Personality disorders are characterised by enduring patterns of behaviour, thoughts, and emotions that deviate from cultural norms and cause significant distress or impairment. The specific symptoms vary depending on the type of personality disorder, but they generally involve difficulties in relating to others, managing emotions, and functioning in daily life. Below are the symptoms associated with some of the most common personality disorders:
- Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.
- Detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression.
- Acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentric behaviour.
- Disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, and impulsivity.
- Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, with fear of abandonment and impulsivity.
- Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviour.
- Grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
- Excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviours.
- Preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.