Personality disorders affect a person’s way of thinking, behaving and relating to other people. They can cause significant distress or impairment in social, work and other important areas of life. Most types of personality disorders have their start in adolescence or early adulthood. They are different from normal, healthy traits and are often misunderstood. They may be harder to treat than other mental health conditions.

Some examples of personality disorders are paranoid personality disorder, which includes a persistent distrust of others and suspicion that they are deceiving or exploiting you; histrionic personality disorder, which is marked by extreme self-importance, dramatic acting and sexual desires; borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by mood swings, impulsive behaviour and dangerous or suicidal acts; schizoid personality disorder, which involves a pattern of social withdrawal and indifference; and schizotypal personality disorder, which has distorted thinking, eccentric behavior and unusual beliefs that make close relationships difficult.

There are several things you can do to help yourself or a loved one with a personality disorder. It is important to get routine medical care and stay connected with family and friends. You can also join a support group for people with personality disorders and try relaxation and stress management techniques. You can also participate in a clinical trial, which is a study that looks at new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and illnesses.

Many people with personality disorders don’t seek treatment for their symptoms, which seem natural to them. They might be diagnosed with a personality disorder because of other mental health symptoms, problems at work or in their relationships or as a result of being involved in an accident or crime. Depending on the type of personality disorder, treatments include psychotherapy and medication.

A therapist trained in helping people with personality disorders can teach you skills to manage your symptoms and improve your ability to relate to other people. They can also work with you and your family to develop a plan for treatment. A therapist can also refer you to a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. It is important to remember that people with personality disorders have unique experiences and their recovery will be a process that’s different for everyone. It’s normal to have ups and downs, but don’t give up on yourself or your family member. Talk to a mental health professional and ask about family therapy or counseling. They can recommend a psychologist or psychiatrist who is familiar with personality disorders. It can be hard to establish trust with a healthcare provider, but it is essential to your recovery. It can take time to establish a relationship, so try to be patient and positive as you begin. You can also find support groups for people with personality disorders and talk to your family members about getting support themselves. It’s especially important to get regular checkups and routine medical care for yourself and your family. You can also write in a journal to express your emotions and try meditation or relaxation exercises.