10 Signs and Symptoms That Could Point to a Personality Disorder
People differ in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and personality disorders are caused by a combination of inherited traits, experiences, and environment. People often associate being around someone with a "great personality," which makes sense, but what exactly is a personality disorder? A person may be diagnosed with one when certain aspects of their personality become problematic for both them and those around them.
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| 10 Signs and Symptoms That Could Point to a Personality Disorder |
We all have quirks and flaws. However, how can you tell if the characteristics of your personality are signs of a personality disorder?
A personality disorder is a mental illness that can make it challenging for a person to engage with people or keep up positive relationships. A person suffering from a personality disorder may appear “set in their ways” and struggle to adjust to new circumstances and changes in their life. Certain personality qualities may hinder the formation of interpersonal interactions, making it difficult for you to establish intimate friendships or bonds.
10 indicators you could have a personality disorder
- Problems with self-worth.
- Inconsistent numbers.
- Difficulties preserving intimate connections.
- A hard time feeling empathy.
- Problems defining limits.
- Problematic approaches to parenting.
- Inability to control one's emotions.
- Issues related to stress.
- Low consciousness of oneself.
- Challenges in the workplace.
1. Problems with self-worth.
A personality disorder may result in either
extremely high or extremely low self-esteem. The way that some people see
themselves can also change. For instance, you might perceive yourself as a
nice, loving person one moment and a nasty, cruel person the next. Borderline
personality disorder frequently presents with this unstable self-image (BPD).
Grandiosity is the exaggerated sense of self that certain people with specific
personality disorders exhibit, leading them to believe they are superior to
others in intelligence or beauty. A common characteristic of narcissistic
personality disorder is this.
2. Inconsistent numbers.
Your morals could also appear erratic. You
might, for instance, act properly at work but differently at home. For
instance, a person might act well-mannered and courteous at work yet abusively
treat their family members when they come home. With antisocial personality
disorder, this can be the case.
3. Difficulties preserving intimate connections.
Strong personality qualities can turn people
off, which can make it difficult to establish relationships when one has a
personality disorder. Others may become irritated with you and less inclined to
want to spend time with you as a result of your behavior.
If you and other people are always having misunderstandings, it can be
difficult to keep up relationships. This is typical for those with personality
problems. You can project unreal goals and emotions onto other
people.
4. A hard time feeling empathy.
Having a personality condition may also make it difficult for you to sympathize with other individuals. You can come across as callous or indifferent. Lying is a last resort for some people, regardless of the consequences to others. To escape taking responsibility for their actions, they could tell lies.
5. Problems defining limits.
Individuals suffering from personality disorders could also be resistant to setting limits or struggle to identify themselves with others. You might not give a damn about upholding or observing boundaries.
You might not mean to cross boundaries, depending on your type of personality condition. Rather, it could be difficult for you to recognize when you are going too far. Even when someone tells them no, some people may intentionally overstep the mark.
6. Problematic approaches to parenting.
Parenting practices that are abusive or
careless might be attributed to personality problems in parents. Some
individuals with personality disorders may be extremely emotional, unduly
invested in their children's lives, and deeply entwined in family dynamics.
Some could be utterly aloof and uninvolved in the lives of their children. The
actions of their parents with personality problems frequently have an effect on
their offspring.
7. Inability to control one's emotions.
Having a personality condition can make it difficult for you to control your emotions. When something doesn't go your way, you could respond quickly with frustration or become easily agitated.
For example, a person with BPD could lash out in an attempt to get attention or experience extreme mood fluctuations. Additionally, shallow emotions that change quickly could be experienced by someone with histrionic personality disorder. BPD symptoms also include furious outbursts and a sense of emptiness.
8. Issues related to stress.
Those who suffer from personality disorders may
find it difficult to handle stressful circumstances and occurrences. You can
make harmful attempts to manage your stress.
For instance, a person with BPD may self-harm as a coping mechanism for dealing
with symptoms of the disorder, such as stressors in their life and feelings of
abandonment.
9. Low consciousness of oneself.
People who suffer from personality disorders
frequently are unable to identify or accept that they are mentally ill. Even
when people close to you beg you to get help, you can be in denial and refuse
to go for therapy. You could also hold other people accountable for your
actions or issues.
For instance, if your relationship is struggling, you can frequently deny
accountability for your own role and place the blame for problems on your
partner.
People suffering from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), for
example, may be particularly reluctant to change or compromise and may not
understand how their obsession with organization, schedules, and work projects
is harming their relationships.
10. Challenges in the Workplace.
Personality issues can cause difficulties in
partnerships. Additionally, they may make it difficult to function in a formal
workplace. You might not get along well with coworkers or superiors and
struggle to collaborate with others.
However, irrational outbursts are not the only possible obstacle in the
workplace. For example, a person with schizoid personality disorder may find it
difficult to maintain employment due to their tendency to withdraw or be
extremely shy.
7 Signs of Avoidant Personality Disorder. Watch this video
What are the types of personality disorders?
Cluster A personality disorders
People may find you strange if you suffer from cluster A personality disorder. You likely find social situations difficult.- Paranoid personality disorder.
- Schizotypal personality disorder.
- Schizoid personality disorder.
Cluster B personality disorders
You most likely struggle to control your emotions and may behave erratically if you have cluster B personality disorder.Cluster C personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Avoidant personality disorder.
- Dependent personality disorder.
Let's review.
As you go through the aforementioned list, you might notice characteristics in yourself. Everybody occasionally loses control of their emotions and acts out in anger, especially when under a lot of stress.
However, to be diagnosed with a personality disorder, you have to have a persistent inner experience and behavior pattern that deviates significantly from social norms and expectations. The symptoms need to be present in both social and professional contexts, not only at work. There will be an influence on two or more of the following areas:
- Cognitions, or ideas
- Mood
- Temperament interpersonal connections
- Impulse control
Your life will probably be complicated by these qualities, and you might even miss out on prospects for relationships or career advancement.
Self-diagnosis of personality disorders is
difficult, in part because people with these diseases are blind to their own
troubling symptoms. A personality disorder can only be diagnosed by a mental
health expert. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a good idea if
you believe that you or someone you know is exhibiting personality disorder
symptoms.
Acknowledging that you could be suffering from a mental health issue is the
first step toward improving your quality of life and relationships. Never
forget that you are not alone. It can be lonely to have a personality
condition, but there is support available.
Note read also about bipolar disorder
- The American Academy of Psychiatry
- The American Psychological Association
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Dr. Haytham Mansour
Health Pulse blog covers important topics about health & wellness, Mental Health, healthy food, and special Diet. Strategies to enhance physical & mental health, and more.
