For the average person, their traits are usually fixed by the time you become an adult. These traits are fundamental from your past and from your genetic makeup. Often, they are a combination of positive and negative traits that make you the person you are.
The same cannot always be said of people with personality disorders as their traits tend to be mainly negative. They may act in socially inappropriate ways and are often unable to function normally in relationships whether personal or work related.
There are three groups of personality disorders, each having similar characteristics. These are:
1.Personality disorders that are characterised by eccentric behaviours such as paranoia, and schizoid behaviours.
Symptoms of paranoid personality disorders include:
&bullEmotional detachment;
&bullFeelings of anger toward others;
&bullBelieving that people are trying to harm you in some way;
&bullBelieving that what people say is in some way being malicious toward you personally; and
&bullBeing unable to work collaboratively with other people.
Symptoms of a schizoid personality disorder include:
&bullBeing emotionally distant;
&bullEmotional detachment;
&bullBeing very introverted:
&bullFantasising; and
&bullBeing fixated on your own thoughts and feelings.
Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include;
&bullEccentricities in the way you dress, speak, and interact;
&bullBelieving that public speeches etc contain hidden messages for you;
&bullSuspicion and paranoia;
&bullBelieving others can be influenced by your thoughts; and
&bullIndifference to other people
2.Disorders that display dramatic emotional behaviour. These include hysterics, narcissism, and antisocial behaviours and are often quite dramatic.
Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include;
&bullAttention seeking behaviours, particularly of a sexual nature;
&bullIntense desire for approval from others;
&bullFalse sense of intimacy;
&bullExcessive concern with physical appearance; and
&bullEmotional swings.
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include;
&bullExcessive response to criticism;
&bullConstant attention seeking behaviours;
&bullInability to empathise;
&bullInflated sense of importance; and
&bullBeing manipulative.
Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include;
&bullAggressive and violent behaviours;
&bullLying and stealing;
&bullNo signs of remorse when hurting others;
&bullNo consideration for the law and other people's rights;
&bullIrresponsible and unreliable; and
&bullNo concern for safety.
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include;
&bullInability to control emotions;
&bullDramatic mood swings;
&bullStormy relationships including physical aggression;
&bullFeeling empty inside;
&bullFear of being alone; and
&bullSuicidal attempts or ideations and self harming.
3.Those personality disorders marked by obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anxiety, fearful behaviours and avoidance and dependence.
Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include;
&bullSocially isolated;
&bullExtremely shy; and
&bullHypersensitive to criticism
Symptoms of dependent personality disorder include;
&bullExcessively dependent on others;
&bullIntensely afraid of being alone;
&bullNot willing to make decisions or to give opinion:
&bullTolerates abusive treatment rather than lose relationship; and
&bullJumps straight into new relationship after one ends.
&bull
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include;
&bullExcessively concerned about rules, order. schedules and so forth;
&bullPerfectionism;
&bullHoarding of broken and worthless objects;
&bullInability to share responsibilities;
&bullInflexibility in opinions; and
&bullCompulsive devotion to work.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder that shares some symptoms but is more extreme and disabling.
Most people with personality disorders believe that other people are to blame for the conflict and instability that they experience in their lives.
Although these conditions are incurable, the sufferer can live a relatively normal life with therapy and medication.
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