Personality disorder

A personality disorder is a mental disorder defined by an enduring and pervasive maladaptive pattern of behavior, emotion, cognition and inner experience that departs from social norms. The pattern shows up as significant impairment in relationships and in the working of the self, including self-concept, together with pathological personality traits. These patterns usually take shape early, in childhood, adolescence or the start of adulthood, are inflexible, and bring distress or disability that often lowers quality of life. Classification is contested: the International Classification of Diseases favors a dimensional approach that rates severity and traits, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual uses a categorical model of distinct types such as avoidant or narcissistic, and the alternative DSM-5 model combines both. Among psychiatric patients the prevalence is estimated at 40 to 60 percent. Treatment is mainly psychotherapy, with cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy best supported, especially for borderline personality disorder, alongside various psychoanalytic approaches. The diagnosis carries heavy stigma, and some experts question its validity because definitions depend on prevailing cultural expectations.