What are the manifestations of personality disorders

The manifestations of personality disorders mainly include emotional instability, abnormal behavior, cognitive distortion, interpersonal relationship disorders, and impaired ability to test reality. Personality disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by persistent behavioral patterns and significant deviations from normal inner experiences, typically beginning in adolescence or early adulthood.

1. Emotional instability

Emotional instability is characterized by intense and difficult to control emotional fluctuations, which may suddenly lead to emotions such as anger, depression, or anxiety. Some patients' emotional reactions are not commensurate with external stimuli, and they are prone to becoming angry over trivial matters or falling into depression for a long time. Patients with borderline personality disorder often experience brief episodes of intense anger or despair, and may feel ashamed or regretful after their emotions have calmed down. Patients with split personality disorder exhibit emotional apathy and are indifferent to criticism or praise.

2. Abnormal behavior

Abnormal behavior includes impulsive behavior, self harming behavior, or behavior that violates social norms. Patients with antisocial personality disorder may disregard the rights of others and engage in deceptive, aggressive, or illegal behavior. Performance personality disorder patients often attract attention through exaggerated words and actions, and their behavior appears dramatic or provocative. Patients with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder exhibit rigid and stubborn behavior, excessively adhering to rules and details, which affects task completion efficiency.

3. Cognitive distortion

Cognitive distortion is manifested as a distorted understanding of oneself, others, and the environment. Paranoid personality disorder patients generally have suspicion, baseless suspicion of others' exploitation or deception. Patients with narcissistic personality disorder have an exaggerated perception of their own importance and lack empathy skills. Patients with split personality disorder may have eccentric beliefs or magical thinking, but not to the extent of delusions.

4. Interpersonal Relationship Disorders

Interpersonal relationship disorders manifest as difficulties in establishing or maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships. Patients with avoidant personality disorder avoid social contact due to fear of rejection. Patients with dependent personality disorder have an excessive need for care and exhibit compliant and dependent behaviors. Patients with split personality disorder tend to be alone and lack interest in intimate relationships. These interpersonal patterns often persist for a long time and affect social functioning.

5. Impaired ability to verify reality

Impaired ability to verify reality manifests as a weakened connection with reality, but does not reach the level of psychotic symptoms. Patients with split personality disorder may have unusual perceptual experiences, such as feeling the presence of "supernatural forces". Patients with borderline personality disorder may experience brief disintegration of reality or a sense of victimization under stress. These symptoms are usually episodic and patients can partially recognize their irrationality afterwards. Patients with personality disorders require long-term psychological treatment and social support. Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy have a certain effect on improving symptoms. Family members should learn about the disease and avoid excessive criticism or getting involved in the emotional fluctuations of the patient. Maintaining a regular lifestyle and moderate exercise can help maintain emotional stability, but seeking timely help from a psychiatrist is necessary when symptoms are severe. Early intervention and systematic treatment can significantly improve prognosis, and symptoms of some types of personality disorders may decrease with age.