Most Common Personality Disorders

*Please note: when it comes to personality disorders it's not wise to
diagnose yourself and/or a partner without the assistance of a medical
professional.
Some persons can have a few traits of a disorder, or even several disorders,
but not be classified as actually having the disorder. These are merely
designed to enlighten you to the possibility of a disorder existent either
within
yourself and/or a partner so that you can explore said further with a DR if you
so choose. In abusive relationships, it not uncommon for both partners to
exhibit some symptoms of a disorder. I.e., a partner with borderline or
dependent
personality disorder traits might be involved with a partner with narcissistic
personality traits:


1) Paranoid personality disorder

Definition:

Paranoid personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by
extreme distrust and suspicion of others.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are chronic patterns of behavior that cause lasting
problems with work and relationships. The cause of paranoid personality disorder
is unknown, but it appears to be more common in families with psychotic
disorders like schizophrenia and delusional disorder, which suggests a genetic
influence.

Symptoms:

People with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious of other
people. They are usually unable to acknowledge their own negative feelings
towards
other people.

Other common symptoms include:

Concern that other people have hidden motives
Expect to be exploited by others
Inability to collaborate
Poor self image
Social isolation
Detachment
Hostility



2) Antisocial personality disorder

Definition:

Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by
chronic behavior that manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others.
This behavior is often criminal.

Alternative Names:

Psychopathic personality; Sociopathic personality;

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that
interfere with a person's life over many years. To receive a diagnosis of
antisocial personality disorder, a person must have first had behavior that
qualifies for a diagnosis of conduct disorder during childhood.

The cause of antisocial personality disorder is unknown, but genetic factors
and child abuse are believed to contribute to the development of this
condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are increased risk. Far
more
men than women are affected, and unsurprisingly, the condition is common in
prison populations.

Symptoms:

A person with antisocial personality disorder:

Breaks the law repeatedly
Lies, steals, and fights often
Disregards the safety of self and others
Demonstrates a lack of guilt
Had a childhood diagnosis (or symptoms consistent with) conduct disorder

Signs and tests:

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are often angry and arrogant
but may be capable of superficial wit and charm. They may be adept at
flattery and at manipulating the emotions of others. People with antisocial
personality disorder often have extensive substance abuse and legal problems.



3) Schizoid personality disorder

Definition:

Schizoid personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by a
lifelong pattern of indifference to others and social isolation.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that
interfere with a person's life over many years. The cause of schizoid
personality disorder is unknown and estimates of its incidence vary.

This disorder may be associated with schizophrenia and shares many of the
same risk factors. However, schizoid personality disorder is not as profoundly
disabling as schizophrenia, since it is not marked by hallucinations, delusions,
or the complete disconnection from reality that occurs in untreated (or
treatment-resistant) schizophrenia.

Symptoms:

A person with schizoid personality disorder:

Does not desire nor enjoy close relationships, even with family members
Avoids social activities that involve significant interpersonal contact
Appears aloof and detached

Signs and tests:

People with schizoid personality disorder are loners and show little interest
in developing close relationships.



4) Avoidant personality disorder

Definition:

Avoidant personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by a
lifelong pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to
rejection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of behavior that cause problems
with work and relationships. The cause of avoidant personality disorder is
unknown.

Symptoms:

People with avoidant personality disorder form relationships with others only
if they believe they will not be rejected. They are preoccupied with their
own shortcomings. Loss and rejection are so painful that these individuals will
choose loneliness rather than risk trying to connect with others.

Signs and tests:

Some common signs of avoidant personality disorder include:

Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Has no close friends
Reluctant to become involved with people
Avoids activities or occupations that involve contact with others
Shy in social situations out of fear of doing something wrong
Exaggerates potential difficulties



5) Histrionic personality disorder

Definition:

Histrionic personality disorder involves a pattern of excessive emotional
expression and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and
inappropriate seductiveness. It usually begins in early adulthood.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disorder is unknown, but childhood events and genetics may
both be involved. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, although
some feel it is simply more often diagnosed in women because attention-seeking
and sexual forwardness is less socially acceptable for women.

People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and
can be successful socially and at work. They may seek treatment for depression
when romantic relationships end.

They often fail to see their own situation realistically, instead tending to
over dramatize and exaggerate. Responsibility for failure or disappointment is
usually blamed on others.

Symptoms:

Constant seeking of reassurance or approval
Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotions
Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior
Excessive concern with physical appearance
A need to be the center of attention (self-centeredness)
Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear shallow to others
Opinions are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with
details
Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually
are

Signs and tests:

The person's overall appearance, behavior, and history, and a psychological
evaluation are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis. There is no
formal test to confirm the diagnosis.



6) Dependent personality disorder (sounds like codependence to me!)

Definition: Dependent personality disorder is a chronic condition involving
over-reliance on others to meet emotional and physical needs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disorder is unknown. It usually begins in early adulthood.

Symptoms:

People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions.
They may be devastated by separation and loss and may go to great lengths, even
suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

Signs and tests:

Some of the common signs of dependent personality disorder include:

Inability to make decisions
Avoids personal responsibility
Avoids being alone
Feels devastated or helpless when relationships end
Unable to meet ordinary demands of life
Preoccupied with fears of being abandoned
Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Extremely passive to other people
Tolerant of normally unacceptable behavior



7) Narcissistic personality disorder

Definition:

Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition characterized by an inflated
sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with one's self.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disorder is unknown. Personality disorders are long-lasting
patterns of behavior that cause problems with relationships and work.
Narcissistic personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood and is
marked by
disregard for the feelings of others, grandiosity, obsessive self-interest,
and the pursuit of primarily selfish goals.

Symptoms:

A person with narcissistic personality disorder:

Reacts to criticism with feelings or rage, shame, or humiliation
Takes advantage of others to achieve own goals
Manipulates others into giving them what they want
Feelings of self-importance
Exaggerates achievements and talents
Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or
ideal love
Unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
Requires constant attention and admiration
Lacks empathy for others

Signs and tests:

Personality disorders are diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and
the history and severity of the symptoms.



8) Borderline personality disorder

Definition:

Borderline personality disorder is a condition characterized by impulsive
actions, mood instability, and chaotic relationships.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Personality disorders are chronic patterns of behavior that impair
relationships and work. The cause of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is
unknown.
People with BPD are impulsive in areas that have a potential for self-harm such
as drug use, drinking, over spending, promiscuous sex, and other risk-taking
behaviors.

Risk factors for BPD include abandonment issues in childhood or adolescence,
sexual abuse, disrupted family life, and poor communication within the family.
This personality disorder tends to occur much more often in women and among
hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Symptoms:

Relationships with others are intense and unstable, swinging wildly from love
to hate and back again. People with BPD will engage in frantic efforts to
avoid real or imagined abandonment.

BPD patients may also have uncertainties about their identity or self-image.
They tend to see things in terms of extremes, either all good or all bad. Such
people also typically view themselves as victims of circumstance and take
little responsibility for themselves or their problems.

Other symptoms include:

Frequent displays of inappropriate anger
Recurrent suicidal gestures such as wrist cutting, overdosing, or
self-mutilation
Feelings of emptiness and boredom
Intolerance of being alone
Impulsiveness with money, substance abuse, sexual relationships, binge
eating, or shoplifting

Signs and tests:

Personality disorders are diagnosed based on psychological evaluation and the
history and severity of the symptoms.



9) Personality disorder - obsessive-compulsive

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disorder tends to occur in families and thus may have a genetic
component.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder most often occurs in men. It should
not be confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is another
psychiatric condition that shares some symptoms with obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder.

People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder believe that their
preoccupations are appropriate. They tend to be high achievers and have a sense
of
urgency about their actions. They may become extremely upset if others
disturb their rigidly ordered routines.

Symptoms:

A person with this personality disorder has symptoms of perfectionism that
usually begin in early adulthood. This perfectionism may interfere with the
person's ability to complete a given task because the rigid standards cannot be
upheld. People with this disorder may emotionally withdraw when they are not
able to control a situation.

Signs and tests:

Some of the common signs of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
include:

Perfectionism
Inflexibility
Preoccupation with details, rules, and lists
Reluctance to allow others to do things
Excessive devotion to work
Restricted expression of affection
Lack of generosity
Inability to throw things away, even if there is no value in the object



Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting
different results.

~ Albert Einstein


Fallen Officer: Kenneth L. Collings
http://hometown.aol.com/azterri/kenny.html


AZTerri
http://profiles.yahoo.com/arizona_terri


End Verbal Abuse Group Leader
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/End_Verbal_Abuse


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