Guide To The Major Types Of Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a condition that causes maladaptive disturbances in an individual's thought processes, emotional processing, and behaviors. These conditions have specific diagnostic criteria. However, individuals with personality disorders can have very different symptom presentations, backgrounds, relationships, goals, and individual experiences.

Thankfully, patients have a variety of options for personality disorder treatment. Patients often require medication for personality disorders, such as mood stabilizers. Psychotherapy for personality disorders is another common treatment. However, the best treatment for personality disorder depends on the type that a patient has. This is why individuals need to understand the major types of personality disorders now.

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by paranoia and intense mistrust of others. These feelings apply even when there is no reason for them. This is the essential characteristic of the disorder. Most patients begin to show symptoms during their childhood or early teen years. In addition, men seem to develop it more often than women.

This condition does not have an exact known cause. However, researchers believe it involves a combination of psychological and biological factors. There may be a genetic link to it as well. The reason for this is that individuals are more likely to develop this condition if they have a family member with a delusional disorder. In addition, early childhood experiences like emotional and physical trauma can influence the development of this disorder. Patients with paranoid personality disorder tend to be very guarded. They believe others are trying to demean or harm or threaten them.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a difficult one to treat. It occurs when an individual develops long-term patterns of violating the rights of others, manipulating individuals, or exploiting others without feeling remorse. Patients often have problems in their work and familial relationships. The cause is unknown. However, genetics and early childhood experiences may play a role. Individuals with an alcoholic or antisocial parent seem to have a higher risk of developing this condition. In addition, men are more likely to develop this condition than women. Animal cruelty and arson in childhood are often signs of a developing antisocial personality.

Some researchers believe this condition and psychopathy are the same. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder may be charming, witty, and good at flattery. They may also show little regard for the law, their own safety, the safety of others, and the autonomy of others. They may lie and get into fights often. Patients with this condition do not feel or show remorse or guilt for their actions.

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