Personality disorder
পার্সোনালিটি ডিসঅর্ডার (ব্যক্তিত্বের ব্যাধি)
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
A person with a personality disorder thinks, feels, behaves or relates to other people in a way that's different from the average person.
Types of personality disorder
Personality disorder isn't one single condition. There are different types, and each can cause different symptoms.
The types of personality disorder include:
- paranoid personality disorder
- schizoid personality disorder
- schizotypal personality disorder
- antisocial personality disorder
- borderline personality disorder
- histrionic personality disorder
- narcissistic personality disorder
- avoidant personality disorder
- dependent personality disorder
- obsessive compulsive personality disorder
Symptoms of personality disorder
The symptoms of a personality disorder depend on which type a person has.
Borderline personality disorder (one of the most common types) can lead to:
- disordered thinking
- impulsive behaviour
- problems controlling your emotions
- concerns that other people will abandon you
- intense but unstable relationships
Antisocial personality disorder can cause a person to:
- be easily frustrated
- have difficulty controlling their anger
Other symptoms can include:
- avoiding other people
- being overwhelmed with feelings like anxiety or distress
- feeling empty and emotionally distressed
- difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships with other people
- periods of losing contact with reality
Some people with a personality disorder also have other mental health problems, such as depression or drug and alcohol misuse.
What causes personality disorder?
Personality disorders are a common mental health problem. They usually start in adolescence and carry on into adulthood.
Genetics and the way a person is brought up may both play a part in a personality disorder. Severe distress or fear in childhood can also contribute, for example neglect or abuse.
How personality disorder is diagnosed
Specialist mental health services diagnose personality disorders. To reach them, you would need a referral from a doctor.
Treatment for personality disorder
If you have a personality disorder, treatment usually involves therapy.
Talking therapy
Several different psychotherapies are used to treat personality disorders, and talking therapy is one of them.
In psychological therapy, you discuss your thoughts, emotions and behaviours with a trained professional. The idea is to help you gain more control over your thoughts and emotions.
Some therapies, group therapies especially, help people understand social relationships better.
The psychotherapist will listen to you and talk through the important issues with you. They can also suggest ways to deal with problems. And if it's needed, they'll help you change your attitudes and behaviour.
Medication
A doctor may prescribe medicine to treat problems that come with a personality disorder, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- psychotic symptoms
Read more: Depression · Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) · Psychosis
Pregnancy, becoming a parent and personality disorders
If you have a personality disorder, you may need extra support during your pregnancy and after your child is born. You can speak to a doctor, a midwife or a health visitor if you would like that support.