What are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders typically onset in adolescence or early adulthood and persist throughout life. However, therapy and maturation can help improve some symptoms. There are several different types of personality disorders.
Types of personality disorders
Some examples of the main personality disorder types include
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Excessive emotionality, need for approval and attention,
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Exaggerated sense of self-importance, excessive need
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Preoccupation with orderliness, rules, organization, details,
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Lack of interest in social relationships, indifference to
Treatment for personality disorders
Treatment focuses on symptom improvement through psychotherapy. Specific approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Changing dysfunctional thought and behaviour patterns.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Regulating emotions, tolerating stress, and improving relationships.
Schema Therapy
Identifying and changing long-standing emotional/cognitive patterns.
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy
Using a relationship with a therapist to foster self-examination.
Medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may sometimes be used. However, therapy remains the cornerstone of effective personality disorder treatment. With long-term commitment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and develop healthier relationship skills..