Personality disorders: Causes, signs, and treatment

September 26, 2022

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Personality disorder is one of the most common mental disorders that go unnoticed. Contrary to normal personality traits, abnormal personality causes many obstacles in life and increases other psychological and mental problems.

Table of Contents

What is personality disorder?

Personality Disorder is a term that refers to disorders of personality formation, cognition and behavior. The characteristic manifestation of this pathology is a special, unstable personality that leads to difficulty adapting to the environment and problems in relationships with people around.

A simpler understanding of personality disorder is a term that refers to a way of life, reactions, feelings, and behaviors that are completely different from normal people but do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of a particular mental illness. show. Therefore, personality disorders are easily confused with psychological and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, paranoia, schizophrenia, etc.

Personality is only perfected when 18 years old. Therefore, personality disorder is not diagnosed for people aged 0-17 years. According to statistics, about 6-11.1% of the population is facing this disease.

Personality disorder is chronic and persists for life. However, therapeutic interventions can change emotions, thoughts (perceptions) and behaviors in a more positive direction. Some patients can even take advantage of their strengths to develop themselves and achieve career success. Understanding personality disorders will help people around detect abnormalities in patients early, thereby creating conditions for patients to be examined and treated promptly.

Signs of personality disorder

Personality disorders are divided into different types based on clinical manifestations. However, the common feature of this pathology is the abnormality in thoughts, attitudes and reactions leading to difficulty adapting / integrating and encountering obstacles in relationships.

Signs of a personality disorder:

Unusual way of expressing emotions, which may be less expressive, blunt feelings or excessive emotional expression, exaggeration, etc.
Emotions are unstable, can change suddenly from happy, gentle to irritable, angry and short-tempered, etc.
Unusual and eccentric behavior, reaction and behavior compared to those around
Some cases appear paranoid (false beliefs/thoughts are formed irrationally, not based on fact)
Rigid behavior, lack of flexibility and flexibility
Extreme personalities such as being too cruel, cruel, selfish, irresponsible, overly worried, perfectionist, suspicious, too weak, weak, etc.

The most obvious sign of a personality disorder is an unusual personality compared to other people. This abnormality will make it difficult for the patient to integrate, live a closed life and have few close relationships.

Classification of personality disorders

Personality disorders are divided into 3 groups A, B, C and each group will include many different types. Personality types in the same group will have similar characteristics. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), personality disorders are divided into three groups:

1. Group A personality disorder

Group A personality disorder refers to personality states characterized by bizarreness and eccentricity. Group A includes three types of personality disorders: paranoid personality disorder, schizoaffective personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. The proportion of people with group A personality disorder is relatively small and is often confused with psychosis, paranoia, schizophrenia, etc.

– Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is also known as paranoid personality. As the name suggests, this personality type is characterized by delusions (false beliefs and thoughts that are formed irrationally, not based on reality). People with the paranoid personality type are always suspicious of everything, lack trust with people around, emotionally unstable, irritable, aggressive but also shy, low self-esteem.

Approximately 0.5 to 2.5% of the population develops paranoid personality disorder, and a high rate occurs in families with a history of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or psychosis. This personality type is more common in males.

Typical signs of paranoid personality disorder:

Having the wrong idea that people around you are deceiving, intending to harm, and want to destroy yourself
Lack of trust and always doubting the sincerity and loyalty of everyone including spouses, friends, colleagues, etc.
Always see humiliation, threats, and threats in other people’s words, even if they are just ordinary comments or words.
Hardly share or reveal themselves to others for fear that others might use their secrets against them.
Hatred personality, being kind and never forgiving when hurt
Emotional instability, irritability, and aggression when thinking that the other person is intentionally harming or demeaning oneself

People with paranoid personality disorder often have problems in relationships and rarely maintain long-term relationships (especially romantic relationships, marriage). Without treatment, patients can develop anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis, and delusional disorder.

– Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizophrenia is a personality disorder characterized by shyness, a closed attitude, and an alienation from those around them. Common characteristics of people with this personality type are cold temperament, quiet, introverted, limited range of emotional expression, blunted emotions, and lack of emotional need.

Experts believe that schizoid personality disorder is an innate personality disorder that continues to evolve over time. The risk of this form of personality disorder is higher in people with a family history of schizophrenia or personality abnormalities. Statistics show that about 7.5% of the population suffers from schizoid personality disorder, and men are at twice the risk than women.

Common signs in people with schizoid personality disorder:

Feeling uncomfortable, even afraid when interacting with other people
Rarely makes eye contact, is apathetic, quiet, shows little emotion and has no sense of humour
People with schizoid personality disorder often respond tersely, lack emotion in their words, and are not interested in everything around them.
Patients often choose research jobs that have little to do with people.
Love math, philosophy, astronomy, so if treated, you can achieve success in research work.
People with borderline personality disorder often like objects and some people love animals. In addition, the patient has no need for sharing, empathy and vice versa.
Passive personality, little competition, rarely romantic feelings and almost no sexual desire.

Schizophrenia has a varied prognosis. With the right treatment, patients can improve their quality of life and deal with relationship difficulties. Conversely, untreated cases can develop depression, delusional disorder, and schizophrenia.

– Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizophrenia personality disorder is easily confused with schizoaffective personality disorder. In general, the two personality types share many similarities and often develop in people with families with schizophrenia, psychosis, and personality abnormalities.

Schizophrenia is characterized by eccentric, eccentric, and bizarre thinking. People with this personality type are often superstitious, worshipful and worshiping supernatural forces. Poor feelings, inappropriateness, disparate behavior, hallucinations and paranoia may occur. About 3% of the population has schizoaffective personality disorder and a higher percentage in men.

Signs of schizoaffective personality disorder:

Often associated with delusions, false beliefs, surrealism, and fanciful thinking (thinking that you have oracles, a sixth sense, or telepathy)
Language, thoughts are peculiar, sophisticated and often metaphorical in speech
Abnormal perception
Having skepticism, thinking that they will be assassinated and harmed by a certain force
Very strange appearance and behavior, easy to recognize
Self-contained, socially isolated, but some people can still have close friends (mostly friends from elementary school)
Fear of harm leads to anxiety and stress in daily communication. Gradually the patient lives a closed, isolated life and can lock himself in the house.

Schizophrenia has a poor prognosis – especially in untreated cases. The suicide rate due to this pathology is over 10%. With therapy and support, patients can improve relationships, understand their emotions, and maintain a job to generate income.

2. Group B personality disorder

Group B personality disorder is characterized by unstable personality, overrepresented or exaggerated emotions. In contrast to the closed form of group A, group B stands out with the need for attention and attention.

Group B personality disorder includes 4 types of personality disorders including dramatic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder (narcissism), borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. . The prevalence of group B personality disorders is relatively high – especially borderline personality disorder.

– Histrionic Personality Disorder

Dramatic personality disorder is also known as Hysteria personality disorder. The prevalence of the disease is about 2-3%, more common in women than in men and often accompanied by other mental disorders such as alcoholism, body disorders, mood disorders, etc.

Dramatic personality disorder is a personality type characterized by ostentatious, flamboyant personality, a love of seduction, and a constant need for attention. Emotions are expressed in an exaggerated but unstable and often changing manner.

The reason that dramatic personality disorder is also known as Hysteria personality disorder is because of its suggestibility – similar to those of Hysteria hysteria. People with this personality type are very easily influenced by the environment and the people around them.

Signs of dramatic personality disorder:

Always in need of attention and feeling uncomfortable in places where you are not the center of attention
Engages in seductive, sexually suggestive behaviors with all members of the opposite sex
Emotions are expressed in an exaggerated, dramatic way, but are unstable and changeable
Take care of your appearance and often use your appearance to make others notice you
Subjective, or fabricated words to satisfy the desire to be noticed
If people go unnoticed, the patient becomes lethargic, tired, and hostile. Some people intentionally cause trouble and take revenge on those around them.
Showing off sex through behavior and words but having no sexual desire or having very little
Selfish personality, superficial life, do not know how to share and sympathize
When faced with stress, a state of dissociation and separation from reality may occur
Easy to suggest, much influenced by the context and people around
Always think relationships are closer than they really are

Dramatic personality disorder has a good prognosis if treated. On the contrary, those who are not examined and treated will develop many health problems such as depression, dissociative disorders, body disorders, etc.

– Antisocial personality disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is one of the personality disorders with a poor prognosis. People with this disorder often show behavioral disturbances in their teens. Antisocial personality disorder is common in people whose parents are alcoholics, drug addicts, and have dramatic personality disorders. The prevalence is 3% in men and 1% in women.

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by thoughts and behaviors that go against the law, moral and social norms. People with this personality type are often selfish, looking for ways to achieve their goals without caring about people. Live irresponsibly, cruel, aggressive, without empathy and without remorse. With these characteristics, most people with antisocial personality disorder become criminals.

Signs of antisocial personality disorder:

Antisocial thoughts and behaviors such as stealing, fighting, lying, frequent aggression, and violent behavior towards others
Emotional instability, easily stressed and agitated
Always violate the regulations of the organization (school, company) and ethical, social and even legal norms
Live irresponsibly, do not fulfill social obligations and do not fulfill their role for the family
Achieving the goal by all means such as lying, taking advantage and manipulating others
Despise the safety of others and yourself
No remorse, no ability to recognize mistakes and no learning from mistakes
Blaming others and manipulating psychology to make excuses for all of our own mistakes
Does not hold a reputation for money and hardly sustains a job
Insensitivity, no compassion and empathy for the pain of others

People with antisocial personality disorder are at risk for alcohol and drug addiction and delinquency early on. Due to the disregard for their own safety, the patient is prone to injury, disability and a high risk of suicide. Treatment for antisocial personality disorder is difficult and the prognosis is often poor.

– Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is also known as narcissism. People with this personality type always have a need to be flattered, pampered, ambitious, frivolous, and passionate about power. In addition, people with narcissistic personality disorder are often sensitive to criticism and criticism and cannot accept failure on their own.

About 1% of the population has narcissism and a higher percentage in men. Initially, people with this disease may get people’s attention and attention due to their outstanding appearance and lively personality. However, very soon the patient will be isolated and have difficulties and conflicts in social relationships.

Signs of narcissistic personality disorder:

Think that you have a special talent, appearance, and role compared to those around you
Passion for power, delusions of self-success. Narcissists spend a lot of time fantasizing about achieving greatness and getting acclaim.
Believe that you are unique and that only special people can be friends with you
There is always a need to be admired, flattered and flattered
Because I think I’m special, I always make unreasonable demands. If unsatisfied, the patient may become angry, irritable, and aggressive towards people around him
Make the most of relationships to achieve your goals
Arrogant attitude, arrogant and always thinks that others are always jealous of themselves
Lack of empathy, do not know how to share with others
Extreme pain when you have to face failure

Narcissistic personality disorder has a chronic progression, poor prognosis, and limited treatment. People with this disorder are more likely to abuse substances and develop mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is also known as volatile personality disorder. This is the most common personality type with a prevalence of about 5-6% of the world population. This personality type has an equal prevalence in men and women.

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by emotional instability, large mood swings, and extreme sensitivity in personal relationships. People with this personality type can’t stand being alone, so they always try to not have to end the relationship. Patients often threaten, even threaten to commit suicide so that the other side accepts to take care of them.

Signs of borderline personality disorder:

Excessive sensitivity in personal relationships, fear of abandonment, and attempts to maintain relationships (begging, crying or threatening suicide)
When the other party refuses to comply with the request, the patient immediately gets the impression that they are intending to abandon themselves. This thought quickly caused the patient to become extremely scared and angry, crying, smashing things
Black and white thinking (i.e. thinking that only looks at the right – wrong, good – bad side of an opponent or support)
Patients often worship and flatter excessively those who show courtesy, concern, and care to them. However, just because of a very small thing, they can change their attitude and criticize and scold each other severely.
People with borderline personality disorder can understand, share, and care for others knowing that this person will always be there for them.
Difficulty controlling anger and always expressing anger with intense emotions such as anger, irritability, bitterness, and sarcasm
Regularly change your self-image by changing jobs, giving up careers, changing goals, etc.
People with borderline personality disorder themselves are always empty inside and have a constant fear of abandonment

Borderline personality disorder has a good prognosis if treated. Early intervention helps patients deal with life’s difficulties and symptoms are markedly reduced. This personality type has a low recurrence rate if it is lived in a healthy environment and receives timely medical support.

3. Group C personality disorder

Group C personality disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety or fear. Group C includes three types of personality disorders: avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Of the three groups, this is the group with the most favorable prognosis if examined and treated promptly.

– Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder has a relatively low prevalence, only about 0.05 – 1% of the general population. This personality type is related to the strict upbringing of the family, frequent beatings and criticisms in childhood.

Avoidant personality disorder is a constant worry about being criticized and criticized. This fear causes the person to avoid social and professional activities and to be reticent in expressing themselves. If left untreated, avoidant personality disorder can develop into social anxiety disorder.

Signs of avoidant personality disorder:

Permanent fear of objection, criticism and criticism
Avoiding social and professional activities
Rarely take the initiative to talk to others, unless the other person is sure to respond and not deny themselves
Rarely shows affection to others for fear of rejection and shame. However, people with this personality type still have a need to be loved and cared for
Low self-esteem, thinking oneself less attractive and less competent than others
I consider myself incapable of communication
Almost never refute other people’s opinions and very rarely dare to speak their mind for fear of being opposed and controversial.

Osessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder:

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is easily confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People with this personality type are often very thorough, pay attention to details, orderly, and always follow a rigid plan.

Patients are very afraid of making mistakes, so they often hesitate in making decisions and starting plans. Rigid personality, lack of humor, difficulty communicating and always suppressing his emotions. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is common in people who have had a strict and meticulous upbringing.

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder:

Excessive attention to rules, details, and order leads to distraction from the main goal
Excessive perfectionism causes the task to be delayed
Extreme focus on work despite not having financial problems
Never have hobbies and rarely see friends because they think these activities are just a waste of their time
We attach great importance to ethical values, social standards and the law
Very thrifty in spending because he thinks that he should save money to protect himself against possible uncertainties in the future.
Rigid personality, lack of flexibility, flexibility and stubbornness

– Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by excessive dependence on others and a constant need for attention and care. People with this condition consider themselves incapable of self-care and unable to live independently. The prevalence of the disease accounts for 2.5% of the population and is equal in men and women. Dependent personality disorder often develops in people with a family history of depression.

Signs of dependent personality disorder:

Believing that you cannot take care of yourself and cannot take on responsibilities
Excessively bland and always dependent on others
Always need advice, encouragement to be able to make decisions even if it is a simple decision
Accept submission and fulfill all requests to be taken care of by the other party. Therefore, people with this personality type are often taken advantage of in a relationship
Fear of being abandoned and having no one to take care of. Therefore, after the end of a relationship, the patient will immediately find a new relationship to be cared for and spoiled.

Causes of personality disorder

The exact cause of personality disorders is still unknown. However, most are related to genetics and environmental influences. The cause of the disease is different for each type of personality disorder and for each individual.

Here are some of the factors that have been identified as being associated with personality disorders:

Inappropriate, overly strict or overly indulgent upbringing
Genetic
Family history of personality disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, conduct disorder, psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorder
Unfavorable living conditions (too harsh, violence, conflict, poverty, etc.)
Obstetric complications such as brain injury, toxicity, infection, etc.
Prolonged stress
Severe psychological trauma from childhood (abandoned by parents, abused, abused, etc.)

The process of personality formation is influenced by many factors. Some of these personality disorders develop after traumatic events. However, there are also abnormal personality types that are mainly related to birth and genetics.

Diagnosis of personality disorder

Personality disorders are easily confused with common personality traits. People with this condition rarely notice any abnormalities in themselves. Patients are often only proactively examined when they develop depression, an anxiety disorder, or have related physical problems.

Diagnosis of personality disorder is based on clinical symptoms and often requires the support of relatives and friends. Because the patient himself is not aware of the abnormality in his thinking, way of life and behavior.

Techniques used to diagnose personality disorders:

General health check
Explore symptoms, personal/family history
Psychological test
Blood and urine tests for drugs, thyroid hormone measurement, etc.
CT, MRI brain

Methods of treating personality disorders

Essentially, people with personality disorders do not have impaired psychosocial functioning. Therefore, patients can learn, work and develop relationships if treated in time.

Personality disorder is a chronic, lifelong disease. Therefore, in addition to the patient’s efforts, it requires the support of family and society to create a healthy living environment and minimize stimulating factors.

Treatments considered for patients with personality disorder include:

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is the most effective method of treating personality disorders. This method helps patients change abnormal thoughts, feelings, reactions, and behaviors. Thereby patients can easily integrate and can study and work stably.

Personality disorders are characterized by a rigid personality, so treatment can take a long time. Depending on the type of personality disorder, the doctor will choose the appropriate intervention.

The level of response varies according to the type of personality disorder that the patient has. In which, group C personality disorder has the best prognosis when therapeutic intervention. Groups A and B have more limited effectiveness, so most of them have to be combined with drug use.

Psychotherapies considered for patients with personality disorders:

Psychoanalytic therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Family psychotherapy
Self-affirmation technique

Psychotherapy can be done individually or in groups. In addition, patients will also be taught relaxation techniques to reduce stress and release negative emotions.

2. Drug use

Medication is not the first choice in treating a personality disorder. Some personality abnormalities do not necessarily require medication if they respond well to psychotherapy. However, in many cases, medication will be required to provide emotional support during therapy and to reduce symptoms caused by personality disorders.

Medications used in the treatment of personality disorders:

Antipsychotic drugs
Sedatives, anxiolytics
Antidepressants

3. Care measures

Common characteristics of people with personality disorder are difficulty in integrating and problems in social relationships. People with this condition are often very sensitive to stress and are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders.

Personality disorder is a chronic and lifelong disease. Therefore, in addition to the treatment according to the doctor’s instructions, the patient and his family should combine with additional care measures to support physical and mental health.

Measures to take care of patients with personality disorders:

Organize a scientific and healthy lifestyle
Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and stimulants
Looking for a suitable job, less pressure and competition to facilitate the treatment process
Make sure to get enough sleep and take relaxation measures every day such as meditation, yoga, massage, herbal tea, aromatherapy, etc.
Join non-profit organizations for opportunities to do good deeds, expand relationships, and learn how to mingle with people around you.
It is possible to join a group of people with personality disorders to gain more experience in managing and managing the disease.

Personality disorder is a common mental illness that is difficult to detect. Abnormalities in personality, attitudes, thoughts, and feelings are easily confused with normal personality traits. Therefore, it is necessary to improve knowledge about mental disorders to help patients be detected and treated early.

John Alen

John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.