Personality Disorder Therapy
Personality is the way of thinking, feeling and behaving that makes a person different from other people. An individual’s personality is influenced by experiences, environment (surroundings, life situations) and inherited characteristics. A person’s personality typically stays the same over time. A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time. There are 10 specific types of personality disorders.
Personality disorders affect at least two of these areas:
- Way of thinking about oneself and others
- Way of responding emotionally
- Way of relating to other people
- Way of controlling one’s behavior
The Types of Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Displaying a consistent pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, individuals with this disorder may defy social norms, engage in repetitive deceitful behavior, or act impulsively.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and heightened sensitivity to criticism, individuals with avoidant personality disorder may avoid social interaction unless assured of being liked. They may harbor a fear of criticism, rejection, or see themselves as socially inept.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Marked by instability in personal relationships, intense emotions, poor self-image, and impulsivity, individuals with BPD may go to great lengths to avoid abandonment, engage in repeated suicide attempts, exhibit inappropriate intense anger, or experience ongoing feelings of emptiness.
Dependent Personality Disorders
Demonstrating a need to be taken care of and exhibiting submissive and clingy behavior, individuals with dependent personality disorders may struggle to make daily decisions without reassurance from others. They may feel uneasy or helpless when alone due to a fear of being unable to care for themselves.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Characterized by excessive emotion and attention-seeking behavior, individuals with histrionic personality disorder may feel discomfort when not the center of attention, use physical appearance to draw attention, or display rapidly shifting or exaggerated emotions.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Featuring a need for admiration and a lack of empathy, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may possess a grandiose sense of self-importance, entitlement, exploit others, or lack empathy.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Displaying an obsession with orderliness, perfection, and control, individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may focus excessively on details or schedules, overwork without allowing time for leisure or socializing, and exhibit inflexibility in their morality and values (distinct from obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Demonstrating a pattern of suspicion towards others, viewing them as mean or spiteful, individuals with paranoid personality disorder often assume harm or deceit and avoid confiding or forming close relationships.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Reflecting a detachment from social relationships and limited emotional expression, individuals with schizoid personality disorder typically avoid seeking close relationships, prefer solitude, and display indifference to praise or criticism from others.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Exhibiting discomfort in close relationships, distorted thinking, and eccentric behavior, individuals with schizotypal personality disorder may hold odd beliefs, engage in peculiar behavior or speech, or experience excessive social anxiety.
