A personality disorder is a dysfunctional, severe, and rigid long-term pattern of thought, behaviour, and emotion. Those with a personality disorder can induce certain withdrawn or erratic responses. These responses can make it difficult for human beings to function when it comes to lifestyle activities such as working at their job and maintaining strong relationships. These are only a few of many areas of life that a personality disorder can impact.
With this in mind, to understand personality disorders and their various types, below outlines what the different types of personality disorders are to form a better understanding.
Let’s deep dive into understanding the different types of personality disorders.
Types Of Personality Disorders
There are different classifications when it comes to personality disorders. Some also interlink together. The personality disorders are grouped by certain definitions to give you a better understanding.
Eccentric Or Irrational Thinking And Behaviour
The following personality disorders describe portraying eccentric or irrational thinking and behaviours:
- Paranoid Personality Disorder – Suspicious of others leads to a lack of trust because it interprets that the person sees someone else’s motives as harmful
- Schizoid Personality Disorder – A lack of interest in social relationships and a lack of emotional responses in social interactions.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Indicating signs of eccentric behaviour, showing signs of discomfort towards people and hence not being able to forge close relationships.
Dramatic Or Impulsive Emotions or Behaviours
The following personality disorders describe portraying dramatic or impulsive emotions and behaviours. This means to act without thinking about the consequences of their actions:
- Antisocial Personality Disorder – A lack of disregard for the law, leading to performing actions that show harmful, aggressive and violent behaviour.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder – Indicating the need for attention and approval of others and an unhealthy obsession with their appearance.
- Borderline Personality Disorder – Indicating signs of an unstable personality that impacts relationships and shows extreme emotional outbursts. They may also show signs of self-harm and self-destructive behaviour.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Chronically-low self-esteem and requiring empathy and concern from others.
The following personality disorders describe portraying signs of anxious or fearful thinking:
- Avoidant Personality Disorder – Avoiding social interaction and is very sensitive to being judged and commented on.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder – Living in an orderly fashion because they want things to be perfect and to be in control at all times.
- Dependent Personality Disorder – A fear of loneliness and wanting to be taken care of. Difficulty with separation from friends and family. Submissive to abusive relationships.
What Are The Causes Of Personality Disorders?
It is difficult to determine the cause of personality disorders. However, there is a close connection with child environments and experiences which pertain to experiencing these personality disorders. Those with a personality disorder are likely to have experienced childhood abuse or trauma. Therefore, childhood experiences and genetics are two close causes.
When Can I See A Doctor?
If you feel that you’ve long term symptoms of a personality disorder, consulting your doctor is a great starting point. Any signs of erratic behaviour, mood swings, isolation and other problems that may impact your life and those around you could be signs of a personality disorder to resolve. Consulting the doctor to determine this is a great first step.
Do not deal with personality disorders alone. If you or somebody you know is suffering from a personality disorder, consult our doctors in Brunswick immediately for a consultation.
