Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. These patterns tend to be inflexible and can create ongoing difficulties in relationships, emotional regulation, self-image, and everyday functioning. People living with personality disorders often feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck in repeating cycles that cause distress for themselves and those around them.

There are several different personality disorders, grouped into clusters based on shared traits. Some of the more commonly recognized include:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – characterized by intense emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and a shifting sense of self

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) – involving patterns of grandiosity or insecurity, sensitivity to criticism, and difficulty with empathy

• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) – associated with impulsivity, disregard for social rules, and challenges respecting others’ rights

• Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) – marked by strong fears of rejection, social inhibition, and feelings of inadequacy

• Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) – involving excessive reliance on others for reassurance, decision-making, and emotional support

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) – characterized by perfectionism, rigid thinking, and a strong need for control

• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders – marked by social detachment, limited emotional expression, or unusual beliefs and perceptions

Although personality disorders are long-standing, they are not untreatable. Therapy can be highly effective in helping people understand where these patterns come from and how they affect their lives. Different approaches—such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and psychodynamic therapy—can help individuals develop emotional regulation skills, improve communication, build healthier relationships, and increase self-awareness. Over time, many people experience reduced distress, greater stability, and a stronger sense of control over their lives.