Personality Disorders
A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves over time. These patterns can cause difficulties in relationships, work, and everyday life.
Everyone has a unique personality, but a personality disorder involves long-term patterns that differ significantly from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or problems functioning.
Additionally, personality disorders can co-occur with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
The causes of personality disorders are often multifactorial. No single factor is responsible for the development of a personality disorder; instead, it’s the result of how these various factors come together throughout an individual’s life.
Causes of Personality Disorders may include
- Genetics – Family history of mental health issues
- Childhood trauma – Abuse, neglect, or unstable home environment
- Environmental stress – Life experiences and surroundings
There are many different types of Personality Disorders so symptoms may vary. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies personality disorders into three clusters, based on similar characteristics and symptoms.
Symptoms of Personality Disorders may include
- Difficulty in forming or maintaining relationships
- Rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking
- Intense emotional responses
- Problems with self-image or identity
- Impulsive or unpredictable behaviour
Treating personality disorders can be challenging because they involve long-standing patterns of behaviour and thinking, but with the right approach, many people can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Treatments for Personality Disorders may include
- Psychotherapy (CBT-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, IPT-Interpersonal Therapy, DBT- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
- Medication (for co-occurring symptoms like anxiety or depression)
- Support groups
- Lifestyle changes and self-care
Help Lines
Samaritans
Shout
If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0800 068 41 41
88247 (text)
pat@papyrus-uk.org
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides a helpline, online and WhatsApp chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
SANEline
If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
Nightline
If you’re a student, you can look to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
NHS 111 – urgent mental health helpline
You can contact NHS 111 any time to access support for your health. To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select option 2.
If you feel that you are unable to keep yourself safe, or if you feel you are at risk to yourself or others, then please contact 999 or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E)