Are they showing characteristics of a disorder?
People can often show signs
and traits of multiple disorders at once. For example you may have heard rumours
about someone that has narcissistic borderline traits who slept their way into
an executive position or high-profile job only to remove and fire those who got
them there. They then make life extremely difficult and miserable for the
people who replace them. People with personality disorders tend to blame others
for their troubles, which is also why they don’t tend to seek professional help
as they don’t believe they are the problem. Often they only seek help when they
are forced to do so. This usually comes after domestic violence in some form or
a suicide attempt when a family member insists they go see someone. Once they
are there seeking the help they need, someone with a personality disorder only
tends to stay for as long as they are forced to, not necessarily as long as
they should to resolve the issue.
Who seeks help most?
The most common people seeking
help are those that have suffered due to someone in their lives that has a
personality disorder. These people are usually family members, partners, or
employees that have developed anxiety or depression from their interaction with
the person with the disorder.
What about the diagnosis?
Diagnoses of personality disorders need to be made by properly trained mental health professionals. It can cause someone great pain to tell them that you suspect them of having a personality disorder, so it is better left unsaid. However, it is important to know how to recognise the major symptoms as it will help you deal with these people on a daily basis. What you also need to remember is that if you need to you can seek professional help to teach you how to cope with this person in your life if you choose to have them in it. If you suspect someone you care about has a disorder and you are not being treated properly why not give us a call to see how we can help?
