While society seems to be moving towards more open discussion around anxiety and depression, there still seems to be a lack of understanding of other mental health diagnoses, such as personality disorders. There continues to be significant stigma around personality disorders and, therefore, considerable shame around recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. Learning more about what personality disorders are (and are not) can start to break down those barriers.
Throughout this article, we will take a look at the reality of what personality disorders are, how to distinguish between various diseases & personality disorders, and what treatment for personality disorders looks like.
What are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect the way an individual thinks, feels, and interacts with others. An individual with a personality disorder is likely to experience significant distress and difficulties in their daily functioning due to the way they think about, respond to, and relate to other people. It is estimated that around 9% of the population have a personality disorder, though many people do not even recognize that they may have one.
There are various types of personality disorders that are categorized in Clusters A, B, and C. These categories denote unconventional or suspicious behavior, difficulties with emotional regulation and impulsivity, and anxious or fear-based behavior within relationships. Examples of personality disorders include borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and dependent personality disorder. Each condition has its own unique set of signs and symptoms, though they all involve long-standing unhealthy patterns that create problems within interpersonal relationships.
Misdiagnosing Personality Disorders
It is common to confuse certain personality disorders with other types of chronic diseases of the brain and mental health diagnoses. For example, Borderline Personality Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Bipolar II disorder as they share common symptoms, such as impulsive behavior and difficulties with emotional regulation. There is also evidence showing that males are drastically underdiagnosed with personality disorders, which may be due to gender roles and toxic ideas of masculinity in our culture.
Many individuals who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are also diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, etc. For instance, a binge eating disorder can occur alongside a diagnosis of BPD. Therefore, there may be more of a focus on these other challenges, and addressing BPD can fall through the cracks. It is crucial for an individual to receive the proper diagnosis to be able to receive appropriate treatment if a personality disorder is present.
Treatment for Personality Disorders
Despite popular myths, personality disorders are, in fact, treatable. Certain types of psychotherapy such as psychoanalytic therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have been proven to be effective at treating personality disorders. While there is no medication specifically used to treat personality disorders, certain medications may be helpful in addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or mood dysregulation. It is also beneficial for people with personality disorders to develop healthy lifestyle habits and stress management strategies.
Seeking Support for a Personality Disorder
If you notice a long-standing pattern of unhealthy dynamics in your relationships or challenges with controlling your emotions or behaviors, consider reaching out for support from a mental health professional. There is support available to help you understand what you are experiencing, manage your symptoms, and develop healthier patterns of relating.
