Personality disorder is a type of mental illness. This condition mencauses sufferers to have abnormal thinking and behavior patterns and hard to change. Individuals with personality disorders also experience difficulty to understand situations and other people.
Generally, personality disorders appear in adolescence or early adulthood. Personality disorders are often not realized by the sufferer, but it is felt by the people around the sufferer. This can cause problems in the social environment, whether at home, school, business, or work.
Causes of Personality Disorder
The exact cause of personality disorders is not known. Like a normal personality, an abnormal personality is formed by many factors. Deviations in these factors can form personality disorders.
Two main factors that are considered to play a major role in the formation of personality disorders are genes inherited by parents (temperament) and the environment.
The following are some factors that are thought to increase the risk of developing a personality disorder:
- Have abnormalities in brain structure or chemical composition in the brain
- Spending childhood in a family life that is not harmonious
- Having the feeling of being neglected since childhood
- Experienced abuse since childhood, both verbally and physically
- Have a low level of education
- Living life in the midst of a family experiencing economic difficulties
Symptoms of Personality Disorder
Based on the type, personality disorders are divided into three groups, namely group A personality disorders, group B, and group C.
People with group A personality disorder generally have strange and unnatural thoughts and behaviors. Types of group A personality disorder include:
- Schizotypal personality disorder
In this type of personality disorder, the sufferer has anxiety or discomfort in social situations, has inappropriate behavior, speech, and dress style, and likes to fantasize.
- Schizoid personality disorder
This type is a personality disorder in which sufferers are cold, like to be alone, and avoid social interactions or close relationships with other people.
- Paranoid personality disorder
In paranoid personality disorder, sufferers have excessive suspicion and distrust of others, including their partners.
Meanwhile, group B personality disorder is characterized by unpredictable thought and behavior patterns, and behavior that tends to be dramatic and emotional. Group B personality disorders consist of:
- borderline personality disorderBorderline personality disorder is a personality disorder in which sufferers behave impulsively and risky, have unstable and fragile emotions, and also have an urge to hurt themselves. People who have this personality disorder are also prone to experiencing identity crisis.
- Antisocial personality disorder
In this type of personality disorder, sufferers often ignore prevailing social norms, violate the law, have a rude and aggressive attitude, and have no sympathy for others.
- Narcissistic personality disorder
In narcissistic personality disorder, sufferers believe that they are more special than others, tend to be arrogant, and always expect praise from others.
- Histrionic personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder is a personality disorder in which sufferers worry too much about their appearance, tend to be dramatic in their speech, and always seek attention.
Although each type is different, group C personality disorder has one characteristic in common, namely anxiety and fear. The following are types of group C personality disorder:
- Dependent personality disorder
Dependent personality disorder is a personality disorder in which the sufferer is very dependent on others for everything, has no self-confidence and feels unable to do anything alone, and cannot defend himself.
- Avoidant personality disorder
This personality disorder is also known as avoidant personality disorder. This type of personality disorder is a personality disorder in which sufferers avoid social contact, especially in new activities involving strangers, for fear of not being accepted or being humiliated.
- Obsessive compulsive personality disorder
In obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, the sufferer can be said to be "control freak", difficult to cooperate with others because standards are too high, easily anxious or afraid if something goes against his rules or his wishes, and stubborn.
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a mental health specialist (psychiatrist) if you notice behavior that leads to a personality disorder, especially if these symptoms have interfered with daily activities or have brought complaints from colleagues or close people.
If people around you show symptoms of personality disorders, invite them to share stories and talk nicely about the symptoms they are experiencing. If possible, take him to see a psychiatrist.
Go to the ER immediately if you notice signs that someone is suicidal or self-harming, especially if they also have the potential to hurt others. Stay with him and seek help as soon as possible.
Personality Disorder Diagnosis
To diagnose a personality disorder, the doctor or psychiatrist will first ask questions about the patient's and family's complaints and medical history.
After that, the doctor or psychiatrist will have a discussion with the patient or provide a questionnaire regarding his thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Additional information from family members, coworkers, or closest friends will greatly assist the doctor in making a diagnosis.
If deemed necessary, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as blood tests, to determine whether the patient's symptoms are caused by alcohol or drug addiction. This could be what triggers the emergence of symptoms of personality disorders.
Personality Disorder Treatment
Psychological therapy under the guidance of a psychiatrist is the main treatment for personality disorders. This therapy aims to improve the patient's ability to control emotions and thoughts better.
Some types of psychological therapy that psychiatrists can use to treat personality disorders are:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
This therapy aims to change the patient's way of thinking and behavior in a positive direction. Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the theory that a person's behavior is a manifestation of his thoughts. That is, if someone thinks negatively, then his behavior will be negative, and vice versa.
Psychodynamic therapy
This therapy aims to find out and fix all forms of deviations that have existed since childhood. Once identified, the patient will be taught how to deal with problems related to the deviation independently.
Interpersonal therapy
This therapy is based on the theory that a person's mental health is greatly influenced by their interactions with other people. That is, if the interaction is problematic, personality disorders can be formed.
In addition to psychological therapy, the following treatment methods can also be used to treat personality disorders:
- Use of drugsSeveral types of psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anxiety relievers, can help relieve symptoms, especially if symptoms are moderate or severe.
- Lifestyle changesAdopting a healthy lifestyle, such as diligently exercising and always being active in various activities can help manage emotions and keep yourself away from depression, stress, and anxiety.
Complications of Personality Disorder
Personality disorders can cause serious complications, both physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Some of the complications that can arise are:
- Unhappy feelings in life
- Productivity decreases
- Difficulty connecting with other people
- Isolated from the social environment
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Desire to commit suicide and harm others
- Caught up in legal and financial problems
Personality Disorder Prevention
Personality disorders cannot be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, namely:
- Actively participate in socializing and favorite activities
- Share stories with friends and family when facing problems
- Exercise, eat well, and manage stress well
- Sleep and wake up regularly at the same time every day
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages
- Taking medicines prescribed by a doctor, according to the dosage and instructions for use