3 Types of Personality Disorders

Today we’re gonna talk about: 3 Types of Personality Disorders

I’m Angela Howard and my passion is to break the stigma of mental health issues among fellow Christians. If you’re new to my channel please subscribe and don’t forget to click on that notifications bell so you don’t miss out on new content.

According to the findings of the NESARC, I’ll put a link in the show notes, the most common personality disorder in the United States is obsessive-compulsive personality at 7.9%, followed by narcissistic at 6.2% and borderline personality disorder at 5.9%. If you missed the overview about personality disorders from last week make sure to check that video out, but today let’s dive in a little deeper to these specific disorders

Remember, these behaviors are deep-rooted patterns in a person’s life. This isn’t something that is temporary or situational.

Let’s start with obsessive-compulsive personality. This person will take their tendency to follow the rules of structure and orderliness to the extreme—so much so that it makes it difficult for them to function in daily life. It can even prevent them from being able to keep a job or get through normal routines around the house. They often have trouble in relationships because their standards are so high for both themselves and for others. Other symptoms include expecting a catastrophe if things aren’t perfect, thinking their way is the best way to make things happen, and excessive worry if they or someone else makes a mistake.

Next, narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism is a lot more than someone having a high opinion of themselves. It’s more than selfishness. If you are in a relationship with some who has this disorder than you will feel completely worn out by their need for you to adore them at every turn. Narcissists are incapable of developing empathy for others and instead manipulate others in ways that always circle back around to them receiving praise and adoration.

Lastly, let’s look at borderline personality disorder. One person said that having BPD is like having no emotional buffer. You can go from very intensely happy emotions in the morning to feeling low and sad by dinnertime. This isn’t just a mood swing. According to the Mayo Clinic “With BPD, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships.” You might also struggle with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other impulsive behaviors. If you are extremely stressed you may even have symptoms of paranoia, psychotic episodes, or feel totally checked out from your life and experiences.

If you see these traits in yourself or someone you love, don’t despair. Next week we will talk about the causes and treatments for personality disorders. Whatever trial we’re facing there is hope! Psalm 25:4-5 speaks to that saying…

Scripture:

“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Question:

What questions do you have about personality disorders? Comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer your question.

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