A personality disorder is a mental disorder that affects your behavior and thinking. Personality disorders can cloud how people and circumstances are perceived. A person with a personality disorder may not see that they have a condition as their behavior and thinking seems normal to them.
There are three main categories of personality disorders:
Personality disorders usually emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. There is no clear answer as to why personality disorders form, but there is reason to believe it is linked to both genetics and environment. Personality disorder may also develop as a coping response during a stressful situation or event in life.
Personality disorder signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. While symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder, common symptoms may include:
Personality disorders can be diagnosed based on symptoms, as well as a physical exam and examination of medical history. Your provider may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further testing and observation.
While most people with personality disorders can function normally in society, it’s important to get help as soon as you or a loved one needs it. Treatment will vary based on the type of personality disorder, with options such as:
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a type of personality disorder where mood swings can range from extreme highs to extreme lows. The two sides of bipolar disorders are called mania (extreme high) and depressive (extreme low).
Currently there is not one cause for bipolar personality disorder, but genes, changes in the brain and stress can be factors in the development of bipolar disorder.
Signs of bipolar personality disorder will vary dramatically between manic and depressive states.
Sign and symptoms for mania may include:
Signs and symptoms for depressive periods may include:
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to determine an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing bipolar personality disorder may include a long-term strategy with your doctor since there are often similar symptoms common with other illnesses, such as thyroid conditions or chemical dependency. Your doctor may perform a physical exam or psychiatric exam.
While treatment options are available for bipolar disorder, it is a chronic illness and will require ongoing care to manage. Treatment options may include therapies and support groups, or medication.
Psychosis is a severe mental illness that can distort your perceived vision of reality. Psychosis episodes can be frightening for both the person experiencing them as well as their loved ones. Learn more about psychosis symptoms and treatment options.
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