A personality disorder is a mental condition that, if left untreated, can cause a lot of damage to lives and relationships. People with a mental disorder may express emotions and different behavior patterns that are hard to understand, causing friends or family to withdraw from the person. While fear is natural, you shouldn’t ignore or distance yourself from friends that are suffering. The condition is curable. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a Personality Disorder?
The term ‘personality disorder’ is actually a broad term for a number of mental conditions. These conditions affect the personality and behavior of a person in many ways. Generally, they cause negative patterns of behavior or thought-processes, and a person can start to act or view themselves in ways that are different from cultural norms. There are many ways this manifests, from poor impulse control to social dysfunction and reduced emotional capacity. Those suffering may have trouble relating to other people or situations, and this can cause rifts in school, work and other social environments.
In some cases, some suffering from a personality disorder may not know that they are. They may also blame their feelings on challenges that surround them. Most personality disorders begin to show in the teenage or early adult years.
Types of Personality Disorders
Here are some of the types of personality disorders:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder – this type of personality disorder is primarily characterized by a compulsion to engage in repetitive thought patterns and behavior.
- Dependent personality disorder – in this particular personality disorder, the patient tends to have a hard time functioning without the help or encouragement of other people.
- Avoidant personality disorder – patients who have this condition may get shy or feel insufficient. They tend to be hesitant confronting other people about their own problems or even expressing their feelings.
- Narcissistic personality disorder – this may cause the patient to have an inflated view of themselves and their importance.
- Histrionic personality disorder – this personality disorder is often characterized by exaggeratedly dramatic and emotional behavior purposely done to draw attention.
- Borderline personality disorder – this may cause unstable emotions and mood swings. Unlike bipolar syndrome, this doesn’t usually occur repeatedly.
- Antisocial personality disorder – those with this condition tend to disregard other people’s rights and feelings. They may also resort to criminal acts to get what they want.
- Schizoid personality disorder – this makes the patient avoid any social interactions and become unresponsive to various social cues. The condition spreads beyond being introvert.
- Paranoid personality disorder – this may cause the patient be suspicious that everyone around them may mistreat him.
Effects of Personality Disorders
Here are some of the long-term and short-term effects of the condition:
- Declining physical health due to lack of care
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Increased withdrawal from socialization
- Difficulty with relationships.
Symptoms of Personality Disorders
While personality disorders primarily affect the mind, it can also drive people to disregard their physical health. For instance, someone with schizophrenia may neglect personal hygiene or suffer from insomnia because of fearful thoughts. It’s difficult to diagnose people with personality disorders that don’t have an existing significant medical background. Getting a detailed psychiatric evaluation can be really helpful in this regard.
Treatments for Personality Disorders
Here are some of the most efficient and effective treatments for personality disorders:
- Better sleeping habits. Having enough rest or sleep is necessary for getting rid of the condition. A lack of sleep may only worsen the condition.
- Aromatherapy. Essential oils are beneficial in improving anxiety, stabilizing hormones and eliminating depression.
- Exercise. This is one of the best treatments for personality disorder, as it helps release serotonin, giving the mind a sense of satisfaction.
- Learn about your condition. Understanding your condition may help make it easier to cope.
- Yoga and meditation. Both of these are beneficial in calming any physical and mental issues.
