Personality Disorders a Brief Overview – this blog gives a quick overview of what personality disorders are, how they are treated and where you can get help.

What are Personality Disorders?

Our personality is formed by the way we think feel and behave, our personality is influenced by the experiences we have, our environment and inherited characteristics.

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.

What causes a Personality Disorder?

It’s not clear exactly what causes personality disorders, but they’re thought to result from a combination of the genes a person inherits and early environmental influences – for example, a distressing childhood experience (such as abuse or neglect).

How can Personality Disorders affect your life?

Personality disorders can affect your life in a variety of ways depending on the disorder that you have. Common symptoms of a personality disorder might include:

• Disturbed thinking
• Impulsive behaviour
• Difficulties controlling emotions
• Intense and unstable relationships
• Anxiety
• Anger

All of these symptoms can impact how you cope with life experience your emotions and connect and form relationships with other people.

What kinds of Personality Disorder are there?

Personality disorders are clustered into three groups:

Cluster A – personality disorders in this group include those where you find it difficult to relate to other people. Examples include, Schizoid personality disorder and Schizotypal personality disorder.

Cluster B – personality disorders in this group include those where you find it hard to control your emotions. Examples include, Antisocial personality disorder or Borderline personality disorder.

Cluster C – personality disorders in this group includes those where you have strong feelings of fear or anxiety. Examples include Dependent personality disorder and Avoidant personality disorder.

How can Personality disorders be treated?

Personality disorders are treated through talking therapy, such as counselling and psychotherapy. Your therapist can help you to understand your personality disorder and explore strategies to deal with problems and change thinking and behaviour.

Talking therapy is the most common treatment, other treatments include Therapeutic communities and medication. Medication is often used to support problems connected to a personality disorder such as anxiety or depression.

Helpful Websites

From this website

Personality Disorders & Counselling Support

Around the Web

NHS Personality Disorders

Mental Health UK – Personality Disorders

Rethink Mental Illness – Personality Disorders

Mind – Personality Disorders

Paul Carter specialises in working with people who have Personality Disorders, if you want to talk to someone in confidence please Call Paul on 07843 813537. Please leave a message if he can’t answer your call and he will call you back as soon as possible. If you have any other questions or enquiries please call or send him a message by completing the online enquiry form. Due to COVID Paul is currently working exclusively online or on the telephone.