What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir

Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan What are Personality Disorders? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), a personality disorder is an "enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectation of the individual's culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment." Because these disorders are chronic and pervasive, they can lead to serious impairments in daily life and functioning. Personality disorders are a class of personality types and enduring behaviors associated with significant distress or disability, which appear to deviate from social expectations particularly in relating to others. Personality disorders are included as mental disorders on Axis II of the Diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, and in the mental and behavioral disorders section of the ICD manual of the World Health Organization. Personality, defined psychologically, is the enduring behavioral and mental traits that distinguish human beings. Hence, personality disorders are defined by experiences and behaviors that differ from societal norms and expectations. Those diagnosed with a personality disorder may experience difficulties in cognition, emotiveness, interpersonal functioning or control of impulses. In general, personality disorders are diagnosed in 40-60 percent of psychiatric patients, which is the most frequent of all psychiatric diagnoses. These behavioral patterns in personality disorders are typically associated with substantial disturbances in some behavioral tendencies of an individual, usually involving several areas of the personality, and are nearly always associated with considerable personal and social disruption. Additionally, personality disorders are inflexible and pervasive across many situations, due in large part to the fact that such behavior may be ego-syntonic (i.e. the patterns are consistent with the ego integrity of the individual) and are, therefore, perceived to be appropriate by that individual. This behavior can result in maladaptive coping skills, which may

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan lead to personal problems that induce extreme anxiety, distress or depression. The onset of these patterns of behavior can typically be traced back to early adolescence and the beginning of adulthood and, in some instances, childhood. Because the theory and diagnosis of personality disorders stem from prevailing cultural expectations, their validity is contested by some experts on the basis of invariable subjectivity. They argue that the theory and diagnosis of personality disorders are based strictly on social, or even sociopolitical and economic considerations. History Personality disorder is a term with a distinctly modern meaning, owing in part to its clinical usage and the institutional character of modern psychiatry. The currently accepted meaning must be understood in the context of historical changing classification systems such as DSM-IV and its predecessors. Although highly anachronistic, and ignoring radical differences in the character of subjectivity and social relations, some have suggested similarities to other concepts going back to at least the ancient Greeks. For example, the Greek philosopher Theophrastus described 29 'character' types that he saw as deviations from the norm, and similar views have been found in Asian, Arabic and Celtic cultures. A long-standing influence in the Western world was Galen's concept of personality types which he linked to the four humours proposed by Hippocrates. Such views lasted into the 18th century, when experiments began to question the supposed biologically-based humours and 'temperaments'. Psychological concepts of character and 'self' became widespread. In the 19th century, 'personality' referred to a person's conscious awareness of their behavior, a disorder of which could be linked to altered states such as dissociation. This sense of the term has been compared to the use of the term 'multiple personality disorder' in the first versions of the DSM.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Physicians in the early 19th century started to diagnose forms of insanity that involved disturbed emotions and behaviors but seemingly without significant intellectual impairment or delusions or hallucinations. Philippe Pinel referred to this as 'manie sans dlire' - insanity without delusion - and described a number of cases mainly involving excessive or inexplicable anger or rage. James Cowles Prichard advanced a similar concept he called moral insanity, which would be used to diagnose patients for some decades. 'Moral' in this sense referred to affect (emotion or mood) rather than necessarily ethics, but it was arguably based in part on religious, social and moral beliefs, with a pessimism about medical intervention so that social control should take precedence. These categories were much different and broader than later definitions of personality disorder, while also being developed by some into a more specific meaning of moral degeneracy akin to later ideas about 'psychopaths'. Separately, Richard von Krafft-Ebing popularized the terms sadism and masochism, as well as homosexuality, as psychiatric issues. The German psychiatrist Koch sought to make the moral insanity concept more scientific, suggesting in 1891 the phrase 'psychopathic inferiority', theorized to be a congenital disorder. This referred to continual and rigid patterns of misconduct or dysfunction in the absence of apparent mental retardation or illness, supposedly without a moral judgement. Described as deeply rooted in his Christian faith, his work has been described as a fundamental text on personality disorders that is still of use today. 20th century In the early 20th century, another German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin included a chapter on psychopathic inferiority in his influential work on clinical psychiatry for students and physicians. He suggested six types - excitable, unstable, eccentric, liar, swindler and quarrelsome. The categories were essentially defined by the most disordered criminal offenders observed, distinguished between criminals by impulse, professional criminals, and morbid vagabonds who wandered through

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan life. Kraepelin also described three paranoid (meaning then delusional) disorders, resembling later concepts of schizophrenia, delusional disorder and paranoid personality disorder. A diagnostic term for the latter concept would be included in the DSM from 1952, and from 1980 the DSM would also include schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders; interpretations of earlier (1921) theories of Ernst Kretschmer led to a distinction between these and another type later included in the DSM, avoidant personality disorder. Psychiatrist David Henderson published in 1939 a theory of 'psychopathic states' which ended up contributing to the term becoming popularly linked to anti-social behavior. Hervey M. Cleckleys 1941 text, The Mask of Sanity, based on his personal categorization of similarities he noted in some prisoners, marked the start of the modern clinical conception of psychopathy and its popularist usage. Towards the mid 20th century, psychoanalytic theories were coming to the fore based on work from the turn of the century being popularized by Sigmund Freud and others. This included the concept of 'character disorders', which were seen as enduring problems linked not to specific symptoms but to pervasive internal conflicts or derailments of normal childhood development. These were typically understood as weaknesses of character or willful deviance, and were distingished from neurosis or psychosis. The term 'borderline' stems from a belief that some individuals were functioning on the edge of those two categories, and a number of the other personality disorder categories were also heavily influenced by this approach, including dependent, obsessive-compulsive and histrionic, the latter starting off as a conversion symptom of hysteria particularly associated with women, then a hysterical personality, then renamed histrionic personality disorder in later versions of the DSM. A passive aggressive style was defined clinically by Colonel William Menninger during World War II in the context of men's reactions to military compliance, which would later be referenced as a personality disorder in the DSM.Otto Kernberg was influential with regard to the concepts of the borderline and narcissistic personalities which were later incorporated as disorders into the DSM in 1980.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Meanwhile, a more general personality psychology had been developing in academia and to some extent clinically. Gordon Allport was publishing theories of personality traits from the 1920s, and Henry Murray advanced a theory called 'personology' which influenced a later key advocate of personality disorders, Theodore Millon. Tests were developing or being applied for personality evaluation, including projective tests such as the Rorshach, as well as questionnaires such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Around mid-century, Hans Eysenck was analysing traits and personality types, and psychiatrist Kurt Schneider was popularising a clinical use in place of the previously more usual terms 'character', 'temperament' or 'constitution'. American psychiatrists officially recognised concepts of enduring personality disturbances in the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in the 1950s, which relied heavily on psychoanalytic concepts. Somewhat more neutral language was employed in the DSM-II in 1968, though the terms and descriptions had only a slight resemblance to current definitions. The DSM-III published in 1980 made some major changes, notably putting all personality disorders onto a second separate 'axis' along with mental retardation, intended to signify more enduring patterns, distinct from what were considered axis one mental disorders. 'Inadequate' and 'asthenic' personality disorder' categories were deleted, and others were unpacked into more types, or changed from being personality disorders to regular disorders. Sociopathic Personality Disorder, which had been the term for psychopathy, was renamed Antisocial Personality Disorder. Most categories were given more specific 'operationalized' definitions, with standard criteria that psychiatrists could agree on in order to conduct research and diagnose patients. In the DSM-III revision, self-defeating personality disorder and sadistic personality disorder were included as provisional diagnoses requiring further study. They were dropped in the DSM-IV, though a proposed 'depressive personality disorder' was added; in addition, the official diagnosis of passive-aggressive personality disorder was dropped, tentatively renamed 'negativistic personality disorder.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan International differences have been noted in how attitudes have developed towards the diagnosis of personality disorder. Kurt Schneider had argued that they were simply 'abnormal varieties of psychic life' and therefore not necessarily the domain of psychiatry, a view said to still have influence in Germany today. British psychiatrists have also been reluctant to address such disorders or consider them on a par with other mental disorders, which has been attributed partly to resource pressures within the National Health Service, as well as to negative medical attitudes towards behaviors associated with personality disorders. In the US, the prevailing healthcare system and psychanalytic tradition has been said to provide a rationale for private therapists to diagnose some personality disorders more broadly and provide ongoing treatment for them. What Causes Personality Disorders? The causes of personality disorders are the subject of considerable debate and controversy. Some experts believe that personality disorders are caused by early experiences that prevented the development of normal thought and behavior patterns. Other researchers believe that biological or genetic influences are the root cause of personality disorders. While a definitive cause has not been established, it is likely that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental variables contribute to the development of personality disorders. How are Personality Disorders Diagnosed? In order to be diagnosed with a personality disorder, an individual must exhibit symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria established in the DSM-IV.

These patterns of behavior must be chronic and pervasive, affecting many different aspects of the individuals life, including social functioning, work, school and close relationships.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan The individual must exhibit symptoms that affect two or more of the following areas: thoughts, emotions, interpersonal functioning and impulse control.

The pattern of behaviors must be stable across time and have an onset that can be traced back to adolescence or early adulthood. These behaviors cannot be explained by any other mental disorders, substance abuse or medical conditions.

What are the Different Types of Personality Disorders? Personality disorders are described on Axis II of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The DSM-IV lists a total of ten different personality disorders. These disorders are classified into three separate clusters. Cluster A - Odd or Eccentric Disorders

Paranoid Personality Disorder Schizoid Personality Disorder Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Cluster B - Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders

Antisocial Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Cluster C Anxious or Fearful Disorders

Avoidant Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Differential Diagnosis Before a clinician can diagnose a personality disorder, they must rule out other disorders or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. The symptoms that characterize personality disorders are often similar to those of other disorders and illnesses. Personality disorders also commonly co-occur with other illnesses. The following are potential differentials that must be ruled out before diagnosing an individual with a personality disorder:

Substance Abuse Anxiety Disorders Depression Dissociative Disorders Social Phobia Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia

What is Paranoid Personality Disorder? Paranoid personality disorder is a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by disruptive patterns of thought, behavior, and functioning. This disorder is thought to affect between one to two-percent of U.S. adults. Symptoms may often resemble schizophrenia and some research indicates that there may be a genetic link between the two disorders. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder are at a greater risk for experiencing depression, substance abuse, and agoraphobia. Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder Individuals with paranoid personality disorder typically experience:

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Chronic and pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.

Feelings that they are being lied to, deceived, or exploited by other people. May believe that friends, family, and romantic partners are untrustworthy and unfaithful. Outburst of anger in response to perceived deception. Often described as cold, jealous, secretive, and serious. Look for hidden meanings in gestures and conversations.

Treatments for Paranoid Personality Disorder Paranoid personality disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy. Cognitivebehavioral therapy is often effective in helping individuals adjust distorted thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. Other therapy approaches includes group therapy and psychodynamic therapy. In some cases, medication is used in combination with psychotherapy. Commonly prescribed drugs included antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and antianxiety medications. Medications alone are not a recommended treatment for personality disorders and are best used in combination with psychotherapy. What is Schizoid Personality Disorder? Schizoid personality disorders is a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by disruptive patterns of thought, behavior, and functioning. This type of personality disorder is believed to be relatively rare and tends to affect more men than women. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder are also at risk for experiencing depression. Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder Individuals with schizoid personality disorder typically experience:

Detachment from other people.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Little or no desire to form close relationships with others.

Rarely participates in activities for fun or pleasure. A sense of indifference to praise and affirmation, as well as to criticism or rejection. Often described as cold, uninterested, withdrawn, and aloof.

Treatments for Schizoid Personality Disorder Schizoid personality disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy. Types of psychotherapy vary, ranging from psychodynamic therapy to group therapy. Because personality disorders cause distorted thought patters, cognitivebehavioral therapy is often particularly effective in helping individuals adjust their thinking and behavior patterns. Medications are sometimes utilized in combination with psychotherapy. Drugs such as antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety medications are commonly used. However, medications are best used in combination with some form of psychotherapy and are not recommended as a sole treatment for personality disorders. What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder? Schizotypal personality disorder is a chronic condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of distorted thought, behavior, and functioning. This type of personality disorder is thought to affect approximately three-percent of adults in the United States. Individuals with this disorder are more prone to experience depression and psychotic disorders. Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder typically experience:

Eccentric perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan "Magical thinking" including saying they can read minds or can foretell the future.

Major difficulties in forming relationships. Severe social anxiety that does not diminish with time or familiarity. May talk to themselves, ignore others, or react inappropriately.

Treatments for Schizotypal Personality Disorder Schizotypal personality disorder is usually treated with psychotherapy. A number of different approaches may be employed, including psychodynamic therapies or behavioral therapy. Personality disorders produce distorted patterns of thought, so cognitive-behavioral therapy is often a particularly effective treatment. This approach helps individuals develop more accurate thought patterns and more adaptive behaviors. Psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with drug treatments. Commonly used medications include antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and antianxiety drugs. However, medications are best used in combination with some form of psychotherapy and are not recommended as a sole treatment for personality disorders. Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder Individuals with antisocial personality disorder:

May begin displaying symptoms during childhood. Such behaviors include fire setting, cruelty to animals, and difficulty with authority. Often have legal problems resulting from failures to conform to social norms and a lack of concern for the rights of others.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Often act out impulsively and fail to consider the consequences of their actions.

Display aggressiveness and irritability that often lead to physical assaults. Have difficulty feeling empathy for others. This inability to consider the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of other people can lead to disregard for others.

Display a lack of remorse for damaging behavior.

Treatments for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Those with antisocial personality disorder rarely seek out treatment on their own. Individuals generally receive treatment only after some type of altercation with the legal system.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be useful in helping individuals gain insight into their behaviors and to change maladaptive thought patterns. Effective results usually occur only after long-term treatment.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), borderline personality disorder is: "a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity." Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder Individuals with borderline personality disorder:

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Experience a pervasive pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships and have difficulties with moods and self-image. Impulsiveness is also extremely common.

Often have intense episodes of anxiety, depression and irritability lasting from a few hours to several days. May direct anger outward in the form of physical aggression, but may also engage in self-destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, eating disorders or suicidal gestures. These behaviors are often intended to manipulate others.

Usually have poor self-identity that leads to overly intense relationships with others. These interactions are generally filled with conflict, and the individual with borderline personality will vacillate between idealizing other people and undervaluing them.

Tend to become angry and frustrated when other people fail to meet unrealistic expectations.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Therapy is often effective in many patients, especially treatment that utilizes cognitive-behavioral approaches. The goal of the therapist is to help the client learn to be more aware of other peoples perspectives.

Psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants are often effective, both alone and in combination with psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used in cases involving distorted thinking patterns.

What is Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric

Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan inappropriately seductive behavior, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. They may be inappropriately sexually provocative, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and be easily influenced by others. Associated features may include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own needs. Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder Individuals with histrionic personality disorder:

Display excessive but shallow emotions and attention-seeking behaviors. These individuals are constantly performing in order to gain attention. Experience fleeting moods, opinions, and beliefs. They are also very suggestible and quick to respond to fads. Generally need others to witness their emotional displays in order to gain validation or attention. Often display exaggerated symptoms of weakness or illness and may use threats of suicide to manipulate others. Also, many suffering from histrionic personality disorder use sexually provocative behaviors to control others or gain attention.

Treatments for Histrionic Personality Disorder

Individuals suffering from histrionic personality disorder are often difficult to treat. They often seek treatment only when the disorder is causing major problems or stress.

Psychotherapy can be effective. Group therapy is not recommended since the individual tries to seek attention from group members and exaggerates symptoms.

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Narcissistic personality disorder is a pervasive disorder characterized by selfcenteredness, lack of empathy, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. As with other personality disorders, this disorder is an enduring and persistent pattern of behavior that negatively impacts many different life areas including social, family, and work relationships. Narcissistic personality disorder is thought to be less common than other personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder is estimated to affect 1-percent of the adult population in the United States and is more common among men than women. Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissism is a term commonly used to describe those who seemed more concerned with themselves than with others. It is important to distinguish between those who have narcissistic personality traits and those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder. Those with narcissistic personalities are often seen as arrogant, confident, and self-centered, but they do not have the exaggerated or grandiose view of their own abilities that characterizes narcissistic personality disorder. The DSM-IV identifies the following symptoms:

An exaggerated sense of one's own abilities and achievements. A constant need for attention, affirmation and praise. A belief that he or she is unique or "special" and should only associate with other people of the same status. Persistent fantasies about attaining success and power. Exploiting other people for personal gain. A sense of entitlement and expectation of special treatment. A preoccupation with power or success.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Feeling envious of others, or believing that others are envious of him or her. A lack of empathy for others.

An official diagnosis can be made by a qualified mental health professional, and requires that the individual exhibit 5 of the 9 symptoms identified in the DSM-IV. Practitioners must also rule out other psychiatric disorders in order to make a diagnosis. People with narcissistic personality disorder are typically described as arrogant, conceited, self-centered and haughty. Because they imagine themselves as superior to others, they often insist on possessing items that reflect a successful lifestyle. Despite this exaggerated self-image, they are reliant on constant praise and attention to reinforce their self-esteem. As a result, those with narcissistic personality disorder are usually very sensitive to criticism, which is often viewed as a personal attack. Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder While the exact cause is unknown, researchers have identified some factors that may contribute to the disorder. Childhood experiences such as parental overindulgence, excessive praise, unreliable parenting, and a lack of realistic responses are thought to contribute to narcissistic personality disorder. Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder Individual psychotherapy can be effectively used to treat narcissistic personality disorder, although the process can be difficult and time consuming. It is important to note that people with this disorder rarely seek out treatment. Individuals often begin therapy at the urging of family members or to treat symptoms that result from the disorder.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Therapy can be especially difficult because clients are often unwilling to acknowledge the disorder. This difficulty in treatment is often compounded by the fact the insurance companies are focused on short-term treatments that minimize symptoms such as depression and anxiety, but ignore the underlying problems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective to help individual's change destructive thinking and behavior patterns. The goal of treatment is to alter distorted thoughts and create a more realistic self-image. Psychotropic medications are generally ineffective for long-term change, but are sometimes used to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression. What is Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is described by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition (DSMIV-TR), as an Axis II personality disorder characterized by "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood." The World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems', tenth edition (ICD-10), defines a conceptually similar disorder to antisocial personality disorder called (F60.2) Dissocial personality disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders incorporated various concepts of psychopathy / sociopathy / antisocial personality in early versions but, starting with the DSM-III in 1980, used instead the term Antisocial Personality Disorder and focused on earlier behavior instead of using personality judgements. The World Health Organization's ICD incorporates a similar diagnosis of Dissocial Personality Disorder. Both the DSM and the ICD state that psychopathy (or sociopathy) are synonyms of their diagnosis.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Psychopathy and sociopathy are terms related to ASPD. ASPD replaced psychopathy as a diagnosis in the DSM but the terms are not identical. Psychopathy is now (like sociopathy) usually seen as a subset of ASPD. Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder Individuals with antisocial personality disorder:

May begin displaying symptoms during childhood. Such behaviors include fire setting, cruelty to animals, and difficulty with authority. Often have legal problems resulting from failures to conform to social norms and a lack of concern for the rights of others. Often act out impulsively and fail to consider the consequences of their actions. Display aggressiveness and irritability that often lead to physical assaults. Have difficulty feeling empathy for others. This inability to consider the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of other people can lead to disregard for others.

Display a lack of remorse for damaging behavior.

Treatments for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Those with antisocial personality disorder rarely seek out treatment on their own. Individuals generally receive treatment only after some type of altercation with the legal system.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be useful in helping individuals gain insight into their behaviors and to change maladaptive thought patterns. Effective results usually occur only after long-term treatment.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), borderline personality disorder is:

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan "a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity." Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder Individuals with borderline personality disorder:

Experience a pervasive pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships and have difficulties with moods and self-image. Impulsiveness is also extremely common.

Often have intense episodes of anxiety, depression and irritability lasting from a few hours to several days. May direct anger outward in the form of physical aggression, but may also engage in self-destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, eating disorders or suicidal gestures. These behaviors are often intended to manipulate others.

Usually have poor self-identity that leads to overly intense relationships with others. These interactions are generally filled with conflict, and the individual with borderline personality will vacillate between idealizing other people and undervaluing them.

Tend to become angry and frustrated when other people fail to meet unrealistic expectations.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Therapy is often effective in many patients, especially treatment that utilizes cognitive-behavioral approaches. The goal of the therapist is to help the client learn to be more aware of other peoples perspectives.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants are often effective, both alone and in combination with psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used in cases involving distorted thinking patterns. What is Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriately seductive behavior, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. They may be inappropriately sexually provocative, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and be easily influenced by others. Associated features may include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own needs. Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder Individuals with histrionic personality disorder:

Display attention.

excessive

but

shallow

emotions

and

attention-seeking

behaviors. These individuals are constantly performing in order to gain

Experience fleeting moods, opinions, and beliefs. They are also very suggestible and quick to respond to fads. Generally need others to witness their emotional displays in order to gain validation or attention. Often display exaggerated symptoms of weakness or illness and may use threats of suicide to manipulate others. Also, many suffering from histrionic personality disorder use sexually provocative behaviors to control others or gain attention.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan Treatments for Histrionic Personality Disorder

Individuals suffering from histrionic personality disorder are often difficult to treat. They often seek treatment only when the disorder is causing major problems or stress.

Psychotherapy can be effective. Group therapy is not recommended since the individual tries to seek attention from group members and exaggerates symptoms.

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Narcissistic personality disorder is a pervasive disorder characterized by selfcenteredness, lack of empathy, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. As with other personality disorders, this disorder is an enduring and persistent pattern of behavior that negatively impacts many different life areas including social, family, and work relationships. Narcissistic personality disorder is thought to be less common than other personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder is estimated to affect 1-percent of the adult population in the United States and is more common among men than women. Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissism is a term commonly used to describe those who seemed more concerned with themselves than with others. It is important to distinguish between those who have narcissistic personality traits and those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder. Those with narcissistic personalities are often seen as arrogant, confident, and self-centered, but they do not have the exaggerated or grandiose view of their own abilities that characterizes narcissistic personality disorder.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan The DSM-IV identifies the following symptoms:

An exaggerated sense of one's own abilities and achievements. A constant need for attention, affirmation and praise. A belief that he or she is unique or "special" and should only associate with other people of the same status. Persistent fantasies about attaining success and power. Exploiting other people for personal gain. A sense of entitlement and expectation of special treatment. A preoccupation with power or success. Feeling envious of others, or believing that others are envious of him or her. A lack of empathy for others.

An official diagnosis can be made by a qualified mental health professional, and requires that the individual exhibit 5 of the 9 symptoms identified in the DSM-IV. Practitioners must also rule out other psychiatric disorders in order to make a diagnosis. People with narcissistic personality disorder are typically described as arrogant, conceited, self-centered and haughty. Because they imagine themselves as superior to others, they often insist on possessing items that reflect a successful lifestyle. Despite this exaggerated self-image, they are reliant on constant praise and attention to reinforce their self-esteem. As a result, those with narcissistic personality disorder are usually very sensitive to criticism, which is often viewed as a personal attack. Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder While the exact cause is unknown, researchers have identified some factors that may contribute to the disorder. Childhood experiences such as parental

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan overindulgence, excessive praise, unreliable parenting, and a lack of realistic responses are thought to contribute to narcissistic personality disorder. Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder Individual psychotherapy can be effectively used to treat narcissistic personality disorder, although the process can be difficult and time consuming. It is important to note that people with this disorder rarely seek out treatment. Individuals often begin therapy at the urging of family members or to treat symptoms that result from the disorder. Therapy can be especially difficult because clients are often unwilling to acknowledge the disorder. This difficulty in treatment is often compounded by the fact the insurance companies are focused on short-term treatments that minimize symptoms such as depression and anxiety, but ignore the underlying problems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective to help individual's change destructive thinking and behavior patterns. The goal of treatment is to alter distorted thoughts and create a more realistic self-image. Psychotropic medications are generally ineffective for long-term change, but are sometimes used to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.

What is personality Disorder , Its symptoms, Causes and Treatment allabout Personality Disorder Prepared By Malik Muhammad Sabir Shahazad Cell No. 03007603271, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Reference Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.