Bruce K. Ford, LMSW, ACSW

What does it mean to have a personality disorder? 

Personality influences behavior in different situations.  Although there are different kinds of personality disorders, they all have symptoms that first appear in childhood or adolescence.  The following is a general description of symptoms:

Individuals with disordered personalities may have extreme mood swings, fluctuations in self-image and problems in relationships.  They may be overly emotional and seek excessive amounts of attention.  Others may have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and lack empathy for others.  This disorder can also involve a failure comply with social norms or the rule of law.  

People with personality disorders are sometimes quite fearful of being rejected, and therefore resist forming social relatonships.  Conversely, due to feelings of inadequacy, some may depend too much on certain relationsips to meet their needs. The relationships on which they depend might even be abusive, but taking responsibility seems far worse.  Individuals may also have problems in their occupations due to being too rigid. and they are often controlling in their relationships.

Symptoms can include having a distrust of others that is based on unfounded beliefs.  People with this disorder can be extremely sensitive and unforgiving.  They may prefer social isolaton and solitary activities to interactions with others.  Still others have thought processes and perceptions that are odd and don't make sense, therefore making relationships difficult for them to form and maintain.

Haven't we all at some time or other had a change in mood or failed to drive at the posted speed limit?  Is it inconceivable to momentarily feel inadequate without it constituting a personality disorder?  No, of course not.  But personality disorders are marked by signficiant, usually enduring symptoms that interfere with functioning or create considerable distress for the individual.

With time, patience, and a willingness to change strides can be made in the treatment of personality disorders.  If you believe that you are affected by any of the above-stated symptoms, call me to
discuss what can be done to help alleviate them.