Personality disorders by type

The Impulsive type

Characterised by emotional instability and an inability to control impulses, with episodes of threatening behaviour and violence occurring particularly in response to criticism by others.

 

The Borderline type

Also characterised by emotional instability. In addition people with this type of personality disorder may experience severe doubts about their self image, aims and sexual preferences which cause upset and distress. It is common to experience a strong and debilitating sense of emptiness and this can lead to self harm and suicide threats. Liable to become involved in intense but unstable relationships which can cause them continual emotional crises, which they will endure to avoid being abandoned.

 

Causes and treatments

Like other personality disorders, 'Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder' is a controversial diagnosis. At present there is no consensus as to its causes or treatment

 

Some people find it helps to be open and honest about past events or situations which have upset them. This enables them to identify risky situations, which are more likely to set off their problematic behaviours. They can then devise strategies for dealing with those risky situations. Having access to a skilled carer or professional to support you through these reflective, problem solving processes can be of considerable benefit. 

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Histrionic Personality Disorder

• Given to theatricality, self dramatisation and exaggerating the expression of emotions

• Suggestible and easily influenced by others or circumstances
• A need to constantly find activities offering excitement and the opportunity to be the centre of attention and a longing to be appreciated by other people
• Over concern with physical attractiveness
• A tendency to act or appear in an inappropriately seductive way
• A tendency to be persistently manipulative to achieve what they want and to be easily hurt if obstructed

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Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• Arrogant and self important  

• Fantasises about unlimited successes and achievements
• Believes that they are special and can only be understood by other special people
• Constant need for attention and admiration
• Exploits others to achieve own ends
• Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
• Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them

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Obsessive-Compulsive (Anankastic) Personality Disorder

• Feelings of excessive doubt and caution compensated by a need to adhere strictly to rules, lists and orders, although paradoxically this perfectionism often interferes with the successful completion of tasks
• Close relationships and pleasurable activities are difficult to maintain in the face of the need to meet excessive standards of conscientiousness and productivity. This attitude is off putting to other people especially as they expect the same dedication from others or conversely will unreasonably seek to prevent others from doing things
• Rigid and stubborn in outlook, whilst also pedantic about doing the right thing

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Paranoid Personality Disorder

• Extremely sensitive to experiencing failure or rejection

• Hold grudges against people and will refuse to forgive insults, injuries or slights
• Very suspicious and will often misconstrue the friendly or neutral behaviour of other people as being unfriendly or hostile. Also constantly suspicious about the fidelity of sexual partners
• A preoccupation with personal rights and a sense of these being infringed even when this is not so.  Often self centred and self important
• Prone to believing in conspiracy theories about events affecting their own lives and in the world at large

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Schizoid Personality Disorder

• Find pleasure in few, if any, aspects of their life
• Unemotional, seem to be cold and unfeeling and find it very difficult to express anger or warmth to other people
• Unaffected by the praise or criticism of others and noticeably insensitive to the norms and conventions held by society
• Prefer to be on their own and have little interest in relationships (including close friendships or sexual ones)
• Very introspective and preoccupied with fantasy

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Schizotypal Personality Disorder

• Behaviour is cold and aloof and in other respects is regarded as strange and eccentric

• Experience difficulty in maintaining relationships and will tend to be socially withdrawn
• Hold unusual beliefs such as magical thinking which will influence the way they behave
• Hold ideas that are paranoid and overly suspicious
• Given to thinking obsessively about a subject without being able to let go, often this will be of a sexual or violent nature
• Unusual perceptions such as ‘voices’, ‘visions’, ‘bodily experiences’.  Sometimes experienced as intense ‘psychotic’ episodes 

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Written in 2003