Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people, including themselves. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work, and school. These disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and persist over time. They are divided into three clusters based on descriptive similarities: Cluster A includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders; Cluster B includes antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders; and Cluster C includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Diagnosing a personality disorder involves a thorough psychological evaluation that may incorporate interviews, self-report questionnaires, and the assessment of personal history. The criteria for diagnosis are detailed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment is often challenging and may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, and sometimes medication to address co-occurring conditions or specific symptoms. However, the treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the personality disorder, and progress can be slow, with the need for long-term therapy.