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10 Symptoms That May Indicate a Personality Disorder

16 May 202416 May 2024 GoshenDelight 0 Comments 06:53
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We all have quirks and flaws. But how do you know when your personality traits are symptoms of a personality disorder?

A personality disorder is a mental health condition that can make it difficult for folks to maintain healthy relationships or interact with others.

Personality Disorder

Your personality makes you who you are. It influences how you perceive and interact with the world around you.

Someone with a personality disorder might seem “set in their ways” and have trouble adapting to situations and life changes. You may not form friendships or close bonds as easily as some personality traits may get in the way of forming interpersonal relationships.

But everyone runs into issues with relationships at one time or another. A disagreement with a co-worker, a tiff with a friend, an argument with your parents. So how can you tell if you or someone you know has a personality disorder?

10 signs you might have a personality disorder
While there are 10 different personality disorders, many of them share similar symptoms.

1. Issues with self-esteem
Personality disorders can cause you to have very high or very low self-esteem. For some people, self-image can also fluctuate.

For example, one minute, you might think of yourself as a kind, loving person, and the next, you may believe you’re unpleasant and cruel. This unstable self-image often arises in borderline personality disorder (BPD).

People with certain personality disorders may have an overblown sense of self, known as grandiosity, and believe they’re better or smarter than others. This is a common feature of narcissistic personality disorder.

2. Inconsistent values
Your values may seem inconsistent, too. For example, you might behave appropriately at work but act differently at home.

For example, someone may appear put together and polite in a work setting but go home and act abusively toward their loved ones. This may be the case with antisocial personality disorder.

3. Problems maintaining close relationships
A personality disorder can make it tough to maintain relationships because strong personality traits may put off others. Your behavior may frustrate others and make them less likely to want to spend time around you.

It can be hard to maintain relationships if you consistently run into misunderstandings with others. For people with personality disorders, this is common. You may project motivations and feelings onto others that don’t exist.

4. Difficulty with empathy
If you have a personality disorder, you may also have trouble empathizing with other people. You may come across as insensitive or uncaring.

Some people may resort to lying, regardless of how it affects others. They may lie to avoid accepting the blame for their behavior.

5. Trouble with boundaries
People with personality disorders may also refuse or find it hard to establish and recognize boundaries with others. You may not care about maintaining or paying attention to boundaries.

Depending on your personality disorder, you may not mean to overstep boundaries. Instead, you may find it hard to know when you’re overstepping. Some people may even overstep knowingly, even when someone tells them no.

6. Problematic parenting styles
Parents with personality disorders may have abusive or irresponsible parenting styles.

Some people with personality disorders may be too involved in their children’s lives, overly emotional, and too enmeshed in family relationships.

Others may be extremely detached and uninvolved in their child’s lives.

In many cases, the children of people with personality disorders will be impacted by their parents’ behaviors.

7. Difficulty regulating emotions
If you have a personality disorder, you may have trouble keeping your emotions in check. You may get angry easily or be quick to react in frustration when something isn’t going your way.

For instance, someone with BPD may have intense mood swings or lash out to seek attention. And someone with histrionic personality disorder may experience rapidly changing, shallow emotions.

And symptoms of BPD include feelings of emptiness and angry outbursts.

8. Problems with stress
If you have a personality disorder, you may find it hard to cope with stressful situations and events. You may try to cope with stress in unhealthy ways.

For example, someone with BPD may self-harm in reaction to managing life with BPD symptoms, such as feelings of abandonment and current causes of stress.

9. Low self-awareness
Often, people with personality disorders can’t recognize or acknowledge they have a mental health condition. You may be in denial and refuse to seek treatment even when those around you urge you to get help.

You may also blame other people for your behavior or problems.

For example, if you’re having relationship trouble, you may regularly fail to accept responsibility for the part you play and blame issues on your partner.

For instance, people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) may not realize their preoccupation with organization, schedules, and work projects is affecting their relationships and feel very resistant to change or compromise.

10. Difficulty at work
Personality disorders can make relationships hard. And they can also make it tough to perform in a professional work setting. You may butt heads with bosses or co-workers and find it hard to work on a team.

But angry outbursts aren’t the only potential professional roadblock.

Someone with schizoid personality disorder, for example, may have a hard time holding a job because they may be withdrawn or very shy.

What are the types of personality disorders?
Personality disorders can be divided into three clusters: A, B, and C.

Cluster A personality disorders
If you have a cluster A personality disorder, you may appear odd to others. You likely have trouble with social interactions.

  • paranoid personality disorder
  • schizotypal personality disorder
  • schizoid personality disorder
  • Cluster B personality disorders

 

If you have a cluster B personality disorder, you probably have difficulty controlling your emotions and may act out unpredictably.

  • borderline personality disorder
  • narcissistic personality disorder
  • histrionic personality disorder
  • antisocial personality disorder
  • Cluster C personality disorders

 

If you have a cluster C personality disorder, you may be more anxious and fearful. You may spend an unhealthy amount of time doubting yourself and your abilities.

  • obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
  • avoidant personality disorder
  • dependent personality disorder

 

Let’s recap
You might find yourself looking through the above list and noticing traits within yourself. We all act out in anger or become overly emotional from time to time, especially when faced with high amounts of stress.

But to receive a diagnosis of a personality disorder, you must have an enduring pattern of inner experiences and behavior that differs markedly from cultural expectations and norms. The symptoms must span social and work situations (e.g., not just at work). Two or more of the following areas will be impacted:

  • cognitions (thoughts)
  • mood
  • interpersonal relationships
  • impulse control

 

These attributes will also likely interfere in your life and may even cause you to lose out on relationships or professional opportunities.

Personality disorders are complex conditions, but treatment is available.

Personality disorders are not easily self-diagnosed, partly because those who have them don’t see their problematic symptoms. Only a mental health professional can diagnose a personality disorder. If you think you or someone you know shows signs of a personality disorder, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.

Recognizing you may have a mental health condition is the first step to feeling better and cultivating healthier relationships. And remember, you’re not alone. Having a personality disorder can feel isolating, but help is available.

Consider looking through the following resources for more information about personality disorders and available treatment options:

 

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Even with treatment, postpartum depression can make you more likely to have episodes of depression in the future.•*The baby’s father*. When a new mother has depression, the father may be more likely to have depression too.•*Children*. Children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to have problems with sleeping and eating, crying more than usual, and delays in language development.*Postpartum Depression Prevention*If you have a history of depression, tell your doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, or if you’re planning to become pregnant.During pregnancy. Your doctor can monitor you for symptoms. You can manage mild depression symptoms with support groups, counseling, or other therapies. Your doctor may prescribe medications, even while you’re pregnant.After your baby is born. Your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to look for symptoms of depression. The earlier you’re diagnosed, the earlier you can begin treatment. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend treatment as soon as you have the baby.Managing after childbirthHere are some tips that can help you cope with bringing home a newborn:•Ask for help. Let others know how they can help you.•Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and baby.•Exercise , within the limits of any restrictions your doctor may place on your level of activity; take a walk, and get out of the house for a break.•Expect some good days and some bad days.•Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol and caffeine.•Foster the relationship with your partner — make time for each other.•Keep in touch with family and friends — don’t isolate yourself.•Limit visitors when you first go home.•Screen phone calls.•Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.Source webmd.comWhat is Postpartum Depression?Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset but on the severity of the depression.Postpartum depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes that happen when having a baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. PPD can be treated with medication and counseling.The chemical changes involve a rapid drop in hormones after delivery. The actual link between this drop and depression is still not clear. But what is known is that the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy. Then, they drop sharply after delivery. By 3 days after a woman gives birth, the levels of these hormones drop back to what they were before pregnancy.In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes of having a baby create an increased risk of depression.Most new mothers experience the “baby blues” after delivery. About 1 out of every 10 of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression after delivery. About 1 in 1,000 women develop a more serious condition called postpartum psychosis.Dads aren’t immune. Research shows that about 1 in 10 new fathers get depression during the year their child is born. *Postpartum Depression Signs and Symptoms*Symptoms of postpartum depression can be hard to detect. Many women have these symptoms following childbirth:•Trouble sleeping •Appetite changes •Severe fatigue •Lower libido •Frequent mood changes With PPD, these come along with other symptoms of major depression, which aren’t typical after childbirth, and may include: •Being uninterested in your baby or feeling like you’re not bonding with them•Crying all the time, often for no reason•Depressed mood •Severe anger and crankiness•Loss of pleasure •Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness •Thoughts of death or suicide •Thoughts of hurting someone else•Trouble concentrating or making decisionsSymptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that are new rarely occur in the postpartum period (about 1%-3% of women). The obsessions are usually related to concerns about the baby’s health or irrational fears of harming the baby. Panic disorder may also happen. You can have these conditions and depression at the same time.Untreated postpartum depression can be dangerous for new moms and their children. A new mom should seek professional help when:•Symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks•They can’t function normally•They can’t cope with everyday situations•They have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby•They’re feeling extremely anxious, scared, and panicked most of the day.*Postpartum Depression Causes and Risk Factors*If you have PPD, it’s not because you did anything wrong. Experts think it happens for many reasons, and those can be different for different people. Some things that can raise the chances of postpartum depression include:•A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy•Age at time of pregnancy (the younger you are, the higher the chances)•Ambivalence about the pregnancyChildren (the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a later pregnancy)•Family history of mood disorders•Going through an extremely stressful event, like a job loss or health crisis•Having a child with special needs or health problems•Having twins or triplets•Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)•Limited social support•Living alone•Marital conflictThere’s no one cause of postpartum depression, but these physical and emotional issues may contribute:*•Hormones*. The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone after you give birth may play a role. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply and make you feel tired, sluggish and depressed.*•Lack of sleep.* When you’re sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. *•Anxiety*. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. *•Self Image.* You may feel less attractive, struggle with your sense of identity, or feel that you’ve lost control over your life. _Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression._*Types of postpartum depression*There are three terms used to describe the mood changes women can have after giving birth:•The “baby blues”happen to as many as 70% of women in the days right after childbirth. You may have sudden mood swings, such as feeling very happy and then feeling very sad. You may cry for no reason and can feel impatient, cranky, restless, anxious, lonely, and sad. The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. Usually you don’t need treatment from a health care provider for baby blues. Often, joining a support group of new moms or talking with other moms helps.•*Postpartum depression (PPD) *can happen a few days or even months after childbirth. PPD can happen after the birth of any child, not just the first child. You can have feelings similar to the baby blues — sadness, despair, anxiety, crankiness — but you feel them much more strongly. PPD often keeps you from doing the things you need to do every day. When your ability to function is affected, you need to see a health care provider, such as your OB/GYN or primary care doctor. This doctor can screen you for depression symptoms and come up with a treatment plan. If you don’t get treatment for PPD, symptoms can get worse. While PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counseling.•*Postpartum psychosis* is a very serious mental illness that can affect new mothers. This illness can happen quickly, often within the first 3 months after childbirth. Women can lose touch with reality, having auditory hallucinations (hearing things that aren’t actually happening, like a person talking) and delusions (strongly believing things that are clearly irrational). Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there) are less common. Other symptoms include insomnia (not being able to sleep), feeling agitated and angry, pacing, restlessness, and strange feelings and behaviors. Women who have postpartum psychosis need treatment right away and almost always need medication. Sometimes women are put into the hospital because they are at risk for hurting themselves or someone else.*Postpartum Depression Treatment*Postpartum depression is treated differently, depending on the type of symptoms and how severe they are. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and participation in a support group for emotional support and education. For severe cases, an IV of a new medication called brexanolone (Zulresso) may be prescribed.In the case of postpartum psychosis, drugs used to treat psychosis are usually added. Hospital admission is also often necessary.If you are breastfeeding, don’t assume that you can’t take medication for depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. Talk to your doctor. Under a doctor’s supervision, many women take medication while breastfeeding. This is a decision to be made between you and your doctor.*Postpartum Depression Complications*Postpartum depression that isn’t treated can weaken your ability to bond with your baby, and affect the whole family:•*You*. Postpartum depression that’s not treated can last for months or longer, even turning into a chronic depressive disorder. Even with treatment, postpartum depression can make you more likely to have episodes of depression in the future.•*The baby’s father*. When a new mother has depression, the father may be more likely to have depression too.•*Children*. Children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to have problems with sleeping and eating, crying more than usual, and delays in language development.*Postpartum Depression Prevention*If you have a history of depression, tell your doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, or if you’re planning to become pregnant.During pregnancy. Your doctor can monitor you for symptoms. You can manage mild depression symptoms with support groups, counseling, or other therapies. Your doctor may prescribe medications, even while you’re pregnant.After your baby is born. Your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to look for symptoms of depression. The earlier you’re diagnosed, the earlier you can begin treatment. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend treatment as soon as you have the baby.Managing after childbirthHere are some tips that can help you cope with bringing home a newborn:•Ask for help. Let others know how they can help you.•Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and baby.•Exercise , within the limits of any restrictions your doctor may place on your level of activity; take a walk, and get out of the house for a break.•Expect some good days and some bad days.•Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol and caffeine.•Foster the relationship with your partner — make time for each other.•Keep in touch with family and friends — don’t isolate yourself.•Limit visitors when you first go home.•Screen phone calls.•Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.Source webmd.com

16 May 202416 May 2024| GoshenDelight| 0 Comments

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