What is Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders, categorized as mental illnesses, profoundly impact an individual’s capacity to form and maintain interpersonal relationships, adapt to life’s dynamic challenges, and adopt healthy behavior patterns. Those with disordered personalities may perceive their behaviors as “normal” but grapple with rigid worldviews and social difficulties.

As with all mental illnesses, a personality disorder disrupts daily life, necessitating specific criteria for diagnosis. Psychologists look for deeply ingrained behavior patterns indicating severe distortions in perceptions, actions, thoughts, and interpersonal relations.

Onset of personality disorders commonly occurs in the teenage years, with symptoms persisting into adulthood. Notably, signs may become less evident by middle age, underscoring the importance of early recognition and intervention.

Seeking professional guidance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and the development of effective strategies to manage and improve the quality of life for individuals with personality disorders.