Understanding the Different Types of Personality Disorders and How to Manage Them?

By True Mind Therapies Team

 

Personality shapes how we think, feel, and relate to others. But when these traits become rigid and cause distress or dysfunction, they may reflect a personality disorder.

These complex mental health conditions can affect relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, with understanding and the right support, healing and growth are possible.

In this article, we’ll explore the main types of personality disorders, their key traits, and evidence-based treatment approaches to help individuals live more fulfilling lives.

📚 Table of Contents

🔍 What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are long-standing patterns of behaviour, thinking, and emotion that differ significantly from societal expectations. They often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can lead to problems in:

  • Relationships

  • Work life

  • Emotional regulation

  • Sense of identity

These patterns are not temporary mood shifts — they are deeply rooted and usually require professional help to manage effectively.

🧩 Types of Personality Disorders and How to Manage Them

Here are seven well-known personality disorders, along with key characteristics and evidence-based treatment options.

🔥 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Key Traits:

  • Intense mood swings

  • Unstable self-image

  • Fear of abandonment

  • Impulsive or self-harming behaviour

Management:

  • 🧘 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness

  • 💬 Psychotherapy focused on trust, validation, and self-identity

👑 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Key Traits:

  • Grandiose self-importance

  • Need for constant admiration

  • Lack of empathy

  • Fragile self-esteem underneath confidence

Management:

  • 💬 Psychotherapy (e.g. Schema Therapy or Psychodynamic Therapy)

  • Focus on empathy building, emotional awareness, and realistic self-view

  • May take time due to resistance to self-reflection

⚠️ Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Key Traits:

  • Disregard for others’ rights

  • Manipulative, aggressive behaviour

  • Lack of remorse

  • History of rule-breaking

Management:

  • 👥 Structured and long-term psychotherapy

  • ⚖️ Focus on accountability, impulse control, and empathy

  • Often combined with legal or forensic intervention

🧍 Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD)

Key Traits:

  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism

  • Low self-esteem

  • Social withdrawal despite desire for connection

Management:

  • 🧠 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – addresses negative self-beliefs and social anxiety

  • 🌱 Gradual exposure to social situations with emotional support

📏 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Key Traits:

  • Preoccupation with order, control, and perfection

  • Inflexibility

  • Difficulty delegating tasks or relaxing

Management:

  • 🧠 CBT focused on reducing rigidity and perfectionism

  • Encouraging flexibility, self-compassion, and emotional openness

🌑 Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)

Key Traits:

  • Emotional detachment

  • Preference for solitude

  • Limited interest in relationships

Management:

  • 💬 Psychotherapy focusing on emotional expression and social engagement

  • Can be slow progress as the individual may not seek treatment voluntarily

🔮 Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD)

Key Traits:

  • Odd or eccentric beliefs and behaviour

  • Social anxiety

  • Paranoia or unusual thinking patterns

Management:

  • 🧠 CBT to challenge distorted thoughts

  • 🧘 Social skills training and structured routines

  • In some cases, medication for co-occurring symptoms

🌱 Conclusion: Treatment and Hope

Understanding personality disorders is the first step toward compassion and change — whether for yourself or a loved one.

Here’s what matters most:

  • Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to meaningful improvement

  • Psychotherapy is often the cornerstone of treatment

  • Recovery is a process — support, patience, and persistence are key

If you or someone you know is struggling with traits of a personality disorder, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional for a personalised treatment plan.

With the right care, individuals can build healthier relationships, improve emotional well-being, and reclaim their quality of life.

📩 Found this article useful?
Let us know in the comments — and feel free to share it with others who may benefit.

Disclaimer:
True Mind Therapies provides content for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified therapist or doctor for personalised care.

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