspicion of others, but does not have a full-blown psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia.

• Schizoid Personality Disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person has a lifelong pattern of indifference to others and social isolation.

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has trouble with relationships and disturbances in thought patterns, appearance, and behavior.

Cluster B - Highly egocentric people who may appear "dramatic, emotional, erratic."

• Anitsocial Personality Disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal.

• Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition in which people have long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions, such as feelings about themselves and others. These inner experiences often cause them to take impulsive actions and have chaotic relationships.

• Histrionic Personality Disorder is a condition in which people act in a very emotional and dramatic way that draws attention to themselves.

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a condition in which people have an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with themselves.

Cluster C - People who appear "anxious and fearful."

• Avoidant Personality Disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a lifelong pattern of feeling very shy, inadequate, and sensitive to rejection.

• Dependent Personality Disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which people depend too much on others to meet their emotional and physical needs.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is a condition in which a person is preoccupied with rules, orderliness, and control.
  
  

Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of personality disorder. In general, personality disorders involve feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that do not adapt to a wide range of settings. These patterns usually begin in adolescence and may lead to problems in social and work situations. The severity of these conditions ranges from mild to severe.

Personality Disorder Assessment: Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) provides an evaluation for emotional, behavioral, or interpersonal difficulties. This assessment will help identify personality characteristics underlying an individual's symptoms and to facilitate discussion for treatment possibilities.

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Sources:

Boeree, C George (2007). Personality Disorders. Retrieved August 21, 2011 from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/persdisorders.html

Personality Disorders retrieved August 21, 2011 from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/personality-disorders/DS00562

Personality Disorder Said Pervasive in US. NASW News, November 2004.

PubMed Health retrieved August 21, 2011 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/