A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school.
You might just exhibiting some of the traits without really having the type of personality disorder. As long as your thought process are not causing you trouble in your everyday life, it should be able to resolve by itself through some mindful steps as you proceed in life.
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.
Personality disorders usually begin in the teenage years or early adulthood. There are many types of personality disorders. Some types may become less obvious throughout middle age.
Causes
Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviours 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 through an interaction of:
Your genes. Certain personality traits may be passed on to you by your parents through inherited genes. These traits are sometimes called your temperament.
Your environment. This involves the surroundings you grew up in, events that occurred, and relationships with family members and others.
Personality disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of these genetic and environmental influences. Your genes may make you vulnerable to developing a personality disorder, and a life situation may trigger the actual development.
Risk factors
Although the precise cause of personality disorders is not known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering personality disorders, including:
Family history of personality disorders or other mental illness
Abusive, unstable or chaotic family life during childhood
Being diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder
Variations in brain chemistry and structure
Types of personality disorders are grouped into three clusters, based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people with one personality disorder also have signs and symptoms of at least one additional personality disorder. It's not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed.
Adapted from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/personality-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20354463
Cluster A
Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include:
paranoid personality disorder
schizoid personality disorder
schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster B
Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behaviour. They include:
antisocial personality disorder
borderline personality disorder
histrionic personality disorder
narcissistic personality disorder
Cluster C
Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. They include:
avoidant personality disorder
dependent personality disorder
obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
When to see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms of a personality disorder, see your doctor or other primary care professional or a mental health professional. Untreated, personality disorders can cause significant problems in your life that may get worse without treatment.
Take good care of yourself :-)
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