Personality Disorder (Part 2) Diagnosis, Prevalence, Comorbidity and Management [ICD 11 Vs DSM V PD]

Personality Disorder (Part 1) Diagnosis, Prevalence, Comorbidity and Management [ICD 11 Vs DSM V Personality Disorder] Personality refers to a distinctive set of traits, behavior styles, and patterns that make up our character or individuality. How we perceive the world, our attitudes, thoughts, and feelings are all part of our personality. People with healthy personalities are able to cope with normal stresses and have no trouble forming relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. A personality disorder refers to a long-term pattern of thinking, behaviour and emotion that is dysfunctional, extreme and inflexible. It causes distress and makes it difficult to function in everyday life. People with personality disorders find it hard to change their behaviour or adapt to different situations. They may have trouble sustaining work or forming positive relationships with others. There are many different types of personality disorder. Some people with a personality disorder may appear withdrawn, some dramatic and emotional, and others odd or eccentric. The one thing they have in common is that their symptoms are severe enough to affect many different areas of life. The causes of personality disorders are not fully understood. The personality in general is starts evolving in childhood and evolves completely in early adulthood. The combination of genetics and environment in early childhood play a crucial role in development of personality disorder. There is no single gene for personality or personality disorders — multiple genes are involved. Having a secure bonding process or attachment between a parent (or other caregiver) and an infant provides a positive environment in which their personality can develop. Types of personality disorders The 10 personality disorders are classified into three clusters based on the most representative emotional responses and behaviors: Cluster A: personality disorders share odd and eccentric features Cluster B: personality disorders share dramatic, emotional, and erratic features Cluster C: personality disorders share fearful and anxious features Treatment of PD Personality disorders present unique treatment challenges. Most personality disorders are ego-syntonic, meaning they are compatible with a person's self-concept. As such, there may initially be little or no motivation to change. Nevertheless, mental health professionals have developed and applied different therapeutic techniques to help those with these conditions learn more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving, and research suggests that positive change is possible for many. Research shows that long-term psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for all personality disorders. In some instances, some symptoms might be treated with medications such as antidepressants. But this isn’t true for every personality disorder or every individual case. Because personality disorders all have different symptoms and triggers, they’re not all treated in the same way. The type of approach a doctor chooses will depend on symptoms, their intensity, severity, presentation and medical history.