Understanding
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly impact relationships, work, and daily functioning, often beginning in early adulthood.
Understanding
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly impact relationships, work, and daily functioning, often beginning in early adulthood.
Understanding
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly impact relationships, work, and daily functioning, often beginning in early adulthood.
What do personality disorders feel like?
Living with a personality disorder can feel like being trapped in patterns of thinking and behaving that seem impossible to change, despite causing significant distress and relationship difficulties. Individuals often experience intense emotions, unstable self-image, and challenges in maintaining consistent relationships, whilst struggling with a deep sense that something is fundamentally different about how they experience the world. The internal experience may involve chronic feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting others, creating a cycle where attempts to connect with people often result in conflict or rejection.
The condition extends beyond temporary difficulties into persistent patterns that feel deeply ingrained and automatic, making it challenging to respond to situations in ways that feel authentic yet appropriate. Many people describe feeling like they're wearing a mask or constantly trying to figure out the "right" way to be, leading to exhaustion and identity confusion. The emotional intensity can be overwhelming, with small events triggering disproportionate responses that seem confusing to both the individual and those around them. This often results in a sense of isolation and shame, particularly when others struggle to understand why seemingly simple social interactions feel so challenging and emotionally charged.
Common Symptoms
Unstable relationships with patterns of idealization and devaluation
Chronic feelings of emptiness or identity confusion
Intense fear of abandonment or rejection
Difficulty regulating emotions and impulsive behaviours
Black-and-white thinking patterns about self and others
Problems with self-image and sense of personal identity
Challenges with empathy and understanding others' perspectives
Persistent feelings of being misunderstood or different from others
What do personality disorders feel like?
Living with a personality disorder can feel like being trapped in patterns of thinking and behaving that seem impossible to change, despite causing significant distress and relationship difficulties. Individuals often experience intense emotions, unstable self-image, and challenges in maintaining consistent relationships, whilst struggling with a deep sense that something is fundamentally different about how they experience the world. The internal experience may involve chronic feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting others, creating a cycle where attempts to connect with people often result in conflict or rejection.
The condition extends beyond temporary difficulties into persistent patterns that feel deeply ingrained and automatic, making it challenging to respond to situations in ways that feel authentic yet appropriate. Many people describe feeling like they're wearing a mask or constantly trying to figure out the "right" way to be, leading to exhaustion and identity confusion. The emotional intensity can be overwhelming, with small events triggering disproportionate responses that seem confusing to both the individual and those around them. This often results in a sense of isolation and shame, particularly when others struggle to understand why seemingly simple social interactions feel so challenging and emotionally charged.
Common Symptoms
Unstable relationships with patterns of idealization and devaluation
Chronic feelings of emptiness or identity confusion
Intense fear of abandonment or rejection
Difficulty regulating emotions and impulsive behaviours
Black-and-white thinking patterns about self and others
Problems with self-image and sense of personal identity
Challenges with empathy and understanding others' perspectives
Persistent feelings of being misunderstood or different from others
What do personality disorders feel like?
Living with a personality disorder can feel like being trapped in patterns of thinking and behaving that seem impossible to change, despite causing significant distress and relationship difficulties. Individuals often experience intense emotions, unstable self-image, and challenges in maintaining consistent relationships, whilst struggling with a deep sense that something is fundamentally different about how they experience the world. The internal experience may involve chronic feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting others, creating a cycle where attempts to connect with people often result in conflict or rejection.
The condition extends beyond temporary difficulties into persistent patterns that feel deeply ingrained and automatic, making it challenging to respond to situations in ways that feel authentic yet appropriate. Many people describe feeling like they're wearing a mask or constantly trying to figure out the "right" way to be, leading to exhaustion and identity confusion. The emotional intensity can be overwhelming, with small events triggering disproportionate responses that seem confusing to both the individual and those around them. This often results in a sense of isolation and shame, particularly when others struggle to understand why seemingly simple social interactions feel so challenging and emotionally charged.
Common Symptoms
Unstable relationships with patterns of idealization and devaluation
Chronic feelings of emptiness or identity confusion
Intense fear of abandonment or rejection
Difficulty regulating emotions and impulsive behaviours
Black-and-white thinking patterns about self and others
Problems with self-image and sense of personal identity
Challenges with empathy and understanding others' perspectives
Persistent feelings of being misunderstood or different from others
History of Personality Disorders
From moral insanity to modern dimensional understanding of personality functioning
1835
British psychiatrist James Cowles Prichard introduced the concept of "moral insanity," describing individuals with disturbed behaviour but intact intellectual function, laying groundwork for personality disorder concepts.
1952
The first edition of the DSM included "personality pattern disturbance" categories, marking the formal recognition of personality disorders as distinct mental health conditions requiring professional treatment and support.
1980
DSM-III established specific personality disorder criteria on a separate axis, revolutionising diagnosis and treatment approaches whilst reducing stigma through clearer clinical definitions and evidence-based frameworks.
Present
Modern approaches emphasise dimensional models of personality functioning, with effective treatments like DBT and schema therapy offering hope and significant improvement for millions of people worldwide.
History of Personality Disorders
From moral insanity to modern dimensional understanding of personality functioning
1835
British psychiatrist James Cowles Prichard introduced the concept of "moral insanity," describing individuals with disturbed behaviour but intact intellectual function, laying groundwork for personality disorder concepts.
1952
The first edition of the DSM included "personality pattern disturbance" categories, marking the formal recognition of personality disorders as distinct mental health conditions requiring professional treatment and support.
1980
DSM-III established specific personality disorder criteria on a separate axis, revolutionising diagnosis and treatment approaches whilst reducing stigma through clearer clinical definitions and evidence-based frameworks.
Present
Modern approaches emphasise dimensional models of personality functioning, with effective treatments like DBT and schema therapy offering hope and significant improvement for millions of people worldwide.
History of Personality Disorders
From moral insanity to modern dimensional understanding of personality functioning
1835
British psychiatrist James Cowles Prichard introduced the concept of "moral insanity," describing individuals with disturbed behaviour but intact intellectual function, laying groundwork for personality disorder concepts.
1952
The first edition of the DSM included "personality pattern disturbance" categories, marking the formal recognition of personality disorders as distinct mental health conditions requiring professional treatment and support.
1980
DSM-III established specific personality disorder criteria on a separate axis, revolutionising diagnosis and treatment approaches whilst reducing stigma through clearer clinical definitions and evidence-based frameworks.
Present
Modern approaches emphasise dimensional models of personality functioning, with effective treatments like DBT and schema therapy offering hope and significant improvement for millions of people worldwide.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for personality disorders focuses on developing emotional regulation skills, improving interpersonal relationships, and building a more stable sense of self through evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). These specialised therapies help individuals understand their emotional patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn to navigate relationships more effectively. Therapists work collaboratively to identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and gradually build the skills needed for more stable and fulfilling relationships.
Long-term therapeutic relationships provide a safe space to practice new ways of relating and responding to challenges, with therapists offering consistent support whilst helping clients develop their own internal resources. Group therapy components are often particularly valuable, allowing individuals to practice interpersonal skills in a supportive environment and learn from others with similar experiences. The therapeutic process recognises that change takes time and patience, focusing on gradual progress rather than expecting immediate transformation. Many people find that therapy not only helps manage symptoms but also leads to profound personal growth and a much deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
More stable and satisfying interpersonal relationships
Increased self-awareness and understanding of personal patterns
Reduced impulsive behaviours and self-destructive tendencies
Better sense of identity and personal values
Enhanced ability to maintain employment and social functioning
Decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring conditions
Greater overall life satisfaction and sense of personal agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common misconceptions and concerns about personality disorders and treatment
Are personality disorders just character flaws or bad behaviour?
Can personality disorders be treated or are they permanent?
Will having a personality disorder diagnosis affect my relationships and career?
How long does treatment typically take to see improvements?
How therapy can help
Therapy for personality disorders focuses on developing emotional regulation skills, improving interpersonal relationships, and building a more stable sense of self through evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). These specialised therapies help individuals understand their emotional patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn to navigate relationships more effectively. Therapists work collaboratively to identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and gradually build the skills needed for more stable and fulfilling relationships.
Long-term therapeutic relationships provide a safe space to practice new ways of relating and responding to challenges, with therapists offering consistent support whilst helping clients develop their own internal resources. Group therapy components are often particularly valuable, allowing individuals to practice interpersonal skills in a supportive environment and learn from others with similar experiences. The therapeutic process recognises that change takes time and patience, focusing on gradual progress rather than expecting immediate transformation. Many people find that therapy not only helps manage symptoms but also leads to profound personal growth and a much deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
More stable and satisfying interpersonal relationships
Increased self-awareness and understanding of personal patterns
Reduced impulsive behaviours and self-destructive tendencies
Better sense of identity and personal values
Enhanced ability to maintain employment and social functioning
Decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring conditions
Greater overall life satisfaction and sense of personal agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common misconceptions and concerns about personality disorders and treatment
Are personality disorders just character flaws or bad behaviour?
Can personality disorders be treated or are they permanent?
Will having a personality disorder diagnosis affect my relationships and career?
How long does treatment typically take to see improvements?
How therapy can help
Therapy for personality disorders focuses on developing emotional regulation skills, improving interpersonal relationships, and building a more stable sense of self through evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). These specialised therapies help individuals understand their emotional patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn to navigate relationships more effectively. Therapists work collaboratively to identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and gradually build the skills needed for more stable and fulfilling relationships.
Long-term therapeutic relationships provide a safe space to practice new ways of relating and responding to challenges, with therapists offering consistent support whilst helping clients develop their own internal resources. Group therapy components are often particularly valuable, allowing individuals to practice interpersonal skills in a supportive environment and learn from others with similar experiences. The therapeutic process recognises that change takes time and patience, focusing on gradual progress rather than expecting immediate transformation. Many people find that therapy not only helps manage symptoms but also leads to profound personal growth and a much deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
More stable and satisfying interpersonal relationships
Increased self-awareness and understanding of personal patterns
Reduced impulsive behaviours and self-destructive tendencies
Better sense of identity and personal values
Enhanced ability to maintain employment and social functioning
Decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring conditions
Greater overall life satisfaction and sense of personal agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common misconceptions and concerns about personality disorders and treatment
Are personality disorders just character flaws or bad behaviour?
Can personality disorders be treated or are they permanent?
Will having a personality disorder diagnosis affect my relationships and career?
How long does treatment typically take to see improvements?
