Personality and Bipolar Personality Disorder

Understanding personality disorders

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you think, feel and behave. They can change how you perceive people and situations, often without realizing that your thoughts or behaviors are unusual. At Banner Health, we are dedicated to helping individuals understand and manage these conditions to lead fulfilling lives. 

Types of personality disorders

Personality disorders are typically grouped into three main categories:

Anxious disorders:

• Examples: Dependent personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Characteristics: Feelings of inadequacy, excessive dependence on others or rigid perfectionism

Dramatic disorders:

• Examples: Borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder
• Characteristics: Intense emotions, impulsive behaviors or difficulty forming healthy relationships

Eccentric disorders:

• Examples: Schizoid personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder
• Characteristics: Social withdrawal, mistrust or unusual thoughts 

Causes of personality disorders

Symptoms of personality disorders vary widely depending on the type, but common signs include:

• Difficulty understanding or responding to social cues
• Social anxiety or avoidance
• Impulsive or risky behavior
• Unstable relationships
• Sudden, extreme emotional changes
• Suspicious or paranoid thoughts
• Feeling disconnected from reality

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, seeking professional help can make a significant difference. 

Symptoms of personality disorders

Personality disorder signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. While symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder, common symptoms may include:

• Inability to pick up on social cues
• Social anxiety
• Impulsive behavior
• Unstable relationships
• Extreme emotional swings
• Paranoia or suspicion
• Feeling out of touch with reality

Diagnosing personality disorders

Diagnosing a personality disorder involves a thorough evaluation. Your health care provider may:

• Conduct a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions
• Review your medical and family history
• Refer you to a mental health specialist for psychological testing and observation

An accurate diagnosis is essential to develop an effective treatment plan. 

Treatment for personality disorders

Treatment for personality disorders depends on the specific diagnosis and individual needs. Options include:

• Psychotherapy:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change harmful thinking patterns
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to improve emotional regulation
• Medication:
  • Antidepressants, mood stabilizers or antipsychotics to manage symptoms
  • With early intervention and proper care, many people with personality disorders can lead productive and satisfying lives. 

What Is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. While it is not classified as a personality disorder, it is often mistaken for one. Bipolar disorder has two main phases:

• Mania (highs): Increased energy, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts and difficulty sleeping
• Depression (lows): Low energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in weight and thoughts of self-harm 

Causes of bipolar disorder

The causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but contributing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Brain chemistry or structure changes
• Stressful life events 

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Symptoms differ between manic and depressive episodes.

• Manic symptoms:
  • Excessive energy
  • Impulsiveness
  • Elevated mood or irritability
  • Participation in risky behaviors
• Depressive symptoms:
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Significant weight changes 

Diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder

Diagnosing bipolar disorder often requires a long-term approach. Your provider may:

• Conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like thyroid issues
• Review your symptoms over time
• Use psychiatric evaluations

Treatment may include:

• Medication: Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics
• Therapies and support groups: Providing tools to manage mood swings and improve daily functioning

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition but can be managed effectively with ongoing care. 

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a severe mental illness that distorts a person’s sense of reality. During psychotic episodes, individuals may experience:

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Delusions: Strong beliefs that are not based in reality

These episodes can be frightening for both the individual and their loved ones. Treatment often includes antipsychotic medications and therapy to address underlying causes and reduce symptoms.

Get help at Banner Health

Banner Health is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for personality disorders, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. If you or someone you care about needs help, contact Banner Health to learn more about our comprehensive behavioral health services.