Personality disorder facts for kids

A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder where a person thinks, feels, and acts in ways that are very different from what most people expect. These ways of thinking and behaving are often very fixed and hard to change. They can cause problems for the person and for those around them. In many countries, like the United States and the United Kingdom, personality disorders are seen as a kind of mental health condition. About 10% of adults might have one. It's important to remember that these are medical conditions, not choices.

What is Personality?

Your personality is what makes you, YOU! It's how you usually think, feel, and behave. It includes your unique traits, like being shy, outgoing, creative, or organized. These traits usually help you deal with different situations in life. Most people can change their behavior a bit depending on what's happening. For example, you might be quiet in class but loud with your friends.

Understanding Personality Disorders

When someone has a personality disorder, their ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving are very strong and don't change much, even when they cause problems. These patterns often start in their teenage years or early adulthood. They can make it hard to have good relationships, do well at school or work, or just feel happy.

How is it Different from Being Shy?

Everyone has unique personality traits. Being shy or very outgoing is part of who you are. A personality disorder is different because these traits are so extreme and rigid that they cause serious problems in daily life. It's not just a preference; it's a deep-seated pattern that makes it hard to cope.

Common Signs to Look For

People with personality disorders might:

• Have trouble understanding how others feel.
• Find it hard to make or keep friends.
• Struggle with their emotions, like feeling very angry or sad often.
• Have a hard time trusting people.
• Act in ways that seem risky or impulsive.
• Blame others for their problems.

It's important to remember that everyone might show some of these signs sometimes. But for someone with a personality disorder, these patterns are long-lasting and cause a lot of distress or difficulty.

Why Do Personality Disorders Happen?

Scientists don't know the exact reason why personality disorders develop. It's often a mix of different things:

• Genes: Sometimes, these conditions can run in families, suggesting that genes might play a role.
• Brain Development: Differences in how the brain develops or functions might be a factor.
• Life Experiences: Difficult or stressful experiences during childhood, like trauma or neglect, can also contribute.

It's never anyone's fault if they develop a personality disorder. It's a complex health condition.

Getting Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that make life very difficult, it's important to talk to a trusted adult. This could be a parent, guardian, teacher, school counselor, or doctor.

How Doctors Help

Medical professionals, like doctors or therapists, can help people with personality disorders. They might:

• Talk Therapy: This is where a person talks to a trained professional about their thoughts and feelings. It helps them understand their patterns and learn new ways to cope.
• Medication: Sometimes, medication might be used to help with specific symptoms, like feeling very anxious or sad.
• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can also be very helpful.

The goal of treatment is to help people learn healthier ways to manage their emotions, build better relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.

See also

In Spanish: Trastorno de personalidad para niños