Personality disorders can be confusing since many have similar or even overlapping characteristics.
Understanding Personality Disorders
Your personality is defined by how you think, behave, and feel.
A personality disorder is not simply about thinking, feeling, or behaving differently than would be expected.
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It is a persistent deviation from cultural expectations that causes distress and makes it difficult to function.
These tend to be the least common disorders but are often the most challenging to treat.
People with BPD tend to have unstable andintense relationshipsand are prone to frequent arguments and breakups.
They are characteristically afraid of being abandoned and will have a strongly negative image of themselves.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
People with this disorder often believe themselves to be exceptional and entitled to special treatment.
Jealousy of others is common, as is the belief that they are actively envied by others.
They also tend to overly concerned about their physical appearance.
Causes
Your personalitythe way you think, feel, and behavelargely forms during childhood.
Your temperament, environment, and personal experiences all work together to shape your personality.
Only a trained mental health professional can accurately make a diagnosis based on a review and characterization of symptoms.
If you think you or a loved one has a personality disorder, talk to your doctor.
Diagnosis includes a physical exam, psychiatric evaluation, and meeting specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
Treatment
Treatment can go a long way to helping you attain a better quality of life.
The two most common treatments are psychotherapy and medication.
If your situation requires it, you may need to be hospitalized or referred to a residential treatment program.
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oi:10.4088/PCC.16br02076
American Psychiatric Association (APA).
(2013)Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Washington, DC; American Psychiatric Association.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Personality Disorders.Bethesda, Maryland.
2017;19(2):16br02076.
