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Personality disorders in youths

Definition Types Treatment Incidence Conclusions Resources

Overview

Personality disorders are a number of distinctive and abnormal behaviors.

They are characterized by the way a person reacts to an event or a human interaction that may affect their behavior.

People with personality disorders often have other mental health problems, especially depression and substance abuse.

Personality disorders typically emerge in adolescence and continue into adulthood. They may be mild, moderate or severe, and people may have periods of 'remission' where they function well.

Personality disorders  may be associated with genetic and family factors.

Personality disorders are deeply ingrained ways of thinking and behaving that are inflexible and generally lead to impaired relationships with others.

Several different types of personality disorders are recognized. 

They are broadly grouped in three clusters : A, B and C.

Includes disorders that lead to social awkwardness and social withdrawal and are dominated by distorted thinking such as:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder

• Schizoid Personality Disorder

• Schizotypal Personality Disorders

Cluster A - The Odd or Eccentric Cluster

Includes disorders that impact impulse control and emotional regulation such as:

• Borderline Personality Disorder

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• Histrionic Personality Disorder

• Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Cluster B - The Dramatic, Emotional & Erratic Cluster

Includes disorders that are characterized by a high level of anxiety such as:

• The Avoidant Personality Disorder• The Dependent Personality Disorder• The Obsessive-Compulsive

Personality Disorder

Cluster C - The Anxious, Fearful Cluster

Most people recover from personality disorders over time.

Based on the severity of the disorder and whether there are ongoing problems treatment may involve one or a combination of:

• Psychological therapy

• Medication

• Therapeutic communities or support

Recovery and Treatment

This is the treatment for most personality disorders. It normally lasts at least six months,  often longer, depending on the severity of the condition and other co-existing problems.

There are 3 main types of psychological therapy:

1.Psychotherapy

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)

3.Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Psychological Therapy

Is a treatment that involves discussion of thoughts, feelings and emotions with a trained professional.

The aim of all psychological therapies is to improve people's ability to regulate their thoughts and emotions.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)

Is based on the theory that what we think about a situation affects how we act. In turn, our actions can affect what we think and feel. Therefore, it is necessary to change both the act of thinking (cognition) and behavior at the same time.

Is based on the theory that our relationships with other people and the outside world in general have a powerful effect on our mental health.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Therapeutic communities (TCs) are a form of group therapy in which the experience of having a personality disorder is explored in depth.

Therapeutic communities

Currently, no medication has been licensed for the treatment of any personality disorder.

Medications may be prescribed to treat associated problems such as depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms.

Medication

Mild personality disorders that do not seriously interfere with a person's ability to function socially are common. Severe disorders are rare and affect less than 2% of the population.

Incidence

Conclusions

This presentation has shown what is a personality disorder, the types of personality disorders and the treatment options available at this point.

It is important to remember that everyone can exhibit some of these personality traits from time to time.

A diagnostic may be given by a specialised person only. To meet the diagnostic requirement of a personality disorder, these traits must be inflexible; i.e., they can be repeatedly observed without regard to time, place, or circumstance. Furthermore, these traits must cause functional impairment and/or subjective distress.

1. Personality Disorders, NHS Choices, London, UK, August 2014

2. Personality Disorders, Understanding Personality Disorders, Psychology Today, Sussex, UK, August 2014

3. DSM-5, The 10 Personality Disorders, Seven Counties Services Louisville, US, August 2014

4. Treating a personality disorder, NHS Choices, London, UK, August 2014

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