Personality Disorders Plymouth

Personality Disorder

The term Personality Disorder is used in diagnosis, however many mental health practitioners disagree with terms and diagnoses such as this.

 

New guidelines for psychiatric diagnostic language by the Division of Clinical Psychology are set out in this document:

 

http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/Public%20files/guidelines_on_language_web.pdf

 

What are personality disorders?

 

‘Personality’ is outlined by words that describe us, such as our mannerisms. However, it is difficult to identify because descriptive words can have wide meanings and often people interact with others differently depending on their relationship with them.

The way we view the world, think, behave and feel are all influenced by the characteristics and traits that make us individual.

 

Are your difficulties persistent, pervasive and problematic, affecting the way you feel about yourself and others which also affects your relationships?

 

When you have a personality disorder it does not mean that your personality is ‘broken’. It means that your characteristics and traits can make it hard for you to cope with life. This can affect your ability to keep close relationships, control your feelings or get along with some people and these symptoms get worse with stress. If you find it distressing or you harm others or yourself you may have a personality disorder. If you think you may be affected by some of the symptoms of any personality disorder you should contact your GP to voice your concerns. 

 

Personality disorders have been described by some as a lack of self-direction and empathy or intimacy, self-destructive or impulsive, which is often noticed in adolescence. These traits are stable over time and across different situations and they are not caused by a medical condition or substance abuse.

However, those with personality disorders often have other mental health or behaviour problems.

 

These could include:

• Anxiety

• Bi polar

• Depression

• An eating disorder

• Drug or alcohol misuse

 

These other conditions can be common in those with personality disorders because of the symptoms experienced. It can be difficult to control behaviour which leads to impulsive acts which could include drug or alcohol misuse.

The use of these substances can turn into addictions because having a personality disorder is difficult to live with for a lot of people, so they may use more often and then become addicted when their body relies on it.

 

Approximately 5% to 12% of the population in England has a personality disorder.

 

This may be mild, moderate or severe so some people function well most of the time, and only need extra help when stressed, whereas others struggle every day.

 

If this is compared to the 1% who experience psychosis and 2% who experience major depression at some point in their lives, it is quite common.

 

Personality Disorders Plymouth recently accessed the guide - 'Meeting the Challenge - Making a Difference': a new personality disorder practitioner guide. It offers information, advice and guidance for people working with people with personality difficulties in community settings. It outlines personality disorders, the controversy behind the diagnosis, how it develops, available help, how practioners can help, service user involvement and staff well-being working with personality disorders.

It shows understanding, compassion and progress which is reassuring.