Health Encyclopedia

Personality disorders

Definition

Personality disorders are a group of mental conditions in which a person has a long-term pattern of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts that is very different from his or her culture's expectations. These behaviors interfere with the person's ability to function in relationships, work, or other settings.

Causes

Causes of personality disorders are unknown. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Mental health professionals categorize these disorders into the following types:

Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely, depending on the type of personality disorder.

In general, personality disorders involve feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that don't adapt well to a wide range of settings.

These patterns usually begin in the teens and may lead to problems in social and work situations.

The severity of these conditions ranges from mild to severe.

Exams and Tests

Personality disorders are diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation. The health care provider will consider how long-lived and how severe the person's symptoms are.

Treatment

At first, people with these disorders usually don't seek treatment on their own. This is because they feel the disorder is part of themselves. They tend to seek help once their behavior has caused severe problems in their relationships or work. They may also seek help when they are struggling with another mental health problem, such as a mood or substance use disorder.

Although personality disorders take time to treat, certain forms of talk therapy are helpful. In some cases, medicines are a useful addition.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Outlook varies. Some personality disorders improve greatly during middle age without any treatment. Others only improve slowly, even with treatment.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

Problems with relationships
Problems with school or work
Other mental health disorders
Suicide attempts
Drug and alcohol use
Mood and anxiety disorders

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your health care provider or mental health professional if you or someone you know has symptoms of a personality disorder.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

References

American Psychiatric Association. Personality disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013:645-685.

Blais MA, Smallwood P, Groves JE, Rivas-Vazquez RA, Hopwood CJ. Personality and personality disorders. In: Stern TA, Fava M, Wilens TE, Rosenbaum JF, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 39.

Review Date:7/28/2022
Reviewed By:Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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