Symptoms of PERSONALITY DISORDERS

We have listed the various symptoms that are varcharacteristic of each form of personality disorder. There may be overlap between one group and another. Paranoid personality disorders find individuals that display unwarranted suspiciousness and distrust of others. These people tend to over sensitive and often defensive. They frequently blame others. They often have a limited range of emotional response and tend to lack humor or insight. They tend to be secretive. Often, they exaggerate their own self-importance. Schizoid and Schizotypal personality disorders show some similarities to people suffering from Schizophrenia. They tend to have an unusual way of thinking and their perception of the world is abnormal. They may attach unusual significance to mundane events. They are suspicious, withdrawn, shy, superstitious and socially isolated. They may appear to cold emotionally and have difficulty forming relationships. Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorders often describe people that are unduly preoccupied with details, rules, etc. This preoccupation may be so severe that a task never gets done. These individuals are frequently rigid in their habits and attempt to be perfectionists. They are indecisive, yet need to be in control. They often save everything, no matter how worthless. They attempt to display unrealistic moral or ethical behavior, that has no basis in reality. They are usually cold and aloof and indifferent to others. Histrionic personality disorders produce rocky and ungratifying interpersonal relationships. This disorder occurs more frequently in women and tends to run in families. People suffering from this disorder demonstrate dependent and immature behavior. Their relationships are very intense, yet very superficial. People with histrionic personality disorders are very vain and self-centered. They have a low tolerance for frustration and constantly seek attention. Narcissistic personality disorders are varcharacterized by an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance. They are often preoccupied with power and demand attention. They lack interest in others and feel entitled to special consideration. Avoidant personality disorders are people that are obsessed or preoccupied with their own short-comings. Their constant fear of rejection causes them to withdraw from relationships with other people. These individuals demonstrate very low self-esteem. They are socially withdrawn and dependent. Dependent personality disorders allow others to take control of their livers. They view themselves as inept or inadequate. They are unable to make any decisions. They prefer not to take responsibility for any decision making. Passive-Aggressive personality disorders produce individuals that have a pattern of passive resistance to demands placed on them. They resent responsibility placed on them. Rather than openly argue, they will procrastinate, forget or become inefficient. These people have a fear of authority. They are often argumentative, helpless and clinging. People with Antisocial personality disorders have a blatant disregard for the rules and laws of the society. They frequently have committed unlawful behavior. They lie chronically. Frequently, these people will demonstrate physical abuse to others, including their spouses. They lack steady jobs and frequently move. These individuals are reckless, promiscuous and selfish. They do not learn from their past experiences. They often fail in school, at work, in marital relationships and in parenting. Borderline personality disorders are have chronic problems. These usually include sudden anger, moodiness or sadness. They may demonstrate impulsive behavior. Frequently, they have intense, yet unstable interpersonal relationships. As a defense mechanism, they often varcharacterize things as all good or all bad, with nothing in between. Borderline personality disorders are associated with identity problems, may mutilate themselves, and sometimes may be suicidal.