FACTS 

• Hidden Strengths: Individuals with personality disorders often possess heightened sensitivity and empathy towards others.

• Creative Expression: Many individuals with personality disorders have a natural inclination towards artistic pursuits, such as painting, writing, or music.

• Resilient Adaptability: Despite the challenges they face, individuals with personality disorders demonstrate remarkable resilience in navigating life's obstacles.

• Unique Perspectives: The unique thought patterns and perspectives of those with personality disorders contribute to innovative problem-solving to situations.

• Passionate Advocacy: Individuals with personality disorders can become passionate advocates, using their experiences to raise awareness of mental health issues.

SYMPTOMS

• Emotional Sensitivity Roller-coaster: People with personality disorders often experience unpredictable shifts in their emotions, ranging from anger to deep sadness.

• Identity Fragmentation: Individuals may struggle with a fragmented sense of self, feeling uncertain about their values, goals, and personal identity.

• Fear of Abandonment: A common symptom is the fear of being abandoned, leading individuals to engage in clingy behaviors to avoid abandonment.

• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: Many experience a persistent and profound sense of inner emptiness, which can contribute to feel detached.

• Pattern of Self-Destructive Behaviors: Individuals may engage in self-harm, substance abuse, or risky sexual activities, as a way to cope with emotional pain.

CAUSES

• Early Childhood Trauma: Experiencing severe neglect, abuse, or witnessing traumatic events during childhood can contribute to the development of personality disorders.

• Genetic Vulnerability: Certain genetic factors or inherited traits may increase the risk of developing a personality disorder.

• Attachment Issues: Disruptions in early attachment bonds with caregivers can disrupt the development of secure emotional connections.

• Environmental Factors: Growing up in an environment characterized by instability, chaos, or inconsistent parenting can contribute to the development of maladaptive behaviors.

• Cognitive Patterns: Distorted thinking patterns, such as tendency to jump to negative conclusions, can play a role in the development of personality disorders.

THERAPIES USED

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their personality.

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): This therapy teaches individuals how to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal skills, and avoid self-destructive behaviors.

• Psycho-dynamic Therapy: A form of therapy that explores unconscious thoughts and early life experiences to gain insight into and resolve conflicts.

• Group Therapy: A therapeutic setting where individuals with personality disorders can interact, share experiences, and learn coping strategies from one another under the guidance .

• Schema Therapy: This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying deeply ingrained patterns or schemas that contribute to maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

• Clinical Interview: The counsellor conducts a comprehensive interview to gather information about the individual's symptoms, personal history, and relationships, aiming to identify patterns consistent with personality disorders.

• Diagnostic Criteria Assessment: The counsellor evaluates the individual's symptoms and behaviors against the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if they meet the criteria for a specific personality disorder diagnosis.

• Behavioral Observation: The counsellor observes the individual's behavior, including their interactions, emotional responses, and reactions to different situations, to gain further insight into their personality functioning.

• Self-Report Measures: The counsellor may administer standardized questionnaires or assessment tools to gather self-reported information about the individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, aiding in the diagnostic process.

• Collateral Information: The counsellor may seek information from collateral sources, such as family members or close friends, to gain a broader perspective on the individual's behavior and functioning, which can contribute to a more accurate diagnosis.

Personality disorders are categorized into three clusters based on similar characteristics and symptom patterns. The clusters are as follows:

Cluster A - Odd or Eccentric Personality Disorders:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder: Characterized by distrust, suspicion, and a pervasive belief that others have malicious intentions.

• Schizoid Personality Disorder: Involves detachment from social relationships, limited emotional expression, and a preference for solitary activities.

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Exhibits eccentric behavior, odd beliefs or magical thinking, and difficulties with social interactions and relationships.

Cluster B - Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Personality Disorders:

• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Marked by a disregard for others' rights, lack of empathy, and a tendency towards manipulative and exploitative behavior.

• Borderline Personality Disorder: Involves instability in self-image, emotions, and relationships, accompanied by impulsivity, fear of abandonment, and self-destructive tendencies.

• Histrionic Personality Disorder: Characterized by attention-seeking behavior, exaggerated emotions, and a strong need for approval and validation.

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Features an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Cluster C - Anxious or Fearful Personality Disorders:

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Involves feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to rejection, and a strong desire to avoid social interactions.

• Dependent Personality Disorder: Marked by excessive dependence on others, a fear of separation, and difficulty making decisions independently.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Characterized by perfectionism, rigid adherence to rules, excessive orderliness, and a focus on control.