An individual’s personality is the combination of characteristics that makes them unique. Their patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving all combine to form their character as a whole. However, when unhealthy repetitions arise, this can sometimes point to one of the ten personality disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning and lasts over time.”
Ten Types of Personality Disorders
Without treatment, personality disorders can worsen, making it imperative that anyone who believes they or a loved one may suffer from one seeks professional psychiatric help. For your reference, we have compiled a list below of the ten personality disorders. However, it is important to remember that these are merely brief definitions and that each disorder is multifaceted and unique to each individual patient. Only a medical professional such as a board-certified psychiatrist can offer a definitive diagnosis.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A pattern of showing no regard for right and wrong and ignoring the feelings of others
Avoidant Personality Disorder
A pattern of extreme shyness and unwillingness to involve themselves with others because of the fear of not being good enough
Borderline Personality Disorder
A pattern of instability in personal relationships, sometimes resulting in suicide attempts, feelings of emptiness and intense emotions
Dependent Personality Disorder
A pattern of clingy behavior that results in an inability to make daily decisions without the reassurance of others
Histrionic Personality Disorder
A pattern of extreme attention seeking and exaggerated emotions. Those with histrionic personality disorder may feel uncomfortable at times when they are not the center of attention and may even use their physical appearance to stand out.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A pattern of need for admiration and sense of entitlement, combined with a lack of empathy for others
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
A pattern of obsession and preoccupation with order and control. This disorder is not the same as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which is described by a pattern of recurring, unwanted thoughts that drive repetitive behaviors that significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
A pattern of distrust for others. Those with paranoid personality disorder often find it difficult to form close relationships and rather choose to spend time alone to avoid the spitefulness of others.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
A pattern of indifference toward any human interaction, positive or negative. A person with schizoid personality disorder expresses very little emotion and is content to be alone.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
A pattern of discomfort in close relationships, combined with peculiar behavior and social anxiety
If you believe that any of these personality disorder characteristics may apply to you or a loved one, contact Psychiatry Associates of Baton Rouge and request an appointment with one of our highly-trained psychiatrists. Together, we can explore the symptoms, reach an accurate diagnosis, and develop an effective treatment plan.
