Personality disorders are a group of conditions characterized by an inability to get on with other people and learn from experience. People with a personality disorder may find that their beliefs and attitudes are different from those of most other people. Others may find their behaviour unusual, unexpected or perhaps offensive.
Personality disorders usually become apparent in adolescence or early adulthood, although they can start in childhood. People with a personality disorder may find it difficult to start or maintain relationships, or to work effectively with others. As a result, many may feel hurt, distressed, alienated and alone.
Personality disorders affect how a person thinks and behave, making it hard for them to live a normal life. People diagnosed with personality disorder may be very inflexible – they may have a narrow range of attitudes, behaviours and coping mechanisms which they can’t change easily, if at all. They may not understand why they need to change, as they do not feel they have a problem.
People with personality disorders may find it difficult to:
make or keep relationships get on with people at work get on with friends and family keep out of trouble Control their feelings or behaviour.