- The document discusses personality disorders, including what they are, the different types, possible causes, controversies around diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Personality disorders are long-standing patterns that cause problems in relationships, work, and other areas of life. They can be caused by a mix of environmental and genetic factors like childhood trauma.
- There are 10 main types including borderline, antisocial, avoidant, and more. Diagnosis is controversial as specialists sometimes disagree and people may feel stigmatized by labels.
- Treatment options include talking therapies and medication. With help, symptoms can improve over time.
Let's Talk About Mental Health - Nebraska.Code 2018Arthur Doler
It’s a great time to be in technology. And yet despite the improvement in our tools, we somehow don’t spend time talking about how to maintain our most important tool - the one between our ears. Your mental health is arguably the single most important factor in your ability to perform well, avoid burnout, and build resiliency, but we shroud the topic in secrecy, stigma, and co-opted clinical language that makes us think we know what's going on. We often don't even speak of what we feel to family and friends until we're facing a crisis.
We need to change all of that. You don't have to stay in the dark, and you *don't* have to suffer alone. In this talk we’ll start with some basics about mental health, then cover the most common mental health challenges facing developers, and then learn about some techniques to supercharge your brain by improving your mental hygiene (whether you have a psychological disorder or not). Most importantly, you’ll learn how to have a conversation with your coworkers (and other people in your life) about supporting each other and finding your best selves.
Let's Talk About Mental Health - Nebraska.Code 2018Arthur Doler
It’s a great time to be in technology. And yet despite the improvement in our tools, we somehow don’t spend time talking about how to maintain our most important tool - the one between our ears. Your mental health is arguably the single most important factor in your ability to perform well, avoid burnout, and build resiliency, but we shroud the topic in secrecy, stigma, and co-opted clinical language that makes us think we know what's going on. We often don't even speak of what we feel to family and friends until we're facing a crisis.
We need to change all of that. You don't have to stay in the dark, and you *don't* have to suffer alone. In this talk we’ll start with some basics about mental health, then cover the most common mental health challenges facing developers, and then learn about some techniques to supercharge your brain by improving your mental hygiene (whether you have a psychological disorder or not). Most importantly, you’ll learn how to have a conversation with your coworkers (and other people in your life) about supporting each other and finding your best selves.
Female Psychopaths Seek to Destroy and Command All Attention
Many female psychopaths seek to destroy others however they can.
May undermine your self-esteem using innuendo, or bully you
Turn friends and family against you by poisoning your reputation behind you
There is no end to what she might do to shatter your life.
Many female psychopaths are pathological liars who are more cunning and manipulative
The female psychopath desires to be the center of attention and demands center stage.
Her style of speech manages to play the victim.
May shed crocodile tears to play on your sympathy, and the next moment her tears can transform into raucous laughter.
Her personality turns on and off like a neon sign.
http://howtocalmanxiety.com/anxiety-symptoms/anxiety-and-depression/
Anxiety and depression are two separate entities but they can occur simultaneously. The common notion is that anxiety becomes uncontrollable and this state of mind is rife for the seeds of a more debilitating disorder, depression.
Single again? What to do? You may have lost your partner through illness or old age…..
Dating (again) can be an awkward experience. It can bring out feelings of confusion & concern from friends and family.
Here are some tips…
Female Psychopaths Seek to Destroy and Command All Attention
Many female psychopaths seek to destroy others however they can.
May undermine your self-esteem using innuendo, or bully you
Turn friends and family against you by poisoning your reputation behind you
There is no end to what she might do to shatter your life.
Many female psychopaths are pathological liars who are more cunning and manipulative
The female psychopath desires to be the center of attention and demands center stage.
Her style of speech manages to play the victim.
May shed crocodile tears to play on your sympathy, and the next moment her tears can transform into raucous laughter.
Her personality turns on and off like a neon sign.
http://howtocalmanxiety.com/anxiety-symptoms/anxiety-and-depression/
Anxiety and depression are two separate entities but they can occur simultaneously. The common notion is that anxiety becomes uncontrollable and this state of mind is rife for the seeds of a more debilitating disorder, depression.
Single again? What to do? You may have lost your partner through illness or old age…..
Dating (again) can be an awkward experience. It can bring out feelings of confusion & concern from friends and family.
Here are some tips…
Introduction to Mental Health Awareness
Definition of Mental Health
Good Mental Health Definition
Mental Illness
Suicidal Ideation and helping those who have such
Stress and Good pressure
Support for the mentally ill
Currently psychiatrists tend to use a system of diagnosis which identifies ten types of personality disorder. Suspicious Paranoid personality disorder Schizoid personality disorder Schizotypal personality disorderEmotional and impulsive Antisocial personality disorder ASPD Borderline personality disorder BPD Histrionic personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorderAnxious Avoidant personality disorder Dependent personality disorder Obsessive compulsive personality disorder OCPD Each personality disorder has its own set of diagnostic criteria. To get a specific diagnosis you must meet some of these criteria. The minimum amount you need to meet is different for different types, but it should always be more than one or two. If you meet criteria for more than one type this may be called mixed personality disorder. It is also possible to get a diagnosis without meeting the full criteria for a specific type. This is known as personality disorder not otherwise specified PD NOS or personality disorder trait specified. Mrs. Lakshita Saini | Dr. Kiran Maheshwari "Various Personality Disorders - A Mini Review" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-3 , April 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd49510.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/psychology/49510/various-personality-disorders--a-mini-review/mrs-lakshita-saini
Thought of The Day
YESTERDAY’S A PAST…
…..TOMORROW IS A FUTURE….
…. BUT….
TODAY IS A GIFT
…… THAT’S WHY IT’S CALLED
PRESENT….!
Content
• Introduction
• Definition of Disaster
• Classification & Types of Disasters
• Disaster Nursing
• Disaster Management
• Disaster management Cycle
• Nodal Ministry of Disaster
Introduction
• Disaster word originated from Greek Word,
DUS= Bad & ASTR= Star….The root of disaster comes
from an Astrological sense of a calamity blamed on the
position of a planet.
• Health Sector Emergency Managers are concerned
with Public safety and public Health. Clients are
threatened/injured and damaged during Disaster. The
Disaster Management Act was established in 2005.
• Disaster is a sudden , calamitous event bringing great
damage, loss, destruction & devastation to life and
property.
Definition of Disaster
• “Any occurrence that causes damage,
ecological disruption, loss of human life ,
deterioration of health and health services ,
sufficient to warrant an extraordinary
response from outside the affected
community/area.” (WHO)
• “A disaster can defined as an occurrence
either Nature or Man made that causes Human
suffering and creates human needs that
victim can not alleviate without assistance.”
(American Red Cross)
Cont.
• “Disaster is an Emergency in which local
authorities cannot cope the goal of
emergency management is to protect public
health.”
ALL DISASTERS ARE EMERGENCIES
BUT
NOT ALL EMERGENCIES ARE DISASTERS
Definition of Hazard
• “Any phenomenon that has the potential to
cause Damage to people and their
Environment.” • There is a 4 classes of hazard
• Natural Hazard
• Technological Hazard
• Biological Hazard
• Societal Hazard
Vulnerability
Capacity to cope
High Low
Low High
Vulnerability
Very low Low
Exposure to
Hazard
High
Low
9
These are the determinants of risk (people).
THE MOST
VULNERABLE
Cont.
• For ex., an Earthquake hazard of the same
magnitude in a sparsely populated village of
Rajasthan and in the densely populated city of
Delhi will cause different levels of damage to
humans lives, property & Economic Activities.
• There is a two type of emergencies
• (i) Non-disaster Emergencies
• (ii) Disaster Emergencies
Classification Of Disasters
• Biological Disaster: Insect Infestation,
Epidemics & Animal Attacks.
• Geographical Disaster: Earth Quake &
Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions etc.
• Climatological Disaster: Droughts(Associated
with Food insecurities), Extreme Temperature
& Wild Fires
Cont.
• Hydrological Disaster: Flood including
Waves and Surges.
• Meteorological Disaster: Storms
Meteorological
Disasters
• Floods
• Tsunami
• Cyclone
• Hurricane
• Typhoon
• Snow
storm
• Blizzard
• Hail storm
Topographical
Disasters
• Earthquake
• Volcanic
Eruptions
• Asteroids
Environmental
Disasters
• Global
warming • Ozone
depletion • Solar flare
15
Technlogical
Disasters
• Transport
failure
• Public place
failure
• Fire
Industrial
• Chemical
spills
• Radioactive
spills
Security
relat
1).i) Qualities of effective communication.
1 Clarity
If your writing is clear, your reader is much more likely to understand and act on your message. Consider this the ultimate characteristic of effective communication.
2 Conciseness
As George Orwell wrote in his essay “Politics and the English Language,” if it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Your goal is to communicate your message as quickly and directly as possible. By doing this, you’ll save your reader time and trouble.
3 Correctness
Proper grammar and syntax increase the effectiveness and credibility of your message. Mistakes might affect clarity, create ambiguity, and raise doubts. In addition, the message’s information needs to be accurate. Misinformation can derail productivity in the workplace and compound disorganization.
4 Completeness
Effective communication requires the whole picture. Leaving information out can lead to unnecessary guesswork for readers. Comprehensive yet concise messages reduce follow-up questions and prevent delays.
5 Coherence
Coherent communication is logical. Your points should be relevant to your thesis, and the text’s tone and flow should be smooth.
6 Consideration
Empathy is a critical pillar of good workplace communication. Before you speak, consider your words and their potential effects on your listener.
7 Courtesy
Being courteous is as much a necessity in a corporate setting as anywhere. Your team is working together to achieve the same goals of success and growth. Inside jokes, insults, or an aggressive tone work against teamwork.
8 Concreteness
A concrete message is tangible, supported by facts for enhanced credibility, and helps your audience better understand what’s being conveyed. It also mitigates the risk of misunderstanding, a common struggle in the workplace.
9 Consistency
Following the tips above will ensure that your communication is effective. Once you’ve improved, however, don’t let your quality slip. Your teams and operations are valuable and should always be treated as such. Effective communication depends on a steady and efficient workflow from everyone. ii)the process of effective communication.
The Different Elements in The Process of Communication that makes it to be a process are:
i)Sender
The very foundation of communication process is laid by the person who transmits or sends the message. He is the sender of the message which may be a thought, idea, a picture, symbol, report or an order and postures and gestures, even a momentary smile.
ii)Message
Message is referred to as the information conveyed by words as in speech and write-ups, signs, pictures or symbols depending upon the situation and the nature and importance of information desired to be sent.
iii)Encoding
Encoding is putting the targeted message into appropriate medium which may be verbal or non-verbal depending upon the situation, time, space and nature of the message to be sent. T
iv)Channel
Channel(s) refers to the way or mode th
Understanding Narcissism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatmentshivaniikumarii7889
Sign and Symptoms of Narcissism
Narcissism (Narcissistic personality disorder) involves a distorted self-image. Emotions can be unstable and intense, and there’s an excessive concern with self-importance, prestige, power, and private adequacy. Narcissism is also a tendency to be a scarcity of sympathy And an exaggerated sense of superiority.
Narcissism
(Narcissistic personality disorder (NDP)) is closely related to self-centeredness, similarly a temperament within which they are self-centered.
People with Narcissism NPD lack sympathy and are unable to feel or appreciate that they are not their own. We all have to deal with narcissism. Now, it’s time to heal from them.
Fast Facts on Narcissism NPD:
The term comes from a personality in classical mythology, similarly referred to as Narcissus.
Narcissism is characterized by an extreme sense of self-worth too.
Other options embrace being fast to anger and liable to irritation right?
For identification, similarly, the symptoms should be persistent and chronic right now.
Traits
Below are the foremost common traits found in individuals with NPD:
An unsatiated appetence for the eye of others.
Extreme feelings of jealousy.
An expectation of special treatment.
Exaggerating achievements, similar talents, and importance.
Extreme sensitivity and an inclination to be simply hurt and to feel rejected with very little provocation.
Difficulty maintaining healthful relationships.
Fantasizing regarding their own intelligence, success, power, and look.
An ability to take advantage of others to realize a goal, similarly while not regret or conscience.
A lack of sympathy, or ability to know and share the emotions of others, and an inclination to disregard other’s feelings.
A belief that solely bound individuals will perceive their singularity.
A tendency to contemplate themselves as delicate in romance.
Responding to criticism with anger, humiliation, and shame.
Treatment
There is no famed cure for Narcissism personality disorder. With psychotherapy, similarly, the individual could return to knowing what causes their issues and learn the way to relate a lot completely to others.
This may give birth to an amendment in attitudes, leading to a lot of constructive behavior. Including it will facilitate the person to build up their shallowness and acquire realistic expectations of themselves Cognitive activity medical care (CBT), group psychotherapy, or group psychotherapy are styles of psychotherapy.
CBT helps the patient determine negative beliefs and behaviors, so as to switch them with healthy, also positive ones.
Complications
Complications of personality disorder and different conditions that may occur in conjunction with it will include:
Relationship difficulties
Such as problems at work or college.
Depression and anxiety
Physical health issues
Drug or alcohol misuse
Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
Prevention
Because the reason for a person
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair A New Horizon in Nephrology.pptxR3 Stem Cell
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair: A New Horizon in Nephrology" explores groundbreaking advancements in the use of R3 stem cells for kidney disease treatment. This insightful piece delves into the potential of these cells to regenerate damaged kidney tissue, offering new hope for patients and reshaping the future of nephrology.
Global launch of the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index 2nd wave – alongside...ILC- UK
The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index is an online tool created by ILC that ranks countries on six metrics including, life span, health span, work span, income, environmental performance, and happiness. The Index helps us understand how well countries have adapted to longevity and inform decision makers on what must be done to maximise the economic benefits that comes with living well for longer.
Alongside the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 28 May 2024, we launched the second version of our Index, allowing us to track progress and give new insights into what needs to be done to keep populations healthier for longer.
The speakers included:
Professor Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy
Dr Hans Groth, Chairman of the Board, World Demographic & Ageing Forum
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, Founder and Chair, Global Health Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute and co-chair, World Health Summit Council
Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director, Country Health Policies and Systems Division, World Health Organisation EURO
Dr Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager, World Federation of Public Health Associations
Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Dr Karin Tegmark Wisell, Director General, Public Health Agency of Sweden
Defecation
Normal defecation begins with movement in the left colon, moving stool toward the anus. When stool reaches the rectum, the distention causes relaxation of the internal sphincter and an awareness of the need to defecate. At the time of defecation, the external sphincter relaxes, and abdominal muscles contract, increasing intrarectal pressure and forcing the stool out
The Valsalva maneuver exerts pressure to expel faeces through a voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway. Patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, increased intracranial pressure, or a new surgical wound are at greater risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and elevated blood pressure with the Valsalva maneuver and need to avoid straining to pass the stool.
Normal defecation is painless, resulting in passage of soft, formed stool
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Improper diet, reduced fluid intake, lack of exercise, and certain medications can cause constipation. For example, patients receiving opiates for pain after surgery often require a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. The signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements (less than every 3 days), difficulty passing stools, excessive straining, inability to defecate at will, and hard feaces
IMPACTION
Fecal impaction results from unrelieved constipation. It is a collection of hardened feces wedged in the rectum that a person cannot expel. In cases of severe impaction the mass extends up into the sigmoid colon.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is an increase in the number of stools and the passage of liquid, unformed feces. It is associated with disorders affecting digestion, absorption, and secretion in the GI tract. Intestinal contents pass through the small and large intestine too quickly to allow for the usual absorption of fluid and nutrients. Irritation within the colon results in increased mucus secretion. As a result, feces become watery, and the patient is unable to control the urge to defecate. Normally an anal bag is safe and effective in long-term treatment of patients with fecal incontinence at home, in hospice, or in the hospital. Fecal incontinence is expensive and a potentially dangerous condition in terms of contamination and risk of skin ulceration
HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are dilated, engorged veins in the lining of the rectum. They are either external or internal.
FLATULENCE
As gas accumulates in the lumen of the intestines, the bowel wall stretches and distends (flatulence). It is a common cause of abdominal fullness, pain, and cramping. Normally intestinal gas escapes through the mouth (belching) or the anus (passing of flatus)
FECAL INCONTINENCE
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control passage of feces and gas from the anus. Incontinence harms a patient’s body image
PREPARATION AND GIVING OF LAXATIVESACCORDING TO POTTER AND PERRY,
An enema is the instillation of a solution into the rectum and sig
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
The dimensions of healthcare quality refer to various attributes or aspects that define the standard of healthcare services. These dimensions are used to evaluate, measure, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions ensures that healthcare systems can address various aspects of patient care effectively and holistically. Dimensions of Healthcare Quality and Performance of care include the following; Appropriateness, Availability, Competence, Continuity, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Efficacy, Prevention, Respect and Care, Safety as well as Timeliness.
Empowering ACOs: Leveraging Quality Management Tools for MIPS and BeyondHealth Catalyst
Join us as we delve into the crucial realm of quality reporting for MSSP (Medicare Shared Savings Program) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
In this session, we will explore how a robust quality management solution can empower your organization to meet regulatory requirements and improve processes for MIPS reporting and internal quality programs. Learn how our MeasureAble application enables compliance and fosters continuous improvement.
Telehealth Psychology Building Trust with Clients.pptxThe Harvest Clinic
Telehealth psychology is a digital approach that offers psychological services and mental health care to clients remotely, using technologies like video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and mobile apps for communication.
2. Understanding personality disorders
This booklet is for anyone who has, or thinks they
may have, a diagnosis of personality disorder.
It discusses what the diagnosis means, possible
causes and treatment approaches. It suggests ways
that you can help yourself, and contains advice for
friends and family.
3. 3
Contents
What is a personality disorder? 4
What are the different types of personality disorder? 6
What causes personality disorder? 14
Why is it controversial? 16
What treatment can help? 18
How can I help myself? 23
How can other people help? 25
Useful contacts 27
4. 4
Understanding personality disorders
What is a personality disorder?
The word ‘personality’ refers to the pattern of thoughts, feelings and
behaviour that makes each of us the individuals that we are. These affect
the way we think, feel and behave towards ourselves and others.
We don't always think, feel and behave in exactly the same way – it
depends on the situation we are in, the people with us and many other
things. But we mostly tend to behave in fairly predictable ways.
Personality disorders are a type of mental health problem where your
attitudes, beliefs and behaviours cause you longstanding problems in your
life. Your experience of personality disorder is unique to you. However,
you may often experience difficulties in how you think about yourself and
others. You may find it difficult to change these unwanted patterns.
One minute I'm up and the next I'm down. It's like being on an
emotional rollercoaster but without the fun.
What are the signs of a personality disorder?
You might be given a diagnosis of personality disorder if all three of
these apply:
• The way you think, feel and behave causes you or others significant
problems in daily life. For example, you may feel unable to trust others
or you may often feel abandoned, causing you or others unhappiness.
• The way you think, feel and behave causes significant problemsacross
different aspects of your life. You may struggle to start or keep
friendships, to control your feelings and behaviour or get on with
people at work, for example.
• These problems continue for a long time. These difficult patterns may
have started when you were a child or teenager and can carry on into
your life as an adult.
5. 5
What is a personality disorder?
You may welcome your diagnosis, finding it a way to make sense of your
experience. Or you may find it more difficult to come to terms with.
It's hard to explain and it has a major impact on all of my
relationships. I see things in black and white, there are no grey
areas.
Who can diagnose me with a personality disorder?
You can only be diagnosed with a personality disorder by a mental health
professional, such as a psychiatrist – not by your GP.
If you speak to your GP about your mental health and they think you
might have a personality disorder, they can refer you to your local
community mental health team (CMHT) who will be able to assess you.
Initially I took this diagnosis of BDP as an insult, a criticism of
my whole being, but then I began to understand that it is just a
diagnosis, an explanation of why I feel as I do. Just as in a medical
situation the pain in my stomach being diagnosed as appendicitis
means that I am ill, there is a reason for the pain and I can get
treatment.
Does it mean there's something wrong with who I am?
No. We all have parts of our personality that are troublesome to
ourselves and others.
If you have a personality disorder it doesn't mean that you're funda-
mentally different from anyone else, but at times you might need extra
help. See 'How can I help myself?' on p.23 for tips on how to cope.
6. 6
Understanding personality disorders
What are the different types of personality
disorder?
Personality disorder can show itself in different ways, and specialists take
varying approaches to diagnose and understand personality disorders.
Here are some of the approaches you may come across:
• You may be given a medical diagnosis, when you are told you have a
type of personality disorder.
• Some specialists may focus on the aspects of your personality which
cause you most difficulty.
• Some specialists try to understand the problems you experience, by
working with you to identify the individual patterns and experiences in
your life.
Types of personality disorder
Psychiatrists tend to use a system of diagnosis which identifies 10 types of
personality disorder.
These types of personality disorder, and some of the characteristics
identified by them, are below. For each type, a diagnosis will not be made
if you have only one or two of the characteristics.
The types are grouped into three categories:
Suspicious Emotional and
impulsive
Anxious
paranoid borderline avoidant
schizoid histrionic dependent
schizotypal narcissistic obsessive compulsive
antisocial
7. 7
What are the different types of personality disorder?
You may find that you meet the criteria for several different types of
personality disorder. It can also be the case that a wide range of people
meet the criteria for the same disorder, despite having very different
personalities and different individual experiences.
Paranoid personality disorder
You may:
• find it hard to confide in people, even your friends
• find it very difficult to trust other people, believing they will use
you or take advantage of you
• watch others closely, looking for signs of betrayal or hostility
• read threats and danger – which others don’t see – into everyday
situations.
Schizoid personality disorder
You may:
• be uninterested in forming close relationships with other people,
including your family
• feel that relationships interfere with your freedom and tendto
cause problems
• prefer to be alone with your own thoughts
• choose to live your life without interference from others
• get little pleasure from life
• have little interest in sex or intimacy
• be emotionally cold towards others.
8. 8
Understanding personality disorders
Schizotypal personality disorder
You may:
• find making close relationships extremely difficult
• think and express yourself in ways that others find ‘odd’, using
unusual words or phrases
• behave in ways that others find eccentric
• believe that you can read minds or that you have special powers
such as a ‘sixth sense’
• feel anxious and tense with others who do not share these beliefs
• feel very anxious and paranoid in social situations.
9. 9
What are the different types of personality disorder?
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
You may:
• put yourself in dangerous or risky situations, often without
considering the consequences for yourself or for other people
• behave dangerously and sometimes illegally
• behave in ways that are unpleasant for others
• feel very easily bored and act on impulse – you may find itdifficult
to hold down a job for long
• behave aggressively and get into fights easily
• do things – even though they may hurt people – to get what you
want, putting your needs above theirs
• have a criminal record
• feel no sense of guilt if you have mistreated others
• believe that only the strongest survive and that you must do
whatever it takes to lead a successful life because if you don’t grab
opportunities, others will
• have had a diagnosis of conduct disorder before the age of 15.
You will be at least 18 years old.
This diagnosis includes ‘psychopathy’. This term is no longer used
in the Mental Health Act but a ‘psychopathy checklist’
questionnaire may be used in your assessment.
10. 10
Understanding personality disorders
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
You may:
• feel very worried about people abandoning you, and would do
anything to stop that happening
• have very intense emotions that last from a few hours to a few
days and can change quickly (for example, from feeling veryhappy
and confident in the morning to feeling low and sad in the
afternoon)
• not have a strong sense of who you are, and it can change
depending on who you're with
• find it very hard to make and keep stable relationships
• act impulsively and do things that could harm you (such as binge
eating, using drugs or driving dangerously)
• have suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour
• feel empty and lonely a lot of the time
• get very angry, and struggle to control your anger.
When very stressed, sometimes you might:
• feel paranoid
• have psychotic experiences, such as seeing or hearing things that
other people don't
• feel numb or 'checked out' and not remember things properly after
they've happened.
See Mind's in-depth resource 'Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)' to
find out more.
BPD is like having no emotional buffer. I can go from nothing
to suddenly extremely overwhelming emotions and I struggle with
expressing them healthily.
11. 11
What are the different types of personality disorder?
Histrionic personality disorder
You may:
• feel very uncomfortable if you are not the centre of attention
• feel much more at ease as the ‘life and soul of the party’
• feel that you have to entertain people
• flirt or behave provocatively to ensure that you remain thecentre
of attention
• get a reputation for being dramatic and overemotional
• feel dependent on the approval of others
• be easily influenced by others.
Narcissistic personality disorder
You may:
• believe that there are special reasons that make youdifferent,
better or more deserving than others
• have fragile self-esteem, so that you rely on others to recognise
your worth and your needs
• feel upset if others ignore you and don’t give you what you feel
you deserve
• resent other people’s successes
• put your own needs above other people’s, and demand they do
too
• be seen as selfish and ‘above yourself’
• take advantage of other people.
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Understanding personality disorders
Avoidant (or anxious) personality disorder
You may:
• avoid work or social activities that mean you must be with others
• expect disapproval and criticism and be very sensitive to it
• worry constantly about being ‘found out’ and rejected
• worry about being ridiculed or shamed by others
• avoid relationships, friendships and intimacy because you fear
rejection
• feel lonely and isolated, and inferior to others
• be reluctant to try new activities in case you embarrass yourself.
Dependent personality disorder
You may:
• feel needy, weak and unable to make decisions or function
properly without help or support
• allow others to assume responsibility for many areas of your life
• agree to things you feel are wrong or you dislike to avoid being
alone or losing someone's support
• be afraid of being left to fend for yourself
• have low self-confidence
• see other people as being much more capable than you are
• be seen by others as much too submissive and passive.
13. 13
What are the different types of personality disorder?
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
You may:
• need to keep everything in order and under control
• set unrealistically high standards for yourself and others
• think yours is the best way of making things happen
• worry when you or others might make mistakes
• expect catastrophes if things aren’t perfect
• be reluctant to spend money on yourself or others
• have a tendency to hang onto items with no obvious value.
OCPD is separate from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which
describes a form of behaviour rather than a type of personality.See
Mind's resource 'Obsessive compulsive disorder' for further details.
14. 14
Understanding personality disorders
What causes personality disorder?
There's no clear reason why some people develop a personality disorder
and others don't. Most researchers think that a complex mix of factors is
involved, such as:
• the environment we grow up in
• early childhood and teenage experiences
• genetic factors.
What about the environment I grew up in?
The environment we grow up in and the quality of care we receive can
affect the way our personality develops.
You may be more likely to develop personality disorder if you've
experienced:
• an unstable or chaotic family life, such as living with a parent who is
an alcoholic or who struggles to manage a mental health problem
• little or no support from your caregiver – this may be especially hardif
you experienced a traumatic event or situation
• a lack of support or bad experiences during your school life, in your
peer group or wider community.
If you had a difficult childhood or experiences like these, you might have
developed certain beliefs about how people think and how relationships
work. You might have developed certain strategies for coping which aren't
helpful in your adult life.
How might my early experiences cause personality
disorder?
Our experiences growing up can affect our personality in later life. Difficult
or traumatic experiences may lead to personality disorder, such as:
• neglect
• losing a parent or sudden bereavement
• verbal, physical or sexual abuse
15. 15
What causes personality disorder?
• being involved in major incidents or accidents.
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic situation will develop these
problems. The way you and others reacted to it, alongside the support
and care you received to help you cope, will have made a lot ofdifference.
Similarly, not everyone who develops a personality disorder will have had
a traumatic experience.
I have narcissistic borderline personality disorder. At first it was
difficult to accept that the problem was essentially me, my
personality. But then being able to put it into perspective as a
developmental flaw was much easier to accept – that it was simply
the way I'd developed in response to my environment and the
situations I'd experienced.
Could it be genetic?
Some elements of our personality are inherited. We are born with different
temperaments – for example, babies vary in how active they are, their
attention span and how they adapt to change.
Some experts believe inheritance may play a part in the development of
personality disorder.
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Understanding personality disorders
Why is it controversial?
The system of personality disorder diagnosis listed in this resource is the
one generally used in this country. However, some psychiatrists disagree
with its use, and many people who are given the diagnosis find it
stigmatising and unhelpful.
The diagnosis of personality disorder can be controversial because:
• specialists can disagree about the way personality disorder should be
understood
• it can be mistakenly diagnosed
• you can feel labelled or insulted by the diagnosis, or experience
stigma.
Specialists can disagree about the way personality disorder
should be understood
Some psychiatrists believe the types or categories of personality disorder
are unhelpful, because:
• most people who are diagnosed with a personality disorder do not fit
any one category and may be diagnosed with more than one
• the categories are based on how people behave when they are in
hospital, not in the community – where most people live
• some people believe the focus should instead be on what each
individual needs in order to deal with their problems and discover new
ways of living, not what category they are in.
Could my diagnosis be wrong?
Some symptoms of personality disorder can be very similar to other
mental health problems.
Depending on your mood and what's going on in your life when you speak
to your mental health professional, they might find it hard to understand
which diagnosis best fits your experiences.
17. 17
Why is it controversial?
Experiences of facing stigma
Personality disorder is a complex diagnosis that not everyone understands
well, so you might find that people hold misconceptions about you or have
a negative image of personality disorder.
In addition, the term 'personality disorder' can sound very judgemental.
Being given a diagnosis or label of 'personality disorder' can feel as if
you're being told there's something wrong with who you are. You may feel
upset, insulted and excluded.
The stigma of being violent and dangerous is the worst for me. I
am a caring and empathetic soul who would do anything for the people I
love.
It's important to remember that you're not alone, and you don't have to
put up with people treating you badly. Here are some options you can
consider:
• show people this information to help them understand more about
what your diagnosis really means
• get involved in your treatment – Mind's pages on 'Seeking help for a
mental health problem' provide guidance on having your say in your
treatment, making your voice heard and steps you can take if you're
not happy with your care
What can I do if I disagree with my diagnosis?
If you're worried that your diagnosis doesn't fit the way you feel, it's
important to discuss it with a mental health professional so you can
make sure you're getting the right treatment to help you.
See Mind's pages on 'Seeking help for a mental health problem' for
information on how to make sure your voice is heard, and what you can
do if you're not happy with your doctor.
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Understanding personality disorders
• know your rights – Mind's pages on legal rights provide more
information
• take action with Mind – see our 'Campaigns' page for details of the
different ways you can get involved in helping us to challengestigma.
What treatment can help?
There are a range of treatments that can help you if you experience a
personality disorder:
• Talking treatments
• Medication
• Having a say in your treatment.
All my life I have felt different, alienated and completelyalone.
It is only since my diagnosis of BDP that I began to understand
why and, with help, to realise that I could actually do something
to change those feelings and feel that I can achieve a lifeworth
living.
Can things improve for me?
Sometimes people assume that it's not possible for us to change,
especially when it comes to our personality. But research is showing
that this isn't the case.
With time, with the right treatment for you and with helpful
relationships with others, it is possible for things to change and
improve.
19. 19
What treatment can help?
Talking treatments
Research is ongoing into what treatments help people with personality
disorder. More research is needed but some talking treatments have been
found to help.
Depending on where you live and the problems you want help with, the
following talking treatments may be available to you:
• Arts therapies are a way of using the arts – for example, music, art,
dance or drama – in a therapeutic environment with a trained
therapist. See Mind's pages on 'Arts therapies' for more information.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how your feelings,
thoughts and behaviour influence each other and how you can change
these patterns.
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) combines CBT's practical methods
with a focus on the relationship between you and your therapist. This
can help you reflect on how you relate to people (including yourself)
and why these patterns have developed. You can read more about
CAT on Mind's pages about 'Talking treatments'.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – a treatment specifically
developed for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It uses individual
and group therapy to help you learn skills to manage your emotions.
See Mind's page on 'DBT' for more information.
Since starting a course of DBT, hard as the course is, I am
finally beginning to feel that I am worth something.
• Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) – a long-term talking treatment
which aims to improve your ability to recognise and understand your
and other people's mental states, and to help you examine your
thoughts about yourself and others to see if they're valid.
• Schema therapy is usually a long-term talking treatment which aims
to help you change the ways of thinking (or 'schemas') which cause
you difficulty, while strengthening the ways of thinking which are
helpful to you.
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Understanding personality disorders
• Therapeutic communities (TC) – programmes where you work with a
group of other people experiencing mental health problems to support
each other to recover. Most therapeutic communities are residential
(often in a large house) where you might stay for all or part of the
week. Activities can include different types of individual or group
therapy, as well as household chores and social activities. The
Consortium for Therapeutic Communities provides a directory of
therapeutic communities in the UK (see 'Useful contacts' on p.27).
I spent 18 months as part of a Therapeutic Community, and
I'm not exaggerating when I say it's changed my life. My mood
swings are far less frequent, and it's rare that they reach the
extremes that they used to.
Avoidant personality disorder... at first it was a relief to know
that I wasn't alone in feeling the way I did – but for a couple of
months afterwards I did use the label as an excuse to behave in
particular ways and blame it on my ‘condition’. Fortunately, with the
help of CBT, I realised that I didn't have to live like that.
How can I access treatment?
You can access treatment in different ways. This may be through the
NHS, privately or through a charity or organisation. See Mind's pages
'How can I access a talking treatment?' for more information.
If you are struggling to access the treatment you need, finding an
advocate can be helpful. See our 'Advocate' pages for further details.
21. 21
What treatment can help?
Medication
There are no drugs specifically licensed for the treatment of personality
disorder. Your GP may prescribe medication to help you manage problems
such as depression, anxiety or psychosis. These medications could
include:
• antidepressants
• antipsychotics
• mood stabilisers.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – the
organisation that produces guidelines on best practice in health care –
recommends that you are only prescribed medication for a short time, if
you're in crisis or to treat another problem.
How can I be involved in my treatment?
A really important factor in your treatment is the relationship you form
with the professionals who are helping you – whether they are a social
worker, psychiatric nurse, therapist or psychiatrist. Having good treatment
also depends on you being actively involved in it and having your say. You
should expect to:
• Have your say in treatment – your GP or psychiatrist should discussall
your treatment options with you, and your views and preferences
Before you take any medication
Before deciding to take any medication, make sure you have all the
facts you need to feel confident about your decision.
For guidance on the basic information you might want, see Mind's
resources on:
• 'What you should know before taking any psychiatric drug'
• 'Receiving the right medication for you'
• 'Your right to refuse medication'.
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Understanding personality disorders
should always be taken into account when making decisions about
your treatment. See Mind's resource 'Seeking help for a mental health
problem' for more information on having your say.
• Be involved in your care plan – a care plan is an agreement between
you and the professionals you're working with, about what you want
to get out of your treatment. It should include the problems you want
help with, any treatments you may need and planning for a crisis.
It was only when I met some dedicated professionals willing to
go that extra mile that I started to change and believe in myself. I
was able to begin therapy and develop a good trusting relationship
which has been consistent and secure.
When don't I have a choice in my treatment?
You may not have a choice in your treatment if you:
• do not have mental capacity – this is where you are consideredtoo
unwell to make informed decisions about a specific situation; see
our pages on the Mental Capacity Act for more information
• are being kept in hospital under a section of the Mental Health Act
(sometimes called being sectioned)
• are being treated under a Community Treatment Order (CTO) – this
means you are given supervised treatment in the community
• are being treated under a court order – this may be if you have
committed an offence.
See Mind's pages on 'Limits to your choices' for more information.
23. 23
How can I help myself?
How can I help myself?
Taking some time to make your wellbeing a priority can make a big
difference to how you're feeling. Here are some ideas:
• Talk to friends and family. It can be hard to reach out when you are
not feeling well, but sharing difficult thoughts can often make them
seem easier to handle.
• Know how to get help in a crisis. See Mind's pages on 'Crisis services'
and 'Seeking help in a crisis' for more information.
• Try online peer support. Networks like Elefriends can be a good way to
get some support if you don't feel like you can talk to the people
around you. It can also be a good way to connect with other people
who understand what you're experiencing.
• Find ways to help you cope with self-harm. If you have a personality
disorder, you may be self-harming as a way of dealing with very
difficult feelings or overwhelming situations and experiences. See
Mind's pages on 'Self-harm' for other ways to help yourself cope. You
can also access confidential advice about drugs and alcohol on the
FRANK website. Find out more information and what support may be
available in Mind's pages on 'Street drugs and alcohol'.
I learnt to be kind to myself and that life can be different if I
put the work in. Some days I forget what it feels like to be positive
and hopeful for the future, but I know it won’t last. I deserve to be
happy and live a fulfilled life and I’m not about to let an illness take
that away from me.
• Try mindfulness and relaxation. This could help you to feel calmer and
manage unhelpful thoughts. See Mind's pages on 'Mindfulness' and
'Relaxation' for more information.
• Try keeping a mood diary. This could help you identify things or
situations that trigger a change in your mood. You can then use that
information to learn how to cope with triggering situations in future.
• Get enough sleep. This can help you have the energy to cope with
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Understanding personality disorders
difficult feelings and experiences. See Mind's pages on 'How to cope
with sleep problems' for more information.
• Do regular exercise. Physical activities like dancing or going for awalk
can distract you from your current mood, and help get rid of anxious
or angry energy. See Mind's pages on 'Physical exercise, sport and
exercise' for more information.
• Eat a healthy diet. This can help you have the right nutrients and
energy to cope with things when you're having a difficult time.See
Mind's pages on 'Food and mood' for more information about how
your diet can affect the way you feel.
• Find specialist support. Organisations like Emergence offer information
and support for anyone affected by personality disorders. If you've
experienced abuse in childhood, the National Association for People
Abused in Childhood is there to support you. If you are in prison, the
Prison Reform Trust offers an advice and information service – see
'Useful contacts' on p.27 for details.
• Find local support. This can be a way to meet people with similar
experiences – Mind's Infoline can help you to find local support.
• Contact an advocate. If you feel like you're not being listened to or
treated fairly (such as when talking to doctors or accessing treatment)
an advocate can help you have your voice heard. See Mind's pages on
'Advocacy' for more information.
For more ideas about caring for yourself when you're feeling unwell, see
Mind's pages on 'Self-care'.
25. How can other people help?
25
How can other people help?
This section is for friends and family who want to support someone with a
diagnosis of personality disorder.
Someone with personality disorder may feel especially anxious about their
relationships. This can make it hard for them to always keep a good
relationship with you.
Sometimes you may find it hard to know the 'right' thing to say or how to
help. But there are lots of positive things you can do to support them:
• Try to be patient – if your loved one is struggling to deal with their
emotions, try not to get involved in an argument in the heat of the
moment. It could be better to wait until you both feel calmer to talk
things through.
• Talk to them compassionately and calmly – when someone is
experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, their behaviour may be
unexpected or upsetting, and you may feel unsettled. Try to
understand what they're experiencing and what's affecting their
thoughts, feelings and behaviour – this can help you to stay calm.
I learnt to be kind to myself and that life can be different if I
put the work in. Some days I forget what it feels like to be positive
and hopeful for the future, but I know it won’t last. I deserve to be
happy and live a fulfilled life and I’m not about to let an illness take
that away from me.
• Don't judge them – try to listen to them. You may not understand why
they feel like this, but it can mean a lot to acknowledge and value how
they're feeling.
• Remind them of their positives – a diagnosis of personality disorder
doesn't stop someone being likeable, intelligent, kind, highly motivated
or creative. Remind them of the positives you see in them.
• Try to both set clear boundaries and expectations – it can be helpful to
26. Understanding personality disorders
26
make sure you both know where the boundaries of your relationship
are, and what you can expect from each other. This can help you both
manage difficult feelings and situations.
Tell me a problem you’re having, let me be there for you for a
change. Don’t hold back sharing difficulties in your life, I am your
friend after all. It will make me feel valuable and useful.
• Think about how you could help keep them safe – it can be scary if
you're worried someone you care about is hurting themself, or is
struggling with suicidal thoughts, but being prepared can help you
cope. See Mind's pages on 'Supporting someone who is self-harming'
and 'Supporting someone who is suicidal' for more information.
• Learn more about personality disorder, and help to challenge stigma
– personality disorder is a broad and complex diagnosis, and your
loved one may have to deal with other people's misconceptions on top
of coping with their own mental health problem. In addition to Mind,
organisations like Emergence also offer information and support.
• Help them seek treatment and support – see Mind's pages on 'How to
support someone to seek help' for more information.
• Help them find an advocate – see Mind's pages on 'Advocacy' for more
information.
• Take care of yourself – it can be upsetting and painful when a loved
one is struggling. Your own mental health is also important. Taking
care of your own wellbeing can also help you maintain the energy,
time and distance you need to be able to to help someone else. See
Mind's pages on 'Coping as a carer', 'Managing stress' and 'Maintaining
your wellbeing' for more information.
Having BPD and DPD means I can feel immense empathy and
love for others, so it’s not all doom and gloom. I’m very caring and
do lots of charity work, and love to help others. It’s easy to focus on
the downside of the disorder but it does give positive traits too.
27. The Consortium for Therapeutic
Communities
Elefriends
Emergence
FRANK
Useful contacts
Useful contacts
web: therapeuticcommunities.org
Provides a directory of therapeutic
communities in the UK.
web: elefriends.org.uk
Elefriends is a friendly, supportive
online community for anyone
experiencing a mental health
problem.
web: emergenceplus.org.uk
Service user-led organisation
supporting all people affected
by personality disorder including
service users, carers, family and
friends.
tel: 0300 123 6600
web: talktofrank.com
tel: 0808 801 0331
web: napac.org.uk
A charity supporting adult survivors
of any form of childhood abuse.
Provides a support line and local
support services.
web: nhs.uk
Provides information on different
personality disorders and treatments
which are available through the NHS.
National Institute for Health and
Care Excellence (NICE)
web: nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best
practice in health care, including
recommended treatments for
Borderline Personality Disorder
(BPD).
freephone: 0808 802 0060
Free 24-hour national drugs helpline. web: prisonreformtrust.org.uk
Write to (no stamp required):
Prison Reform Trust
FREEPOST ND 6125
London
EC1B 1PN
A charity working to create a just,
humane and effective penal system.
27
The National Association for People
Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
NHS Choices
The Prison Reform Trust
29. Mind
We're Mind, the mental health charity for
England and Wales. We believe no one should
have to face a mental health problem alone.
We're here for you. Today. Now. We're on your
doorstep, on the end of a phone or online.
Whether you're stressed, depressed or in crisis.
We'll listen, give you advice, support and fight
your corner. And we'll push for a better deal
and respect for everyone experiencing a mental
health problem.
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
info@mind.org.uk
mind.org.uk