What is a personality disorder?

Personality is generally formed by a combination of traits, emotional reactions, attitudes and behaviours that develop from birth to early adulthood, and then become relatively stable. For most people, having different personality traits allows them to display a wide range of reactions and coping mechanisms when faced with a stressful situation. Conversely, people with personality disorders lack this flexibility and adaptability. They tend to be rigid in their behaviours and reactions, even when a situation causes them distress, making it difficult for them to form relationships with others or cope with everyday situations.

People with personality disorders do not always realise that their behaviour is problematic. These disorders vary greatly; some make people very emotional, withdrawn, perfectionist or distrustful. Here are the 10 types of personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder is the best known.

  • Paranoid : Mistrust and suspicion
  • Schizoid : Disinterest in others
  • Schizotypal : Odd or eccentric ideas and behavior
  • Antisocial : Social irresponsibility, disregard for others, and deceitfulness and manipulation of others for personal gain
  • Borderline: Inner emptiness, fear of being abandoned in relationships, unstable relationships, problems controlling emotions, and impulsive behavior
  • Histrionic : Attention-seeking and dramatic behavior
  • Narcissistic : Need to be admired, lack of empathy, and an inflated view of self-worth (called grandiosity)
  • Avoidant : Avoidance of interpersonal contact due to fear of rejection
  • Dependent : Submissiveness and dependency (due to a need to be taken care of)
  • Obsessive-compulsive : Perfectionism, rigidity, and obstinacy

Bordeline personality

People living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have an extreme or exaggerated fear of losing their ties with the people around them. They easily feel rejected or abandoned by others, which creates conflict in their social relationships. They therefore need their loved ones to reassure them that they are present and that their relationship is important.

To complete this clinical portrait, it seems relevant to bring some nuances with that of people living with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). While people living with BPD experience the fear of abandonment, those living with NPD are more afraid of being humiliated and having their ego bruised. Generally speaking, no one likes to be crushed or rejected. What’s important to remember, however, is that those who suffer from BPD or NPD experience it more acutely, and their behaviour is guided by patterns of thinking such as: “I’m either merged with the other or I’m rejected (BPD)” or “I’m either superior to others or I’m less than nothing (NPD)”.

Reminder

No single factor can cause a mental health disorder, and the manifestation of certain symptoms does not automatically lead to a diagnosis. Only doctors, psychologists, and certain professionals authorised by their professional associations are able to make a diagnosis based on a complex professional analysis that consider multiple factors (genetic, biological, environmental, and experiential).

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Warning

Depending on their intensity and duration, some signs and symptoms cannot be addressed solely through the use of self-management tools. In the event of significant psychological distress, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional help quickly, especially if you or those around you observe the following signs:

  • Excessive anger or sudden mood swings
  • Nervousness or agitation
  • Inconsolable sadness or lack of emotion
  • A loss of interest in activities you enjoy
  • Difficulty sleeping or a tendency to sleep much more than usual
  • Significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time
  • No longer taking your medication
  • Lack of hygiene
  • A tendency to withdraw and isolate
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