What is personality disorder symptoms

Each personality disorder has criteria that must be met for a diagnosis. A primary care doctor or mental health professional will ask you questions based on these criteria to determine the type of personality disorder.

In order for a diagnosis to be made, the behaviors and feelings must be consistent across many life circumstances. They should also cause significant distress and impairment in at least two of the following areas:. In some cases, your primary care doctor or mental health professional may perform blood tests to determine whether a medical problem is causing your symptoms.

In some cases, they may order a screening test for alcohol or drugs if they think substances are causing your symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of your personality disorder.

It may include psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy , or talk therapy, may help in managing personality disorders.

During psychotherapy, you and a therapist can discuss your condition, as well as your feelings and thoughts. This can provide you with insight on how to manage your symptoms and behaviors that interfere with your daily life. There are many types of psychotherapy. Dialectical behavior therapy can include group and individual sessions where people learn how to tolerate stress and improve relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to teach people how to change negative thinking patterns so they can better cope with everyday challenges.

However, certain types of prescription medications might be helpful in reducing various personality disorder symptoms, such as:. If you think someone may have symptoms of a personality disorder, or if they tell you that they think they do, encourage them to talk with a mental health professional. While voicing your concerns may cause tension, emphasize that your first priority is their well-being. You can also visit the Royal College of Psychiatrists website , and charity websites Mind and Rethink Mental Illness for their patient information on treatment for other types of personality disorder.

Many people with a personality disorder recover over time. Psychological or medical treatment is often helpful, but support is sometimes all that's needed. There's no single approach that suits everyone — treatment should be tailored to the individual. It's not clear exactly what causes personality disorders, but they're thought to result from a combination of the genes a person inherits and early environmental influences — for example, a distressing childhood experience such as abuse or neglect.

Having a personality disorder can have a big effect on the person's life, as well as their family and friends, but support is available. If you'd like support for yourself or someone you know, you may find the following links useful:. Ask a GP about support groups for personality disorders near you. Or find out what mental health services exist and how to access them.

Page last reviewed: 12 October Next review due: 12 October Certain types of psychotherapy are effective for treating personality disorders. During psychotherapy, an individual can gain insight and knowledge about the disorder and what is contributing to symptoms, and can talk about thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help a person understand the effects of their behavior on others and learn to manage or cope with symptoms and to reduce behaviors causing problems with functioning and relationships.

There are no medications specifically to treat personality disorders. However, medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or mood stabilizing medication, may be helpful in treating some symptoms. More severe or long lasting symptoms may require a team approach involving a primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, social worker and family members.

In addition to actively participating in a treatment plan, some self-care and coping strategies can be helpful for people with personality disorders. But having a family member with a personality disorder can also be distressing and stressful. Family members may benefit from talking with a mental health provider who can provide help coping with difficulties. View More.

I agree. Personality Disorders What are Personality Disorders? A person with antisocial personality disorder may not conform to social norms, may repeatedly lie or deceive others, or may act impulsively.

Avoidant personality disorder : a pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People with avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain of being liked, be preoccupied with being criticized or rejected, or may view themselves as not being good enough or socially inept.

National Institute of Mental Health. Skodol A. Borderline personality disorder: Epidemiology, clinical features, course, assessment, and diagnosis.

Treatment of borderline personality disorder. Newlin E, et al. Personality disorders. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Starcevic V, et al. Pharmacotherapy of borderline personality disorder: Replacing confusion with prudent pragmatism.

Current Opinion in Psychiatry. Veterans Crisis Line.