Rarely do people with personality issues develop a clear insight into their own distress and the distress they cause to others. This often delays any help seeking behaviour. People often accept personality disorders as "simply the way they are made"

Personality disorders are easily identifiable if one knows what to look for. In the past personality disorders were perceived as untreatable, however psychotherapeutic measures and medication have proven efficacy in a number of personality disorders.

The personality develops through childhood and establishes by the mid twenties. Poor parenting, childhood trauma, genetic factors and an unfavourable environment usually lead to the these maladaptive coping stratergies.

Intervening at an eariler age will carry better prognosis. This makes effective parenting and a nurturing school paramount in development of a well rounded personality. Below, you will find short descriptions of some personality disorders.

Personality disorders are classified into 3 main clusters.

Cluster A's are seen as odd and eccentric and ( Schizoid, schizotypal and paranoid ).

Cluster B's are seen as dramatic, impulsive, emotional and erratic ( Dissocial, boderline and histrionic).

Cluster C's are seen as anxious and fearful.

People with paranoid personality disorder have difficulty confiding with others and have trust issues. They may suspect the fidelity of their spouse or partners and the intention of the actions of others.

Schizoids are seen as aloof and uninterested in relationships, interactions and rewards. They are seen as cold and gain little pleasure from life. They may show little or no interest in sex or intimacy.

Those with a schizotypal personality are seen  as odd and eccentric. Bizzare explanations for events and excessive spirutual thinking. They are often called pseudophilosophical thinkers, due to their extensive formulations with shallow explanations.

Antisocials usually lack empathy and indulge in excessive substance use and criminal acts. They have the striking lack of an ability to learn trough experience or from mistakes and blame others for their behavior.

Boderline personality disorder was previously beleived to occur only in females, but not anymore. It is associated with deep rooted fears of abandonment, impulsivity, labile mood states, stormy relationships, and acts of self harm such as cutting oneself.

People with a histrionic personality are seen as theatrical and over indulging. They often dress seductively or are unusually loud and love attetion. They feel uncomfortable in situations where they arent the center of attention. 

Some people are apprehensive and anxious in unfamiliar situations. They are unusually sensitive to critisism and constantly worry about rejection. Low self esteem is a constant worry.They refrain from being in unfamiliar situations and unfamiliar people.They are said to have an avoidant personality.

A few with an obsessive personality have an excessive need for control, rigidity and an excessive need for perfection that interferes with productivty. This rigidity especially in terms of excessive hygeine or neatness is often imposed on loved ones.