Personality Disorders

(Video coming soon)

Definition:

A personality disorder is a type of mental illness in whi ch you have trouble perceiving and relating to situations and to people — including yourself. 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 rela tionships, social encounters, work and school.

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes you unique. It's the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself.

Personality forms during childhood, shaped by genetic and envi ronmental influences. Some people may have a genetic vulnerability to developing a personality disorder and their life situation may trigger the actual development of a persona lity disorder. Personality disorders often begin in childhood and last through adulthood.

In some cases, people may not realize that they have a personality disorder because their way of thinking and behaving seems natural to them, and they may bla me others for the challenges they face.

General symptoms:

• Frequent mood swings,
• Stormy relationships,
• Social isolation,
• Angry outbursts,
• Suspicion and mistrust of others,
• Difficulty making friends,
• A need for instant gratification,
• Poor impulse control,
• Alcohol or substance abuse.

Causes of personality disorders are not known, but certain fact ors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering personality disorders, including:

• A family history of personality disorders or other mental illness,
• Low socioeconomic status,
• Verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood,
• Neglect during childhood or an unstable or chaotic family life during childhood,
• Loss of parents through death or traumatic divorce during childhood.

Treatments:

• Psychotherapy,
• Medications,
• In some cases, hospitalization.

Successful treatment depends on your a ctive participation in your care.