What are personality disorders?

A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-term, pervasive, and disturbed patterns of thinking, behavior, mood, and interactions with others. A person with a personality disorder exhibits a persistent pattern of viewing themselves and others in ways that cause them problems. People with personality disorders often also have difficulty understanding emotions and tolerating distress, which can make it difficult to relate to others and impact their family and social life, work and school performance, and overall quality of life. Additionally, people with a personality disorder may not be aware of their troublesome behaviors or the negative impact they have on others.

What are the different types of personality disorders?

There are ten specific types of personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR): Paranoid Personality Disorder Schizotypal Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) Narcissistic Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder Avoidant Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

What are the best ways to treat personality disorders?

The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of personality disorder a person has, its severity and their living situation. Therefore, treatment often requires a group approach to address the person’s psychological, medical, and social needs. Treatment relies primarily on psychotherapy (talk therapy), which is helpful in managing the symptoms and complications of the disorder. Medication may also be helpful in some cases.

How can I support someone with a personality disorder?

Validate their feelings without judgment or criticism. Stay calm during their emotional outbursts. Learn about the disorder to better understand it. Help them seek treatment. Remind them of their positives to boost their confidence. Set clear boundaries in the relationship. Plan ahead for crises and how to handle them.