Mental health articles

characteristics of personality disordersThe way we generally think or behave makes up our personalities. These
develop throughout life. It is our personalities, aswell aswhatwe look like,
that make us different from everyone else. As we come across new situations,
we may adapt our behaviour or learn new ways of behaving, which
will affect our personality. People with personality disorders find it difficult
to adapt or learn new behaviours, as their personalities tend to be
inflexible. These disorders generally develop during adolescence.
There are many different types of personality disorders, but people
who have them tend to have the following characteristics:

They have difficulty in conforming to what society would
consider normal

Often they have chaotic lifestyles

Their behaviour might cause conflict with others

They may appear irresponsible and demanding

They care little for the views of others and are insensitive to
the feelings of others

They tend to learn little from experience, even if the previous
experiences have caused harm to them or others

They have difficulty in understanding that their own behaviour
affects other people

They tend to be impulsive, impatient and act for the moment

They have difficulty in planning for the future Due to the above, people with personality disorders find it difficult to find
friends and partners. Their behaviour tends to cause them distress.
Little research has been carried out on personality disorders and
people with intellectual disabilities. It is generally only possible to diagnose
personality disorders in people with mild intellectual disabilities.