Personality disorders comprise a group of conditions in which sufferers display rigid and maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can often disrupt their personal, professional, and social lives. The onset of personality disorders usually comes in adolescence or early adulthood. Types of personality disorders include: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, histrionic, dependent, avoidant and obsessive-compulsive. Each of these disorders is marked by extreme, atypical and socially inappropriate behaviors and actions consistent with its name. For example, those with avoidant personality disorder are pathologically shy, withdrawn and sensitive to rejection, and therefore avoid forming relationships for fear they will result in hurt or rejection.
Personality Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of personality disorder, but generally, personality disorders involve feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that do not adapt to a wide range of settings.
These patterns usually begin in adolescence and may lead to problems in social and work situations.
The severity of these conditions ranges from mild to severe.
Personality Disorder Causes:
The causes of personality disorders are largely unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.