What do we mean by personality?
We all have different patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours - personality traits
Everyone’s personality is unique
Our personalities are not only shaped by the world around us but also shape the way we see the world. They affect how we think, act, believe, and how we relate to others
How our personalities develop can be strongly influenced by - childhoods, environment, experiences in early life (e.g. trauma can impact how personalities develop)
What leads to a diagnosis of a personality disorder?
Personality traits exist on a scale e.g. all feel x from time to time, for some more intense than others
Some people find term PD upsetting / hurtful, does not mean you have something wrong with you
PD dx given to people whose personality traits: make it extemely difficult for them to manage their emotions, significant problems coping day to day / in their relationships
Why do we need to give a diagnosis?
Based on symptoms and difficulties
Evidence based care and tx which has been shown to be effective through research and clinical practice, helps people access the right support, also helps new treatments be developed
Historical PD diagnoses
Paranoid
Schizoid
Schizotypal
Histrionic
Narcissistic
Antisocial (2nd most common)
Borderline (most common)
Obsessive compulsive
Avoidant
Dependent
New classification (less rigid and stigmatising)
5 characteristics, severity
Negative affectivity
Detachment
Dissociality
Disinhibition
Anankastia
Personality difficulty, mild PD, moderate PD, severe PD
How common are PDs?
Estimated that 4.4% of the UK have a diagnosable PD
Why do people develop a PD?
Abuse / neglect
Living with someone with a substance misuse disorder
Exposure to DV
Living with someone with a severe mental illness
Death / loss of a parent
Poverty
Discrimination
Lack of opportunities
Poor housing
Physical illness
Relationship breakdowns
Experiencing conflict
? Genetics - no known PD ‘gene’, genetics may influence the role in how difficult experiences affect different people
Diagnosis
Thorough assessment by experienced clinician
Support options
Self-help
Psychological support
Social care
Support with education, training or work
OT
Medication
Physical health care
Peer support groups
Prognosis
Some studies have shown 50-70% of people with BPD improve in the long term
Other studies have shown some people get better as they get older
How can I support myself?
Connecting with other people
Being physically active
Learning new skills
Doing things for others
Mindfulness
