Personality disorders: an overview
Personality disorder is a long-term pattern of behaviour causing distress and affecting daily life. Learn about symptoms and treatment options here.
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Personality disorders
All of us have a unique personality. It’s the pattern of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and ways of relating to others and the world that makes one person different from another. There are many ways to understand personality, and many different theories about personality traits and personality types.
For example, some people are more extroverted and prefer the company of others, while others are introverted and enjoy being alone. Some people are more emotional, while others are calmer. Some people enjoy new experiences while others prefer to stick to familiar things. All these differences are part of diversity and help us make sense of the world and our role in it.
The term personality disorders refers to long-term patterns of thinking, behaviour and emotion that cause distress and make it difficult to function every day. People with personality disorders find it hard to change their behaviour or adapt to different situations. They may have trouble sustaining a job or forming positive relationships with others. Below, you can find trustworthy information, including online programs, about personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
Antisocial personality disorder
People with antisocial personality disorder are sometimes called 'psychopaths'. They tend to disregard the law or other people's rights.
Avoidant personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder is a mental health disorder. People with AVPD seem shy and fear rejection. You may have trouble with jobs and friends.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects thoughts and behaviours, making it difficult to cope. Explore symptoms, treatment and diagnosis.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Complex PTSD, or CPTSD, is a mental health condition. It can develop in people who have experienced long-term trauma, particularly in childhood.
Dissociative identity disorder (DID)
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is also known as multiple personality disorder. It is when a person feels like they have more than one identity.
Histrionic personality disorder
People with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) often seem very dramatic and need to be the centre of attention. Read on symptoms and treatment.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have inflated self-image and disregard for others. Learn about NPD meaning, symptoms and treatment.