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Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is characterized by certain features that present challenges to socialization, as well as emotional and behavioral regulation. Your personality is your unique way of feeling, behaving, and interacting with the world. Although your interests and the circumstances of your life may change over time, your personality remains relatively static. Experts agree that your personality is set by the time you are about 18 years old.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 9% of the population has at least one personality disorder. There are 10 personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. 

Diagnosis of a personality disorder has to be made by a mental health professional and generally isn’t made until an individual is 18 years old. There is stigma attached to personality disorders, which may delay treatment in individuals living with a personality disorder. However, there are gentle and compassionate treatment options out there, including therapy (psychoanalytic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy are commonly used), group therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. 

woman sitting and ignoring male partner
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Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Breaking Down the Grey Rock Method

Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Written byMinkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Aug 24, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
Updated 8/29/24 The grey rock technique, also referred to as “grey rocking,” is a strategy for dealing with…
woman deep in thought looking to the left with a hand over her mouth
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Published on: 25 May 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

Radical Acceptance: Definition & How It Can Help

Published on: 25 May 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • May 25, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
The radical acceptance definition is the key to overcoming emotional pain. Radical acceptance can happen only once you…
woman yelling at man over table
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Published on: 07 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

What is Narcissistic Gaslighting?

Published on: 07 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Feb 07, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
To understand what narcissistic gaslighting is, you must have a basic and clear understanding of what both narcissistic…
man sitting and thinking
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Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 

Ask a Therapist: “How to Set Boundaries With a Narcissist”

Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Feb 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
Knowing how to set boundaries with someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be overwhelming. You probably feel…
father sitting at kitchen table with daughter
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Published on: 01 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW

Ask a Therapist: “How to Cope With a Narcissistic Father”

Published on: 01 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • Written byElizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Feb 01, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
Knowing how to deal with a father with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can help you to avoid feelings…
mother sitting at table fighting with daughter
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Published on: 01 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

Ask a Therapist: “How to Cope With a Mother with Narcissistic Personality Disorder”

Published on: 01 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byMinkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Feb 01, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
A mother with narcissistic personality disorder traits can inflict a long-lasting, negative impact on her children. If you…
Read More
Published on: 20 Oct 2021
  • 7 minute read

Divorcing a Narcissist: What to Expect

Published on: 20 Oct 2021
  • Written byAmy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • Oct 20, 2021
Narcissism, or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is a personality disorder that results in someone having an intense, inflated…
woman in jeans holding her legs
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Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder

Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Sep 22, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
Borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder — what’s the difference? What are the symptoms? What options are available…
Shadows fall on a young guy's face as he gazes out the window
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Published on: 11 Dec 2020
  • 6 minute read

Sociopath Test: How To Tell If Someone Has Antisocial Personality Disorder

Published on: 11 Dec 2020
  • Written byWendy Wisner
  • Dec 11, 2020
Most of us, thankfully, don’t encounter people who exhibit sociopathic tendencies on a daily basis. Yet every so…
Woman gazing into the street
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Published on: 03 Oct 2020
  • 5 minute read

Your Guide to Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Published on: 03 Oct 2020
  • Written byJessica DuBois-Maahs
  • Oct 03, 2020
Those with schizotypal personality disorder experience long-standing patterns of eccentric behavior that may appear strange to others. Individuals…

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