Q: Which doctor should I consult for personality disorders?
A: A Psychiatrist can be consulted for treating personality disorders.
Q: What is the risk factor for developing personality disorder?
A: Though the exact cause of personality disorder is not known. There are certain factors that seem to raise the risk, including:
- Family history of personality disorders or other mental illnesses
- Low education level and lower socio-economic status
- Verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood
- Unstable or neglect or chaotic family life during childhood
- Variations in brain chemistry and structure
- Having been diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder
Q: What is the prevalence of different types of personality disorder?
A: Prevalence of individual personality disorder varies from 2% to 3% for common forms like schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, and histrionic, whereas 0.5–1% for the least common, like narcissistic and avoidant personalities.
Q: Is personality disorder easily noticed?
A: For a personality disorder to be diagnosed, the behavioral pattern should cause significant distress or impairment in personal, social, and occupational situations. Most individuals though lead normal lives and only seek psychotherapeutic treatment/intervention during times of increased stress or social demands.
Q: How to cope with personality disorder?
A: If your loved one is suffering from this disorder, consult with mental health provider to find out an effective support and encouragement. You can also ask the doctor about any distress you might experience and how to take self-care and protection.
