An Overview

Assessments

Personality disorder is diagnosed based on the behavioral patterns of the person over time in variety of situations. In clinical setting many sources of diagnostic data are generally accessible. Clinical observation, detailed interview with detailed psychiatric and social history are required, also there are projective, semi-projective and certain rating scales used for assistance in diagnostic purposes.

Causes

• Faulty Upbringing – People with personality disorder are mostly brought up inadequate and difficult environments especially involving abuse by parents (physical, sexual or emotional), severe drinking problems in parents, etc.
• Childhood behavioral issues- Extreme aggression, frequent temper tantrums and tendency to disobey.
• Slightly different brain structure and in the way chemicals are released and transmitted.
• Too much usage of drugs or alcohol
• Significant continuous interpersonal conflicts
• Gross financial problems
• Anxiety, depression or other mental health problems
• Highly stressful situations
• Significant loss, such as death of a loved one in young age

Signs and symptoms

• Making or keeping close relationships
• Being able to cooperatively work with people at work
• Getting along with loved ones – friends and family
• Keeping oneself out of troubles
• Controlling feelings, emotions and behaviors even after being pointed out repeatedly by others about the inconvenience or discomfort that it elicits in others around you.
• Listening actively to other people
• When these persistent difficulties create frequent feelings of distress, sadness or anger towards others, then there is possibility of presence of some type of personality disorder.