Personality Disorders

What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are characterized by long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviours that cause serious problems in relationships and work. A personality disorder can be seen as a way pervasive of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differs from the expectations of culture, causes distress, or problems in functioning. Personality disorders often continue throughout adulthood and are only diagnosed after the age of 18. Individuals with personality disorders are often at a greater risk for self-harm and suicide . 


Personality is described as a distinct set of traits, style of behaviour, and patterns of thinking that make up our character. Individuals with healthy personalities are able to cope with normal stresses and do not have difficulty forming relationships. Our personalities can be influenced by both genetic factors and environmental circumstances. 

There are three different categories of personality disorders: 

 

 

Although the cause of personality disorders is not known, there are some factors that seem to increase the risk of developing a personality disorder, such as: 

 

  • Family history of personality disorders or other mental illness
  • Abusive, unstable, or chaotic family life during childhood 
  • Being diagnosed with a conduct disorder in childhood 
  • Variations in brain chemistry or structure 

 

How are personality disorders treated? 


Both individual and group psychotherapy have been found to be effective if the individual is motivated to engage in treatment. Both dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been found to be helpful to help the individual feel validated and gain insight into their personality patterns. Additionally, psychotherapy can help individuals to understand the effects of their behaviour on relationships and learn to better cope with symptoms of these disorders. Specific types of treatments will depend on the specific personality disorder.


If you or someone you know is struggling with a personality disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Personality Disorder FAQs

  • What are personality disorders, and how are they diagnosed?

    Personality disorders are long-term, pervasive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause difficulties in relationships and daily life. A mental health professional diagnoses them through interviews, assessments, and understanding life history.

  • Can personality disorders be treated or cured?

    While personality disorders may not be “cured” in the traditional sense, therapy can significantly improve quality of life and ability to manage triggers. Many people learn healthier coping strategies and build stronger relationships through treatment.

  • What therapy options are available for personality disorders?

    Therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and schema therapy are often effective in treating many types of personality disorders. Treatment typically focuses on building emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills, but it can vary depending on the specific personality disorder being treated. 

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is a pattern of extreme shyness, social discomfort, feeling inadequate, and being extremely sensitive to criticism. Many of us struggle with shyness, however these individuals suffer from shyness that is so severe that it inhibits social behaviour. 

Individuals with avoidant personality disorder may avoid social or work activities as well as avoid social relationships. 


Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder may include: 

 

  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism or rejection 
  • Feeling inadequate or inferior 
  • Avoiding work activities that involve social contact 
  • Being timid, isolating, and avoiding meeting new people 
  • Extreme shyness in social situations and relationships 
  • Fear of disapproval or embarrassment 
  • Having poor self-esteem
  • Having few, if any, close friends 
  • Avoiding conflict, or being a “people pleaser”
  • Self-isolation 

 

How is avoidant personality disorder treated? 


Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn how to change unhelpful thinking patterns associated with self-perception. Additionally, psychodynamic psychotherapy can help individuals understand unconscious thoughts and realize how they have been shaped by past experiences.


If you or someone you know is struggling with Avoidant Personality Disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of instability through life, including in relationships, behaviour, mood, and self-image. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often have an intense fear of being abandoned and experience feelings of emptiness. They are highly sensitive and can react with intense emotions to change in their environment. It is common for borderline personality disorder to occur alongside depression , eating disorders, substance use disorders , PTSD , social anxiety , or bipolar disorder. 


Symptoms of borderline personality disorder can include:

 

  • Engaging in impulsive or risky behaviour (unsafe sex, gambling, binge eating, etc.) 
  • Having an unstable or fragile self-image
  • Having unstable and intense relationships 
  • Mood swings 
  • Engaging in suicidal behaviour or self-harm
  • Having an intense fear of being alone or being abandoned 
  • Feelings of emptiness 
  • Frequent displays of anger 
  • Being paranoid of others or difficulty trusting others 
  • Feelings of dissociation 

 

How is borderline personality disorder treated? 


Dialectical Behaviour Therapy was designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT can help to teach individuals skills to manage emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviours, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.


If you or someone you know is struggling with borderline personality disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is a personality disorder that is characterized by a pattern of submissive and clingy behaviour. Individuals with dependent personality disorder may require excessive reassurance or advice, and are easily hurt by criticism and rejection. 


Symptoms of dependent personality disorder can include: 

 

  • Excessive dependence on others 
  • Feeling the need to be taken care of 
  • Submissive or clingy behaviour towards others 
  • Low self-esteem or self-confidence 
  • Requiring excessive advice or reassurance from others 
  • Difficulty starting projects on your own 
  • Difficulty disagreeing with others 
  • Fear of criticism or disapproval 
  • Tolerance of poor or abusive treatment when other options are available 
  • Needing to start a new relationship when one ends 
  • Fear of rejection or abandonment 
  • Avoidance of personal responsibility
  • Difficulty being alone

 

How is dependent personality disorder treated? 


Psychotherapy can aid individuals in exploring past relationships that may have fostered dependent behaviour. Additionally, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals to question their thoughts regarding dependence and their abilities.


If you or someone you know is struggling with dependent personality disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, an intense need of admiration, and a sense of entitlement. Additionally, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may take advantage of others and lack empathy. 


Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder can include: 

 

  • Belief that you are special or more important than others
  • Having fantasies about power, success, and/or attractiveness 
  • Failing to recognize others’ needs and feelings 
  • Exaggeration of achievements 
  • Being arrogant 
  • Expecting special treatment due to perceived superiority 
  • Envy of others or belief that others are jealous of them 
  • Unreasonable expectations of favors or advantages 
  • Often taking advantage of other people 
  • Belittling or looking down on others that they see as inferior
  • Reacting negatively to criticism 

 

How is narcissistic personality disorder treated? 


Although individuals with narcissistic personality disorder rarely seek treatment, psychotherapy can help these individuals to learn to better relate to others and strengthen relationships as well as understand their emotions.


If you or someone you know is struggling with narcissistic personality disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, also called OCPD, is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and control. A person with OCPD may be overly focused on details, work excessively, and may be inflexible in their morality and values. 


Symptoms of OCPD can include: 

 

  • Excessive devotion to work or school 
  • Preoccupation with lists and rules 
  • Preoccupation with details, orderliness, and rules
  • Extreme perfectionism
  • Desire to be in control of people and situations 
  • Being rigid and stubborn 
  • Inflexible regarding morality and values 
  • Tight control over spending money 
  • Neglecting friends and other enjoyable activities because of excessive commitments to projects 

 

OCD vs. OCPD 

Individuals struggling with OCD are often aware that their thoughts are unreasonable and these thoughts often interfere greatly in terms of daily functioning. However, individuals with OCPD often believe that their way of doing things is the right way and do not see their behaviour as problematic. OCPD often only interferes with interpersonal relationships, but increases work efficiency. 

How is OCPD treated? 


Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help to improve an individual's insight and lessen their rigid expectations. A therapist can then help the individual identify behaviours that can help them improve their relationships. 


If you or someone you know is struggling with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, contact us to see how we can help.