The very essence of our personality – our attitudes, thoughts, and the way we interact with the world – can be fundamentally altered in someone living with a personality disorder. Misconceptions about these disorders are widespread, which, at best, leads to misdiagnosis and, at worst, to stigma and social misunderstanding.

By looking at the reality behind the myths, highlighting what they are and aren’t, and seeing the world through the eyes of the people living with a personality disorder, we can boost empathy and understanding, challenge the stereotypes that overshadow the genuine struggles many face, and move towards a future with fewer barriers to recovery.

The Spectrum of Personality Disorders

We often hear the phrase ‘they must have a personality disorder’ thrown around as an insult or a throwaway quip without people really understanding what it means.

A personality disorder isn’t one set thing. Rather, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses a range of complex mental health conditions. And did you know there are ten distinct types of personality disorders, each with unique characteristics and manifestations? These disorders are categorised into three primary groups in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), with each cluster sharing common symptomatic themes.[1]

Cluster A

Paranoid Personality Disorder

This involves intense mistrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason, and people often believe others are demeaning, harming, or threatening them. This constant wariness affects relationships and can lead to isolation and conflict due to misinterpreting benign actions as malicious.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Characterised by detachment and disinterest in social relationships, this type involves limited emotional expression. People often prefer solitary activities, lack close relationships outside their immediate family, and seem indifferent to praise or criticism, leading to a life experienced as a lone observer rather than a participant.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

This disorder features discomfort in close relationships, distorted thinking, and eccentric behaviour. People may have unusual beliefs, magical thinking, and peculiar speech patterns. Their acute discomfort in social settings, coupled with their idiosyncratic views, affects their ability to form meaningful relationships.

Cluster B

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

People with ASPD often struggle with respecting societal norms and the rights of others. They might engage in manipulative or deceitful behaviours and may not feel remorse after impacting others negatively. Their decisions are frequently impulsive, creating a cycle of conflict within their relationships and society.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Marked by emotional instability, intense interpersonal relationships, and poor self-image, those with this type of disorder often experience rapid mood swings, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviours. These intense emotional experiences and instability can lead to significant distress and difficulty in maintaining stable relationships.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

This disorder involves excessive emotionality and attention-seeking due to the individual’s self-esteem being dependent on the opinions of others. People struggling with this type often display dramatic or enthusiastic behaviours.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

This involves grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. People often fantasise about power or beauty, require excessive praise, and are preoccupied with perceived success. Their lack of empathy and sense of entitlement can lead to exploitative relationships and an inability to handle criticism.

Cluster C

Avoidant Personality Disorder

This type features chronic feelings of inadequacy and sensitivity to rejection. People with this type will often avoid social interactions and intimate relationships due to fear of criticism or disapproval. Despite a desire for companionship, their extreme shyness and fear of rejection keep them in a state of social withdrawal.

Dependent Personality Disorder

Characterised by excessive dependence on others and a need to be taken care of, this type leads to submissive and clingy behaviour, fear of separation, and an inability to make decisions independently. This type often struggles with self-confidence and heavily relies on others for support and reassurance.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

This type involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. People may be overly devoted to work, adhere rigidly to rules, and be unable to delegate tasks. Their need for control can strain relationships and hinder task completion.

Myth vs. Fact: What Personality Disorders Are and Aren’t

Personality disorders are often shrouded in misconceptions, leading to a skewed understanding of these complex conditions. By dismantling these generalisations, we can develop a more accurate, empathetic, and compassionate perspective.

Myth 1: People with personality disorders are just acting out for attention.

Fact: Personality disorders are legitimate mental health conditions recognised by the medical community. They are not choices or attention-seeking behaviours; they involve deep-rooted patterns affecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Myth 2: Personality disorders are untreatable.

Fact: Even when complex, many personality disorders can be treated. With appropriate therapy, medication, and support, many people can manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. One study found that 97% of people with a BPD diagnosis no longer met the criteria after following them for 27 years.[2]

Myth 3: Only weak people develop personality disorders.

Fact: Personality disorders are not a sign of weakness. They can affect anyone regardless of their strength, character, or background. Genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in their development.

Myth 4: People with personality disorders are dangerous, manipulative, or can’t be trusted.

Fact: This particular stereotype is harmful and inaccurate. While some behaviours may be challenging, most people with personality disorders are not dangerous and deserve to be treated with understanding and compassion.

Myth 5: Personality disorders are rare.

Fact: Personality disorders are more common than many realise. Affecting around 5% of the UK population,[3] they are often underdiagnosed due to stigma and misunderstanding.

Myth 6: All people with personality disorder experience extremes of emotion and impulsivity.

Fact: While some personality disorders involve emotional intensity and impulsiveness, others may not. Disorders like schizoid personality disorder often involve detachment rather than emotional extremes.

Myth 8: Personality disorders are always obvious from a young age.

Fact: Symptoms can emerge at various life stages and may not be evident from a young age, and many long-term personality disorders can be managed effectively with treatment. According to the DSM-5, the symptoms of a personality disorder usually begin to become apparent during adolescence and early adulthood.

Myth 9: People with personality disorder need admission to hospital to remain safe.

Fact: While hospitalisation might be necessary in acute cases, many people benefit more from community-based services, like live-in mental health care, which provide support in a familiar environment.[4]

The Benefits of Home-Based Mental Health Care

While getting help for a personality disorder can seem complicated, the option of at-home care can have many benefits over traditional service-based care. It ensures a fast pathway to treatment so you can skip long waiting lists and travel journeys. This approach also provides the flexibility to adapt your schedule to suit the level of support you require, working around employment, family, and other responsibilities. Additionally, creating a more integrated approach that can incorporate family care ultimately means treatment becomes a team effort.

If you or a loved one is navigating the complexities of a personality disorder, Assured Healthcare and Wellness can help. We specialise in a range of mental health conditions, including personality disorders, creating an environment that encourages recovery and growth. Our dedicated team of nurses are experienced in handling complex mental health challenges, and we offer personalised and empathetic care right in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our bespoke care packages.

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Personality Disorders: Beyond the Stereotypes