What is the Common Factor in All Personality Disorders?
Your personality is a combination of your thoughts, behavior, and emotions. Each one of you has a different personality. Hence, your way of talking to people, reacting to situations, and thinking about certain things often differ from other people. Some are shy. Some are very outspoken. Some prefer to be alone while others love to socialize. We have some preset notions for distinguishing between normal and not-so-normal personality traits. A person who is kind, joyful, and communicates well is said to have a likable personality. On the other hand, a person who appears rude avoids interacting with people, and prefers to be alone is thought to have an unlikeable personality. This person might have a condition that makes him/her behave in a certain manner and prevents from having a normal healthy personality. Such a condition is called personality disorder. Let’s shed some more light on the types of personality disorders and the common factors in all of them. Feeling lost in the complexities of personality challenges? Holistic, evidence-based therapies are available to help you build a healthier, more stable future. Get Help Now 732-798-7743 What are Personality Disorders? Humans are vulnerable to multiple mental health problems, personality disorders are one of them. A person with a personality disorder exhibits a pattern of behavior and thoughts different from what is considered normal. It is not only abnormal but also unhealthy, affecting a person’s well-being in multiple aspects like career, relationships, and social circle. Causes of Personality Disorders From genetics to environmental factors, multiple causes contribute to the development of personality disorders in individuals. Here’s an evidence-backed walkthrough of each cause. Childhood trauma Children who have experienced traumatic incidents are more susceptible to personality disorders, finds a study. Instances of childhood abuse and witnessing domestic violence are linked with the development of schizotypal personality. Verbal abuse A study finds a correlation between enduring verbal abuse and suffering with personality disorders. According to this, children who were verbally abused had a 3 times greater likelihood of developing borderline, paranoid, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, in later stages of life. Genetics Recent studies have shown that genetic factors influence the development of personality disorders. If a person has parents or siblings with a history of personality disorders, there’s a 30% to 80% probability of the person inheriting the disorder. Exposure to abusive and stressful environments can further increase the risk. Brain abnormalities Neuroimaging studies have found marked changes in the brain of a person with schizotypal personality disorder. The major affected regions were the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and corpus callosum. Lower metabolism and decreased activation in these parts of the brain are linked to borderline personality disorder, according to another research. These causes lead to the development of various types of personality disorders in a person, a brief account of which is given below. Types of Personality Disorders According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), there are 10 types of personality disorders. They are further classified into 3 clusters, namely A, B, and C. Cluster A Personality Disorders The 3 types of personality disorders under this category have unconventional behavior as a common symptom. These include: 1. Schizoid Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Little to no desire to get intimate or form close relationships Difficulty in finding happiness and pleasure Rude and cold behavior Avoiding situations that require interacting with people Staying unaffected when criticized or praised 2. Schizotypal Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Living in a delusional fantasy world – where superpowers like telepathy and mind-reading exist Visualizes unusual things or hears strange voices in the head Having social anxiety Feeling uncomfortable when surrounded by people Difficulty in speaking sentences clearly during conversations 3. Paranoid Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Lack of trust in any person including family and friends Doubtful about others’ loyalty Constant feeling of being manipulated or lied to Suspects partner or spouse cheating Refrain from sharing any information, fearing that people will use it against them Cluster B Personality Disorders This category has 4 types of personality disorders with dramatic symptoms, including: 1. Histrionic Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Always seeking validation from people High emotional instability Forms strong opinions without any substance Self-absorbed Desperate for attention 2. Antisocial Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Lack of empathy towards others Lack of patience Triggered by small things Aggressive behavior Never owning mistakes, always blaming other people for it 3. Narcissistic Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Think highly of themselves Look down on others Exaggeration of one’s achievements Envy people who they think are better than them Exploiting other people for their selfish intentions 4. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Fear of being left alone Constant feelings of sadness Low self-esteem Frequent mood swings Indulgence in unsafe sex, binge eating, or gambling Cluster C Personality Disorders Fear and anxiety are the prominent symptoms of 3 types of personality disorders belonging to this category. The types include: 1. Dependent Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Inability to make decisions without another person’s guidance Finding it hard to say “no” or disagree with others Feel helpless when alone Low confidence or belief in one’s abilities Needs constant reassurance for everything 2. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Seek perfection in everything they do Hard-wired to do things as per the norms, rules, and orderly manner Have the urge to control their situations and surroundings Have strong beliefs and reluctance to change them Eagerness to be occupied with work 3. Avoidant Personality Disorder Common factors associated with this personality disorder are: Shyness Social isolation Disinterested in trying new things Too sensitive to handle rejections and criticism A feeling of ‘not being enough” If you or your loved ones display any