Introduction
Personality disorders are characterized by long-term patterns of negative behaviors or thoughts. They can affect a person’s relationships, work, and academic life. There are several different types of personality disorders and each have their own unique symptoms. Some well-known personality disorders are Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder. These disorders are often co-morbid with other mental disorders, such as anxiety.
Personality disorders are rarely diagnosed during adolescence. Clinicians typically believe that symptoms do not become apparent until adulthood. However, an article published in the Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that personality disorders do begin in adolescence.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by patterns of “varying moods, self-image, and behavior.” Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to multiple days.
Symptoms
The following symptoms have been reported by those diagnosed with BPD:
- mood swings
- inability to maintain healthy relationships
- unstable self-image
- impulsiveness
- self-harm
- suicidal thoughts or behavior
- emptiness
- dissociation, or feeling “cut-off” from oneself
Causes
Research suggests the following may be causes of BPD:
- genetic history: those with close family members diagnosed with BPD may be at an increased risk
- brain structure: those diagnosed with BPD may have structural changes in the brain
- environment: traumatic events, abuse, and adversity have been reportedly experienced by those diagnosed with BPD
Treatments
The common treatments of BPD include:
- psychotherapy: Dialect Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help sufferers control emotions and improve relationships
- medication: medications are not used as a primary treatment, but can be prescribed to help with mood swings and co-morbid disorders
- other: those with severe symptoms may require hospitalization and inpatient care
Bipolar Disorder
Also called manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is characterized by unusual changes in mood, energy, and ability. There are four main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and other unspecified disorders.
- Bipolar I: manic episodes that can last up to a week that can be severe enough to require hospitalization, depressive episodes also possible
- Bipolar II: pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, not as severe as those experienced with bipolar I
- Cyclothymic Disorder: numerous periods of both depressive and hypomanic symptoms lasting for at least two years
- Other: those with symptoms that do not match with the previous three
Symptoms
The following symptoms have been reported by those diagnosed with bipolar disorders:
- manic symptoms: feelings of elation, high energy, trouble sleeping, increased activity, irritability, reckless behavior
- depressive symptoms: feeling down or empty, decreased energy and activity, trouble concentrating, suicidal thoughts, forgetfulness
Causes
Research suggests the following may be causes of bipolar disorders:
- genetic history: those with close family members diagnosed with a bipolar disorder may be at an increased risk
- brain structure: those diagnosed with a bipolar disorder may have structural changes in the brain
- environment: traumatic events, abuse, and adversity have been reportedly experienced by those diagnosed with a bipolar disorder
Treatments
The common treatments of bipolar disorders include:
- medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are generally used to treat bipolar disorders
- psychotherapy: combined with medication, therapy options such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and psychoeducation can be used to treat bipolar disorders
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