CONDITIONS
Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others that can significantly affect a person’s relationships, emotional wellbeing, work, and daily functioning. These patterns are often deeply ingrained and may cause difficulties in how individuals perceive themselves, manage emotions, and interact with the world around them.

For many individuals, these patterns may feel familiar or “normal,” making it difficult to recognise when support may be needed. Personality-related difficulties can also affect families, relationships, and social functioning, often leading to distress, conflict, feelings of isolation, or challenges with emotional regulation.

Personality disorders are complex conditions that require careful assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

Types of Personality Disorders

There are several different types of personality disorders, each with its own characteristic patterns and challenges. These may include:

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Avoidant Personality Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Dependent Personality Disorder
  • Histrionic Personality Disorder
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
  • Paranoid Personality Disorder
  • Schizoid Personality Disorder
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Each condition presents differently, but common themes may include difficulties with emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-image, trust, impulsivity, or coping with stress and rejection.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the specific personality disorder, but may include:

  • Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
  • Intense or unstable emotions
  • Fear of abandonment or rejection
  • Persistent feelings of emptiness or inadequacy
  • Impulsive or risky behaviour
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism
  • Social withdrawal or discomfort in relationships
  • A strong need for reassurance or approval
  • Rigid patterns of thinking or behaviour
  • Problems managing anger or conflict
  • Distorted self-image or sense of identity

Some individuals may also experience anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviours, or difficulties coping with everyday stressors alongside personality-related difficulties.

What Contributes to Personality Disorders?

Personality develops over time through a combination of biological, psychological, developmental, and environmental influences. Personality disorders are believed to arise from a complex interaction between:

  • Genetics and temperament
  • Childhood experiences
  • Family dynamics and relationships
  • Trauma or adverse life events
  • Environmental and social influences

Symptoms often begin to emerge during adolescence or early adulthood, although diagnosis is usually made in adulthood once personality patterns are more fully established.

Assessment and Treatment

Because personality disorders can be complex and may overlap with other mental health conditions, a comprehensive psychiatric assessment is important in developing an accurate understanding of an individual’s experiences and challenges.

Dr Chawane works collaboratively with patients to explore emotional patterns, relationships, coping styles, and life experiences in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

Treatment may include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Emotional regulation and coping strategies
  • Insight-oriented therapy
  • Cognitive and behavioural approaches
  • Medication management for associated symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood instability
  • Psychoeducation
  • Multidisciplinary support where appropriate

Therapy can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and build healthier ways of coping with stress and interpersonal challenges.

For some individuals, longer-term support may be beneficial, particularly where symptoms are severe, persistent, or significantly affecting functioning and relationships.

When to Seek Help

If emotional patterns, relationships, or behaviours are causing ongoing distress or affecting quality of life, seeking professional support may help provide greater understanding, stability, and direction. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals are able to build healthier relationships, improve emotional wellbeing, and develop more adaptive ways of navigating life’s challenges.

“Take a proactive step towards understanding your mental health and reclaiming your sense of direction”

PODCASTS
Mind Vault Podcast SA

A space for open, thoughtful conversations about mental health, identity, and everyday lived experience.
Through the podcast, Dr Chawane shares insights, stories, and psychoeducation aimed at reducing stigma and making mental health more accessible.