Personality disorders are mental health conditions that can cause affected individuals to experience significant disturbances in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These disturbances can interfere with their ability to function in their daily lives. While personality disorders can start to develop in childhood, they are most likely to become apparent during late adolescence or early adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms of Personality Disorders
People with a personality disorder will often exhibit certain signs and symptoms that can be identified by family, friends, or mental health professionals. Common signs and symptoms of personality disorders include:
-Difficulty controlling impulses
-Unstable relationships
-Intense feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety
-Periods of extreme mood swings
-A pattern of intense and unstable relationships
-Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
-Ongoing feelings of emptiness
-Feelings of being overwhelmed by or disconnected from one's emotions
-Trouble maintaining a consistent job or career
-Difficulty with making and keeping friends
-Trouble adjusting to change
Risk Factors for Developing Personality Disorders
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a personality disorder, including:
-Having a family history of mental health issues
-Experiencing childhood trauma or neglect
-Having a difficult temperament
-Having low self-esteem
-Exposure to a chaotic environment
-Being exposed to substance abuse or addiction
Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, using criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Treatment for personality disorders is often tailored to the individual and may include psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.
