Personality disorders are different from psychological problems that may come and go, depending on circumstances, such as depression. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), “a Personality Disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment.”

Over the past century various personality disorders have been identified, some being added or removed from official diagnostic lists from time to time, and this is likely to continue as discussion among clinicians progresses regarding the nature of personality disorders. Currently, ten personality disorders are identified in the DSM-IV:

“Paranoid Personality Disorder is a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness such that others’ motives are interpreted as malevolent.

Schizoid Personality Disorder is a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a pattern of acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentricities of behavior.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is a pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity.

Histrionic Personality Disorder is a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Avoidant Personality Disorder is a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Dependent Personality Disorder is a pattern of submissive and clinging behavior related to an excessive need to be taken care of.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.”

Although these categories appear to be distinct from one another, there can be a spectrum of severity of each of these disorders, as well as overlap of symptoms among them. 

Often someone with a personality disorder does not experience their symptoms as a problem.  The person’s behavior and attitudes, however, can be a significant problem for those around them.  It is often easier to see a personality disorder in someone else than it is to identify it in oneself.  It is not unusual for someone to seek treatment for a personality disorder because others have insisted that they do so. 

Personality disorders usually require longer-term treatment in psychotherapy for effective results.  These disorders are often not identified until someone is well into adulthood, when the individual has been affected for many years. 

Equally important is the experience of the people who have significant relationships with someone who has a personality disorder.  They can find themselves very frustrated by the entrenched patterns of behavior in the other person that don’t change, regardless of what they do.  Consultation with a therapist can be helpful in identifying the nature of the problem and in deciding how to deal with it.

Dr. Jordan specializes in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, and self-esteem problems, through a personalized therapeutic plan. With over 16 years experience and training, she can help you achieve a sense of well-being and satisfaction with yourself, your relationships, and your life.

By Margaret Jordan, PhD
June 28th 2009

Source: http://www.drmargaretjordan.com

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