Change is a constant process and every individual continues to mature and change in life. Successful adjustment through the life cycle takes place on account of the capability to flexibly adapt to the constantly changing demands, limitations and opportunities that come as challenges at various stages of life. An individual’s general characteristic traits, ways of interacting in the society and coping skills emerge in childhood and shape up into recognized behavior patterns by the end of adolescence or early adulthood. These patterns make up the person’s personality which is the distinctive pattern of qualities and behaviors that distinguish the individual.

Personality disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders that arise from the gradual development of inflexible and deteriorated thought and behavior patterns that are the outcome of maladaptive ways of recognizing, thinking and relating to others. These disorders are not the outcomes of incapacitating reactions to stress such as in post traumatic stress disorder, major depression or mania.

For most individuals, the adult personality is accustomed to the demands of society. But in the case of those diagnosed with Personality disorders, it becomes difficult to operate successfully in the society. These individuals might not show signs of a serious disorder but appear to be unprepared to become fully functioning members of society. The personality formation of these individuals comprises of certain inflexible and maladaptive traits that makes them incapable of performing adequately various roles and duties expected of them by their societies.

Types of Personality Disorders:

There are various types of personality disorders that differ greatly in form and severity of behavioral problems. Some individuals diagnosed with these disorders are extremely talented in several ways and may even function adequately but are often described by their friends and relatives as troublesome, eccentric or difficult to get to know. They have typical ways of approaching situations and people that make them either have difficulties developing close relationships with others or in getting along with those with whom they have close relationships.

The major categories in which personality disorders have been divided are: \

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Schizoid personality

Schizotypal personality

Paranoid personality

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality APD

Narcissistic personality

Passive-aggressive (negativistic) personality

Histrionic (hysterical) personality

Dependent personality

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Depressive (masochistic) personality