A personality disorder is a mental health condition characterised by enduring and rigid patterns of thought, behaviour, and interpersonal functioning that deviate significantly from cultural expectations. These patterns are pervasive, inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Personality disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
Here are ten common traits associated with various personality disorders, along with suggestions for overcoming or managing them, according to Indore-based psychiatrist Dr Rishabh Singh, founder of the ThinkAloud app.
Chronic feelings of emptiness: People with certain personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may experience a high sense of emptiness. To manage this, try engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, and building meaningful relationships.
Intense fear of abandonment: This trait is often seen in borderline personality disorder. Overcoming it can involve therapy techniques like dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), which focusses on building emotional regulation skills and improving relationships.
Difficulty maintaining relationships: Traits like unstable relationships are common in borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Working with a therapist can help you develop better interpersonal skills and address underlying issues.
Excessive self-criticism: Individuals with avoidant or dependent personality disorders might struggle with severe self-criticism. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in changing negative thought patterns and improving self-esteem.
Impulsivity: Seen in borderline and antisocial personality disorders, impulsivity can lead to risky behaviours. Strategies like impulse control techniques, mindfulness, and therapy can help manage this trait.
Paranoia or distrust: Traits associated with paranoid personality disorder involve excessive mistrust and suspicion. Therapy can help challenge and reframe these mistrustful thoughts, gradually building trust in others.
Grandiosity: Common in narcissistic personality disorder, grandiosity involves an inflated sense of self-importance. Therapy can assist in developing a more balanced self-view and improving empathy towards others.
Emotional instability: Frequent mood swings and emotional instability are characteristic of borderline personality disorder. Techniques like DBT and mindfulness can help manage these fluctuations and build emotional resilience.
Rigid and perfectionistic thinking: Traits like inflexibility and perfectionism are often seen in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness can help challenge and reduce these rigid thought patterns.
Lack of empathy: Individuals with narcissistic or antisocial personality disorders may struggle with empathy. Therapy can help improve understanding of others perspectives and foster more compassionate interactions.
Overcoming or managing personality disorder traits
Seek professional help: Working with a mental health professional is crucial for understanding and managing personality disorders. Therapy, particularly approaches like DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy, can be very effective.
Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can help manage symptoms associated with personality disorders.
Self-awareness and reflection: Engaging in self-reflection and mindfulness can help you recognise and understand your traits and behaviours better.
Building support networks: Establishing a support system of friends, family, or support groups can provide encouragement and perspective.
Developing coping strategies: Learning and practicing coping strategies, such as stress management techniques and emotional regulation skills, can help in dealing with challenging traits.
Remember, managing a personality disorder often requires time and patience, and it’s important to work with a mental health professional to create a personalised approach.
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