Mercy Options Personality Disorders Myths Mental illness is not: Hopeless Something to fear Untreatable Something you have to justify to others A personal deficit Weakness Failure Something to be ashamed about Something you have to go through alone
What are Personality Disorders?
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People with one or more personality disorders show a persistent, inflexible and pervasive pattern of abnormal thinking, mood, personal relations and control of impulses. These behaviors deviate markedly from the expectations of the person’s culture, leaving the person with an inability to successfully relate to his peers and society in general. Since personality disorders don’t often disrupt emotional, intellectual and perceptual functioning, they aren’t considered an illness in the strict senseof the word. But a personality disorder can make life miserable for those affected and those around them.
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What Causes Personality Disorders? Two factors play a strong part in the creation of these disorders. Genetics, or family history, predispose a person to personality disorders. And early childhood events can often exert a strong influence on behavior in later life.
Types of Personality Disorders: There are many types of personality disorders, including: Paranoid – Interprets the actions of others as deliberately threatening, deceiving or demeaning. Has an abnormal distrust and suspicion of others, holds long grudges and is unforgiving. Searches for hidden meanings in everything. Schizotypal – Shows a peculiar, odd or eccentric way of talking, dressing and behaving; e.g., thinking one possesses magical powers or extra-sensory abilities. Speaking style is often elaborate and hard to follow. Antisocial – Ignores normal rules of moral, legal or social behavior in local culture. Has a marked inability to get along with others and lack of conscience. Prone to criminal behavior with a belief that the victim is weak and deserves to be taken advantage of. Often careless with money and takes action without considering consequences. Sometimes known as a psychopath or sociopath.
Borderline – Experiences unstable and intense relationships, behavior and mood. Has a poor, or complete lack of self-identity or self-image. Has rapid mood swings and is often overly impulsive. Takes anger out on one’s self, causing injury and threatening suicide. Narcissistic – Behaves with an exaggerated sense of self-importance and grandiosity. Has a deep need to be admired and praised by others but lacks empathy and the ability to see the viewpoints of others. Overly sensitive to criticism. Often makes good first impressions but has difficulty maintaining long-term relationships. Avoidant – Characterized by extreme social anxiety. Fearful of rejection and criticism. Feels inadequate, depressed and is socially inhibited. Yearns for social relationships yet feels unable to obtain them. Dependent – Shows overly dependent and submissive behaviors because of an extreme need to be taken care of. Lacks self-confidence and is unable to make decisions or take an independent stand. Fears separation and may become suicidal when a break-up is imminent. Often remains in abusive relationships, feeling helpless and depressed. Obsessive-compulsive – Strives for perfection and orderliness. Has high aspirations, but is inflexible. Preoccupied with uncontrollable patterns of thought and action. Has unreasonably high standards for self and others, but is overly critical if standards aren’t met.
Schizoid – Has a very limited range of emotion, both in expression and experience. Indifferent to and uninterested in social relationships. Sees no need for attention, acceptance or popularity. Often regarded as humorless, distant loners. Histrionic – Shows exaggerated and often inappropriate displays of emotion, to the point of melodrama, in everyday behavior. Need for constant attention leads to need to interrupt others to dominate conversation. Experiences sudden and rapid change in emotions. May dress provocatively or exaggerate illness to gain attention.
Treatment of Personality Disorders Therapy can be very helpful to alleviate symptoms before they become disabling. Medication might be suggested to help ease the depression and anxiety often associated with personality disorders.
Common Symptoms of Personality Disorders No matter the type, individuals with one or more personality disorder have many symptoms in common: • Prone to angry outbursts without provocation • Self-centered and self-preoccupied • Lacks trust, respect, forgiveness, remorse and empathy • Perceives others as unfaithful, disloyal, condescending or deceitful
• Appears emotionally cold, jealous, guarded, secretive and serious • Extreme anxiety in social situations • Reacts inappropriately (or not at all) to conversation • Impulsive, irresponsible, callous, exploitive and manipulative • Rapid and unpredictable mood changes • Verbally or physically aggressive • Lack of accountability that results in the victim mentality – blames others, society and the world for one’s problems • Poor self-image • Black and white thinking • Rarely initiates social contact • Highly cautious, with difficulty making decisions and completing tasks
Steps to Help Yourself Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine. Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to and who will listen. Do not set difficult goals or take on added responsibility – Break larger tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish. Avoid making major life decisions – Try taking it one day at a time. Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with kindness and respect. Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right and keep your appointments.