Personality disorders are deep-rooted patterns of thinking and behavior that deviate from accepted norms and are a source of suffering for a person. The first symptoms most often appear in late childhood or adolescence. Their development is due to social factors (e.g. violence and neglect by caregivers), genetic and biological factors (related to the functioning of the brain and neurotransmitters).
Types of personality disorders
The most common personality disorders are:
- Dissocial disorder – the main symptoms are a lack of guilt and empathy, disregard for rules and impulsivity, often even aggression.
- Dependent personality – consists of a feeling of inability to live independently and the need for care in the simplest matters.
- Borderline personality disorders – manifested by mood swings, fear of rejection and a tendency to aggression.
- Anankastic personality – a person with this disorder is characterized by perfectionism, an inner compulsion to act according to certain rules and excessive caution.
- Histrionic disorder – means the need to be in the center of attention, excessive emotional excitability and an exaggerated way of expressing oneself.
- Avoidant personality – in this disorder, very high sensitivity and low self-esteem play a fundamental role, which result in problems in social relationships and isolation from the environment.
- Narcissistic personality is m.in. lack of empathy, the need for admiration and exaggeration of one’s own achievements.
Treatment of personality disorders
Psychotherapy is primarily used in the treatment of personality disorders. The duration of therapy is often long because abnormal patterns of thinking and behavior are strongly entrenched. Sometimes it is necessary to include pharmacotherapy that alleviates the effects of disorders, e.g. intrusive thoughts, emotional instability or depressive states.