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Types of Personality Disorders

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Types of Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a form of psychological abnormality in which an individual has an inflexible and compromised pattern of behaving and making a judgment. People with personality disorder have challenges understanding situations and relating to others resulting in numerous constraints in relationships, work, and communal activities. Beck et al. (2015) say that often, one may fail to realize that they have a personality disorder since their way of acting and thinking seems natural to them. Sometimes they blame other people for the difficulties they face in life. For example, families encounter events of fiery rage, intense depression, self-exclusion, and suicide pursuits by family associates with personality disorders. Generally, relatives who observe agitating patterns, or have challenges trying to handle the affected, refer them to therapists. Sadly, most people with a personality disorder are more prone to drug and alcohol abuse (Disney, 2013). Consequently, individuals who portray chronic personality disorders are consistent and comprehensive users of mental health services. It is critical to understand that personality disorder commences in early childhood years or initial adulthood. Remarkably, there are various types of personality disorders; however, some may become less distinct with age. The discussion in this paper analyzes three significant forms of personality disorder, which include dependent, narcissistic, and paranoid personality irregularities.

Examining Dependent Personality Disorder

Individuals with dependent personality disorder develop emotional over-dependency on others and concentrate much on trying to make other people happy. It is also known as anxious personality disorder and mainly portrayed by an ineptitude to be alone. Disney (2013) says that people who have dependent personality disorder are not around others; they develop signs of restlessness. Notably, the victims depend on other individuals to function, through guidance, encouragement, and backing. There exist different causes that elevate the possibility of developing an anxious personality disorder. Some of the causes depend on the way individuals are raised, while others are genetic. One of the primary causes of dependent personality disorder is neglect or abuse during childhood. Besides, having an executive functioning deficiency, or having parents with the condition escalates the likelihood of developing a dependent personality disorder.

Currently, researchers continue to identify other causes of dependent personality disorder. Howard (2015) argues that if childhood traumatic experiences are not treated, the victims could experience flashbacks and hallucinations, which may result in behavioral problems. Study indicates that individuals with a history of emotional abuse are more prone to developing dependent personality disorder compared to those without any history of mental abuse. Additionally, people with an experience of childhood physical or sexual harassment have an elevated risk of developing an anxious personality disorder. By way of explanation, research points out that traumatic experiences during childhood can prompt the advancement of dependent personality disorder because such experiences can make the victims blame themselves. Often, the victims lose trust in themselves because of their childhood experiences. Consequently, this feeling will usually change their lifestyle because they do not want a repeat of what happened. Notably, a slight change in personality can have immense impacts on individuals when they are grownups.

In the United Kingdom, men develop dependent personality disorder more compared to women. However, in the United States, females more often have a dependent personality disorder compared to males. Beck et al. (2015) explain that the contradiction could be due to the heritability coefficient. Also, individuals with a history of tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse are more likely to develop the disorder—people with a dependent personality disorder display numerous symptoms. First and foremost, they cannot make simple decisions like what to put on without other people’s approval and advice. Besides, they avoid adulthood duties by acting defenseless and indifferent. Often, they depend on their spouses, or close acquaintances to decide on where to live and work. Significantly, the affected individuals display a heightened fear of desertion and a sense of desolation when relationships end. Strangely, individuals with dependent personality disorder move directly into a new association when one ends.

People who develop a dependent personality disorder have so many challenges in life. Recent research shows that the victims have a heightened consciousness of criticism. They tend to overreact when others try to challenge their behavior. Also, people with dependent personality disorder are always negative and lack self-confidence. Sadly, they believe that they cannot take care of themselves, and thus, they tend to rely on other people in all their endeavors. Consequently, they avoid disagreeing with other individuals for fear of losing endorsement. Disney (2013) argues that these victims find it easy to endure exploitation and harassment from others to avoid losing them. They always place the needs of their supporters above theirs. Unfortunately, people with anxious personality disorder have challenges starting projects or activities due to a lack of self-approval and courage. Therefore, they end up losing crucial opportunities in life.

To diagnose a dependent personality disorder, physicians need to differentiate it from a borderline personality disorder, since the two abnormalities have a similar display of characteristics. For example, in borderline personality disorder, an individual reacts to fears of being left alone with feelings of anger and desolation. In contrast, in anxious personality disorder, the victim counters the same situation with deference and seeks another association to maintain their addiction. Nonetheless, if all the analyzed symptoms of dependent personality disorder are present, the therapist begins evaluation by undertaking a comprehensive medical and mental health history. Although laboratory tests do not exist to determine personality abnormalities uniquely, the medical expert might utilize various diagnostic examinations to dismiss physical ailments as the cause of the manifestations (Beck et al., 2015). If the physician does not find any substantial reason for the signs, they might refer the patient to a psychologist or a mental health specialist. Often, psychiatrists use uniquely arranged interviews and examination devices to assess an individual for a personality abnormality.

Analyzing Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Often, it is normal for human beings to be self-centered and pretentious. However, narcissists take the behavior to an extreme. People with narcissistic personality disorder not only have exaggerated self-confidence, but also do not value other people’s opinions, needs, or feelings. It is critical to differentiate between being egotistical, often referred to as narcissistic, and displaying narcissistic personality abnormality, which is a psychological ailment. Notably, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder tend to seek other people’s attention and admiration. According to Baum (2019), the victims may be dissatisfied when they are not given special recognition or praise they believe they merit. Sadly, other people may perceive them as pompous and arrogant, and may not enjoy their company. Narcissistic personality disorder causes challenges in relationships, work, and school. The affected often feel as superior to others, always wanting to be the focus of every discourse or activity. People with this abnormality tend to amplify their abilities and achievements while devaluing those of others. They are always consumed by potential, accomplishments, and physical appearance.

The causes of narcissistic personality disorder depend significantly on insufficiencies and exorbitances during childhood. For example, when parents or guardians act beyond expectations to meet their children’s needs making the kids develop selfishness results in disorder. Childhood abuse may also cause narcissism. Sometimes, individuals who experience abuse as children become either reclusive or extroverted. In many cases, victims of childhood abuse become extroverts and develop a narcissistic personality disorder, always wanting to feel preferable to those around them. The main reason victims of childhood harassment become narcissists is due to the development of a form of indemnity and embankment mechanism. The individuals never resolve again to become other people’s sufferers, and their self-perception inflates. If these people continue along with the behavior, then a fabricated form of narcissism establishes in their lives (Legg, 2020). In some cases, narcissistic personality disorder results from neglect. People who experience feelings of susceptibility as children create barriers between themselves and the universe, and simply, that is narcissism. The primary effect of delinquency, in such a case, is thorough challenges in experiencing compassion. Therefore, narcissism acts like a concealer that obscures an exceedingly powerless individual.

Another significant cause of narcissistic personality disorder is parents’ or guardians’ inconsistency. It can result due to the disparity between their words and actions. For example, when parents make promises to their children but fail to accomplish, or when guardians are eccentric, and the kids do not know how they will react to their misdeeds. Often, inconsistency displays in anxious parents or guardians and usually results in immense self-doubt in the kids. These kinds of guardians always cherish inflated applause on their kids but also reprimand them too firmly. Narcissism is the counter to the agony that results from the strenuous and uncertain environment. Baum (2019) also contends that desolate praise and presents the result to narcissism. Remarkably, parents who offer their kids empty accolades and gifts harbor guilt. They possibly feel that they are not offering their children sufficient time and consideration, which they understand is wrong. Therefore, they pay for the deficiency through exaggerated compliments and extravagant gifts. Because of the parent’s formed perception of their children, the minors develop glorified impressions of themselves, far from existence.

Narcissistic personality disorder manifests in different ways. While a majority of people can understand others’ feelings and sympathize with them, narcissists do not empathize easily. To begin with, individuals with a narcissistic personality disorder do not know why others should be sad. Also, they do not feel bad regarding their deeds that may have distressed others. Instead, they continue with their daily lives as if they have done nothing. Often, narcissists expect other people to have similar feelings as them and may become upset when their associates fail to empathize. Most times, individuals with this abnormality like to head all conversations (Dowgwillo et al., 2019). For example, if someone is talking to them about a challenge they experienced, narcissistic individuals might allow the discourse to stroll to their aggravators at work. Also, narcissistic people feel awkward, focusing on other people. Apart from shifting conversations to themselves, they also feel psychologically disturbed when they center on others. They have challenges letting others become the center of consideration. Surprisingly, the situation may make the narcissistic person feel like a personal invasion when other people fail to pay attention to them.

Several characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder relate to those of other personality abnormalities. Besides, an individual can have different personality disorders at the same time, making the examination of narcissistic personality disorder more demanding. However, Ronningstam (2014) says that therapists diagnose the abnormality based on manifestations and a comprehensive mental analysis that may consist of interviews and filling questionnaires. Also, physicians subject patients under a physical test to ensure they do not have any physical challenges causing their symptoms. After the doctor confirms that a patient suffers from the disorder, they endeavor to offer the necessary therapy, which involves talking to a psychotherapist. If the patient has underlying medical conditions, the therapist may include medications in their treatment. Among the therapies psychiatrists offer, they help narcissistic people to learn to interact with others, so their relationships become more enjoyable (Legg, 2020). Also, they assist them to perceive the roots of their emotions and what makes them despise themselves and others. Importantly, psychologists support narcissistic individuals to realize and admit their real proficiencies so that they can endure critiques and deficiencies.

Exploring Paranoid Personality Disorder

A paranoid personality disorder is a chronic psychological health condition. The abnormality makes people apprehensive, disbelieving, and inhospitable towards others. Often, paranoid people have challenges getting along with others because they think that others want to hurt them or take advantage of them. Therefore, these thoughts and conduct cause problems in their relationships and daily tasks. The direct source of paranoid personality disorder is not yet absolute. However, researchers continue to associate abnormality with environmental and life factors. Recent studies show that paranoid personality disorder is more prevalent among individuals who have blood relations with people suffering from psychotic ailments like schizophrenia compared to the ordinary population. Therefore, there is a genetic factor for the advancement of paranoid personality disorder in a person. Besides, Martel (2017) argues that there are noticeable impressions of childhood strain in grownups with the disorder. The post-traumatic damage includes abandonment, harassment, or a generally precarious family situation. It is crucial to understand that over time, the more confined people begin to feel insecure due to their suspicions, the more unreasonable they become concerning the individuals around them.

Individuals with paranoid personality disorder display different symptoms, which sometimes they fail to recognize. Often, they perceive other people to have hidden plans that mean them harm. Also, they tend to show disbelief of other people’s loyalty and expression of care. As a result, other people seem to care less about paranoid individuals’ needs. According to Nowak (2019), people who have paranoid personality disorder have problems working with their colleagues and involving themselves in teamwork. Also, they are oversensitive to criticism and may resolve anger and bitterness as a form of self-defense. These people also find it easy to detach from the past because they do not want to associate with previous experiences. Additionally, they face difficulties expressing emotions, even when they hurt deeply. Research also shows that people living with paranoid personality disorder often seclude themselves from others and have problems relaxing. Unfortunately, these people’s actions resulting from ungoverned paranoia can damage relationships. Besides, the victims can miss out on critical opportunities due to their distrust of those offering them.

It can be challenging to perceive the available and efficient therapy options for individuals with a paranoid personality disorder, primarily due to the consciousness of treatment strategies for the abnormality. Therefore, victims must find devoted medical professionals to support them through the treatment period. Often, patients go for psychological therapy when their relatives or friends force them. However, in some cases, the victims visit the therapist on their own, especially when they can no longer cope with life pressures. Therapy intends to assist the individual in dismissing the feelings of bitterness, mistrust, and resentment. Fernandes (2018) says that group counseling sessions can also help individuals to counter paranoid personality disorder. Some of the drugs prescribed by psychiatrists to curb the situation include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Nonetheless, even though medications assist the patient, psychotherapy is crucial to unravel the adverse mind patterns and attitudes. Importantly, the physician helps the victim to make relational transformations that will eventually impact their interaction with other people. Family members and close friends can also play a critical role during therapy by dispersing wrong perceptions present in the victim’s thoughts and create unquestioning relationships with them.

Conclusion

Like paranoid personality disorder, anxious personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder are types of personality abnormalities analyzed by exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatment of people determined to suffer from the ailments. Individuals with dependent personality disorder depend highly on other people, even in making simple decisions like what to wear. People living with narcissistic personality disorder are only concerned about their feelings and do not consider other people’s opinions. These individuals are selfish. Lastly, people with paranoid personality disorder harbor feelings of mistrust against anyone who attempts to show compassion, and thus, they cannot differentiate between people with good and destructive intentions.

 

 

References

Baum, I. (2019, March 13). Are You a Narcissist? Here Are 11 Things You Should Ask Yourself. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.menshealth.com/health/g19546816/narcissism-signs-to-watch-out-for/

Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications.

Disney, K. L. (2013). Dependent personality disorder: A critical review. Clinical Psychology Review33(8), 1184-1196.

Dowgwillo, E. A., Pincus, A. L., & Lenzenweger, M. F. (2019). A parallel process latent growth model of narcissistic personality disorder symptoms and normal personality traits. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment10(3), 257.

Fernandes, S. (2018, November 18). Treatment of Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.healthguideinfo.com/personality-disorders/p110084/

Howard, R. (2015, September 17). Personality disorders and violence: what is the link? Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579506/

Legg, T. (2020, January 2). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/narcissistic-personality-disorder

Martel, J. (2017, May 17). Paranoid Personality Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/paranoid-personality-disorder

Nowak, L. (2019, January 8). Exploring the Causes of Paranoid Personality Disorder and How Treatment Can Help. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.brightquest.com/blog/exploring-the-causes-of-paranoid-personality-disorder-and-how-treatment-can-help/

Ronningstam, E. (2014). Beyond the diagnostic traits: A collaborative exploratory diagnostic process for dimensions and underpinnings of narcissistic personality disorder. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment5(4), 434.

 

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