How can personality disorders affect your life?

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by thinking and acting in ways that differ from societal expectations. Some people with a personality disorder don’t even realize they have one, which can lead to interpersonal conflicts in relationships or at work. Without treatment,personality disorders can contribute  to challenges like anxiety, avoidance, and anger issues.

The good news is that it’s possible to address those harmful thoughts and behaviors and minimize a personality disorder’s impact on your well-being. With the help of a mental health professional, you can learn how to increase your self-awareness, manage distressing symptoms, and live a more fulfilling life.

Signs you’re living with a personality disorder

There are 10 different personality disorders — each with its own unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria. While symptoms vary greatly depending on the specific disorder, some shared challenges may include difficulties with: 

• Maintaining close relationships
• Regulating emotions
• Understanding others’ feelings and intentions

However, it is important to note that the specific symptoms and their severity depend on the type of personality disorder.

Types of personality disorders 

Personality disorders are organized into categories, or clusters, based on similar features.

• Cluster A disorders: These personality disorders are associated with odd or eccentric behaviors including social detachment or distrust of others. This includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
• Cluster B disorders: This group of disorders can make it difficult to regulate your emotions and connect with other people. This includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
• Cluster C disorders: Cluster C disorders involve anxiety, submissiveness, fear of rejection, and perfectionist tendencies. This includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of a personality disorder, consulting a mental health professional can provide clarity and guidance for next steps.

Personality trait vs. personality disorder

Each person has their own unique characteristics that define them. These thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are known as personality traits, and they can change depending on circumstance. The five primary personality traits include extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. 

Personality disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by rigid thoughts and behaviors that persist over time. They typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood and are severe enough to negatively impact a person’s quality of life. 

For example, people who are introverted typically opt for quiet activities and spending time alone. They may attend large gatherings but prefer intimate social situations. Conversely, people with avoidant personality disorder usually avoid all social gatherings. They struggle with feelings of inferiority and an intense fear of rejection, which can impact their work, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. 

What are some possible causes of personality disorders?

Personality disorders are likely caused by genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that you may be more likely to develop a personality disorder if you have a first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, with one. For example, twin studies have found that both borderline and schizoid personality disorders are heritable. 

Childhood trauma — such as abuse, neglect, and household violence — may also contribute to the onset of a personality disorder. One study found that adults with borderline personality disorder had high rates of childhood sexual trauma, while those with schizotypal personality disorder reported higher rates of physical abuse. According to another study, being verbally abused as a child may increase your risk of developing borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, or paranoid personality disorders as an adult. 

What are the health risks of living with a personality disorder?

Personality disorders can be challenging to treat, but seeking professional support has the potential to change a person’s life. When untreated, personality disorders are associated with higher rates of unemployment, divorce, and homelessness. They can also cause low self-esteem, isolation, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.*  

It’s worth noting that personality disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions. For example, antisocial and borderline personality disorders are frequently diagnosed with substance use disorder. Other mental health conditions that can affect people with personality disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.

Fortunately, mental health treatment can help people manage personality disorders and co-occurring conditions. With the support of a therapist, you can learn to understand your thoughts and behaviors, cope with distressing symptoms, and find more balance in your life. 

*A note on safety: If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors.

Find care with Rula

If you think you might have a personality disorder, consider starting therapy soon as possible. It’s not always easy to realize you’re showing signs of a personality disorder, but knowing what to look for is the first step in accessing the right resources to find relief and improve daily functioning. 

Rula’s therapist-matching program helps people find a mental health professional, like a therapist or psychiatric provider, who’s in-network with their insurance and treats personality disorders. With Rula, you can have access to personalized, collaborative care as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula