Social Security Disability Lawyer

Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, Virginia

Personality Disorders

Personality disorder is a generalized term for any type of mild to severe psychological disorder that causes a person to act or think outside what is considered the “norm” in society. People suffering from personality disorders may actually be unaware that they are behaving in odd, eccentric, overly-dramatic or destructive ways because the behaviors may seem normal to them. These disorders can manifest during childhood or adolescence and continue into the adult years.

Types of Personality Disorders

There are many different types of personality disorders that result in odd behavior or thought processes. Many people tend to suffer from more than one type of personality disorder or mental health problem. These types have been grouped into three clusters:

• Cluster A: Odd behavior or thoughts, including paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders
• Cluster B: Overly emotional behavior or thoughts, including antisocial, borderline, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders
• Cluster C: Anxious or frightened behavior or thoughts, including obsessive-compulsive, avoidant or dependent personality disorders

Causes

There is no single cause for personality disorders, but a person's environment and genetic make-up play an important role in shaping who that person becomes. Some causes of personality disorders include:

• Family history
• Heredity
• Biological or chemical imbalances
• Childhood upbringing
• History of abuse, neglect or trauma

Symptoms

The effects of personality disorders can last a lifetime and can negatively impact a person's ability to function in society. The symptoms can make it difficult or even impossible to maintain relationships or hold down a job. Personality disorder symptoms can include:

• Recurrent mood swings
• Outwardly directed anger
• Seclusion
• Difficulty managing relationships
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Impulsive actions
• Anxiety
• Mistrust of others
• Suspicion
• Identity problems
• Thoughts or acts of suicide
• Depression
• Deceitfulness

Treatment

Just as there is no one type of personality disorder, there is no single treatment for this condition. Medication, psychotherapy and hospitalization are common methods to help treat and control the symptoms of this disorder, and it often requires a team of medical personnel to determine the right treatment. In most cases, victims of personality disorders require life-long treatment.

If you or a loved one suffers from a disabling personality disorder, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available to help with the financial burdens of your condition and treatment. Please contact Virginia Social Security Disability lawyers Kalfus & Nachman today to arrange for a free SSDI consultation to discuss your options.