Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations and create distress or interpersonal difficulties. These patterns are typically stable over time and can affect relationships, self-image, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
Rather than being temporary mood states, personality disorders reflect deeply ingrained coping strategies that may have developed earlier in life. With appropriate therapeutic support, individuals can develop healthier relational and emotional patterns.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Intense, unstable emotions
- Impulsive or risky behaviors
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom
- Strong sensitivity to criticism or rejection
- Difficulty understanding or relating to others’ feelings
Treatment
Therapy
DBT, Schema Therapy, MBT, CBT
Medications
Symptom-targeted only (SSRIs, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics)
Importance:
Treatment improves self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationships.
