Personality disorders are a class of mental disorders characterized by enduring maladaptive patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience, exhibited across many contexts and deviating markedly from those accepted by the individual's culture. These patterns develop early, are inflexible, and are associated with significant distress or disability. Those who struggle with a personality disorder have great difficulty dealing with other people. They tend to be inflexible, rigid, and unable to respond to the changes and demands of life. Although they feel that their behavior patterns are “normal” or “right,” people with personality disorders tend to have a narrow view of the world and find it difficult to participate in social activities.
Causes
Some experts believe that events occurring in early childhood exert a powerful influence upon behavior later in life. Others indicate that people are genetically predisposed to personality disorders. In some cases, however, environmental facts may cause a person who is already genetically vulnerable to develop a personality disorder.
Upbringing
Sometimes, but not always, people with personality disorder have experienced
- physical or sexual abuse in childhood.
- violence in the family.
- parents who drink too much.
If children are taken out of this sort of difficult environment, they are less likely to develop a personality disorder.
Early problems
Severe aggression, disobedience, and repeated temper tantrums in childhood
Brain problems
Some people with antisocial personality disorder have very slight differences in the structure of their brains, and in the way some chemicals work in their brains. However, there is no brain scan or blood test that can diagnose a personality disorder.
Triggers
- using a lot of drugs or alcohol
- problems getting on with your family or partner
- money problems
- anxiety, depression or other mental health problems
- important events
- stressful situations
- loss, such as death of a loved one
