In my previous blog I gave some general information about Personality disorders. In this blog I will tell you a bit more about Cluster B personality disorders, specifically Narcissistic and Borderline personality disorder.
When you have a Narcissistic personality disorder, people might perceive you as arrogant, bragging, showing of and selfish. You tend to dominance conversations, and may look down on people that are ‘inferior’. You feel that you only deserve the best and might get upset when you don’t get what you deserve. Being preoccupied with power, success and beauty is also a common symptom.
It may be needless to say, but people with this disorder have difficulties having or maintaining close relationships. They find it hard to recognise the feelings and needs of others. Ot the other hand, other people might get fed up of always having to behave in a certain way (which is aimed to satisfy the person’s needs).
Borderline personality disorder is characterised by a persisent instability in moods, interpersonal relationships and self image, and usually affects close relationships. In general they fear to be abandoned and do everything they can to avoid that (which could be very suffocating). Several researchers suggest that this disorder is more commonly diagnosed in females.
Although people with this disorder are capable of having close relatonships, their attitudes towards their loved ones may suddenly shift from great admiration and love, to intense anger and dislike. This can be very confusing for the loved ones.
As I said in my previous blog, you might recognise some of the symptoms. I do need to emphasize again that in order for you to be diagnosed with a personality disorder, symptoms need to be persistent, across all settings and time and not depend on situations. It also needs to have a major impact on your life.
Esther is an assistant psychologist at Willingness. She works with adults and couples. She has a special interest in mental health. She can be contacted on esther@willingness.com.mt