Personality Disorders: Diagnosis (2024)

FAQs

How can you diagnose a personality disorder? ›

The most commonly diagnosed personality disorders are borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These co-occurring disorders can make it harder to diagnose and treat borderline personality disorder, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with symptoms of the disorder.

The Three Most Important Signs. Perhaps more striking than specific symptoms associated with certain illnesses are the persistence, rigidity, and globalism of the perplexing behaviors. One or two symptoms of a particular PDO are insufficient to warrant a diagnosis.

Separations, disagreements, and rejections—real or perceived—are the most common triggers for symptoms. A person with BPD is highly sensitive to abandonment and being alone, which brings about intense feelings of anger, fear, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and very impulsive decisions.

According to a major study, the most prevalent personality disorder is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The second most common is narcissistic personality disorder, followed by borderline personality disorder.

But what makes the condition even harder is that many people who live with Borderline Personality Disorder don't even know they have it. BPD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions. It's so misdiagnosed, in fact, that there isn't even an accurate prevalence rate for the condition.

Why are doctors hesitant to diagnose BPD? ›

Clinicians can be reluctant to make a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). One reason is that BPD is a complex syndrome with symptoms that overlap many Axis I disorders. This paper will examine interfaces between BPD and depression, between BPD and bipolar disorder, and between BPD and psychoses.

Though Cluster B disorders draw significant attention because they are frequently portrayed in the media—and because those with the disorders often wreak havoc in their personal relationships—they are the least common personality disorders, according to DSM estimates.

The disorders also cause problems in relationships with other people. People with personality disorders may have trouble realizing that they have a problem. To them, their thoughts are normal. They may see others as the problem.

When people have personality traits that are less adaptive, this leads to inflexibility and unhealthy coping. For example, they may manage stress by drinking or misusing drugs, have a hard time managing their anger, and find it hard to trust and connect with others.

While primary care doctors may use screening tools for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), such as the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD (MSI-BPD) , the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th edition—BPD Scale, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders -Patient Questionnaire— ...

Screening for Personality Disorders

A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker, is trained to diagnose and treat these disorders and can guide you through the diagnostic process.

The short answer is both yes and no. There are pros and cons to self-diagnosis as well as being diagnosed by therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

No self-assessment, blood test or imaging exam can diagnose antisocial personality disorder. If certain signs or behaviors raise a red flag, seek medical attention. You may first choose to see a primary care physician (PCP).