Personality disorders that used to be known as character disorders belong to the class of personality types deviating from what the society expects. Personality disorders are collectively a category of mental disorder or mental illness. One such disorder, which is quite popular in the recent times is bipolar disorder. This is a psychiatric diagnosis describing a certain category of mood disorders in which there is the presence of one or more episodes of elevated moods. These abnormally elevated moods are referred as mania. These individuals usually go through depression or episodes of depression and mania occurring simultaneously. The episodes are often separated by periods when the individual is in a normal mood. Mania and depression could also take turns happening. These manic occurrences could precede psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations and delusions.
Another popular kind of personality disorder is anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder has been used as a blanket term covering different types of pathological and abnormal anxieties and fears. These are often chronic conditions, which can be present from an early age or begin suddenly after a triggering event. Individuals with anxiety disorder are prone to flare up at times of high stress and are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, headache, muscle spasms, hypertension and palpitations, which in some cases lead to fatigue or even exhaustion. Phobias (fears which are persistent or irrational) also constitute the majority of anxiety disorder cases.
The third among the most prevalent personality disorders is called borderline personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder has been defined as a psychiatric diagnosis with prolonged disturbance of personality function characterized by depth and variability of moods. This type of disorder involves mood swings, chaotic interpersonal relations, identity, behavior and self-image; as well as a disturbance in the individual’s sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periodic dissociation.
If you or a loved one has any signs or symptoms of a personality disorder, see your doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional. When they believe you or your loved one has a personality disorder, they typically run a series of medical and psychological tests and exams. You do have the option though to take a personality disorder quiz which you can actually find on the Web before heading to a medical professional.
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment, and there is more to treatment than medication. The most effective treatment strategy involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, social support and therapy. In the medication of such cases, it is best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. On the other hand, there are several treatment options available for anxiety disorders, such as lifestyle changes; pharmaceutical therapy and psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy). A combination of education, cognitive-behavioral therapy and reassurance should be used in treatment. Lastly, the mainstay of treatment for borderline personality disorder is various forms of psychotherapy, although medication and other approaches may also improve symptoms.
These are among the most common personality disorder symptoms and treatments. If you think you or a loved one show signs of any of these personality disorders, hopefully this article helps.
Delicious
Digg
Google
Yahoo
