Information, Personality Disorders, Symptoms

Personality Disorders

Rahat Lookmanji

A person’s personality is an enduring component of who they are. As we grow from childhood to adulthood, our personalities solidify. Our personalities impact the way we think, feel, behave and react to the world around us.

According to research done by the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 6% of the world’s population has a Personality Disorder. This figure makes this class of mental health concerns one of the most prevalent. But why is it so important to understand what Personality Disorders are, the various types and their symptoms?

Personality Disorders tend to negatively affect one’s interactions with orders, thus impacting the quality of their long-term relationships. Personality Disorders impact mental and emotional well-being as well.

Some of the most common Personality Disorders are discussed below.

By Rahat Lookmanji

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder have, over time learned to turn toward others for security, nurturance and care. They have also learned to allow others to lead them. They may seek out relationships that provide this care, affection and guidance. This may be problematic as they may not voice their opinions, or stay in unhealthy relationships.

Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder tend to be vigilant, always on guard and ready to distance themselves from situations that they think may prove to be stressful or cause them pain. They have developed a pattern of behaviour that indicates distrust of others. Though Avoidant individuals want affection and connection with others, their fearful personality patterns prevent them from developing meaningful relationships, as they tend to withdraw in order to protect themselves.

Individuals with Depressive Personality Disorder tend to feel glum, pessimistic, lack joy and may feel unable to experience pleasure. Often the pain is viewed as permanent rather than transitory. Individuals with this personality pattern may be at a higher risk of developing Major Depression.

Individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder are similar to Dependant individuals in that they often turn to others for attention. However, they defer from Dependant individuals in their interactions. Their interactions with others may be superficial and seen as manipulating situations, so they may receive the majority of attention and favours while avoiding indifference and disapproval. They appear to be highly self-confident, however, in truth they experience a fear of genuine autonomy and a need for acceptance and approval.

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to be egotistical and self-involved. They experience pleasure when the focus is on them. Early experiences have taught them to overvalue themselves and their self-worth. This sense of self-importance and confidence is, however, not sustainable or based upon the individual’s true abilities or achievements. This can be detrimental as if the individual experiences failure it can cause great amounts of distress. Additionally, their behaviour and air of self-importance can damage interpersonal relationships.

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder may try to avoid pain and harm at the hands of others by engaging in behaviours that are duplicitous or even illegal for self-gain. They may also be suspicious of others. They want to be autonomous and may crave revenge and recompense for any perceived injustice committed against them. They may be irresponsible and impulsive, which others may see as unreliable, thus damaging their interpersonal relationships. Their behaviour is a defence mechanism to protect themselves from harm.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is not the same as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Individuals who have OCPD display a preoccupation with order, perfectionism and control of themselves and situations. This interferes with flexibility, effectiveness, and openness. They may be seen as rigid and stubborn in their activities and may insist that things are done in s certain way. They are often very dedicated to work and productivity, which can have a detrimental effect on personal and professional relationships.

Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder often display a vigilant mistrust of others and an edgy defensiveness against anticipated criticism and deception. They may behave in an abrasive way that precipitates exasperation and anger in others. They often are fearful of losing their independence, which can make them resist external influence.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 16). Personality disorders: Types, causes, symptoms & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview

Rahat Lookmanji
Rahat Lookmanji

Therapist, Founder of The Empathy Centre, BSc Psychology with Clinical Psychology, M.A Clinical Psychology

Published by Rahat Lookmanji

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