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2012年9月18日 星期二

Understanding Personality Disorders


For the average person, their traits are usually fixed by the time you become an adult. These traits are fundamental from your past and from your genetic makeup. Often, they are a combination of positive and negative traits that make you the person you are.

The same cannot always be said of people with personality disorders as their traits tend to be mainly negative. They may act in socially inappropriate ways and are often unable to function normally in relationships whether personal or work related.

There are three groups of personality disorders, each having similar characteristics. These are:

1. Personality disorders that are characterised by eccentric behaviours such as paranoia, and schizoid behaviours.

Symptoms of paranoid personality disorders include:

o Emotional detachment;

o Feelings of anger toward others;

o Believing that people are trying to harm you in some way;

o Believing that what people say is in some way being malicious toward you personally; and

o Being unable to work collaboratively with other people.

Symptoms of a schizoid personality disorder include:

o Being emotionally distant;

o Emotional detachment;

o Being very introverted:

o Fantasising; and

o Being fixated on your own thoughts and feelings.

Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include;

o Eccentricities in the way you dress, speak, and interact;

o Believing that public speeches etc contain hidden messages for you;

o Suspicion and paranoia;

o Believing others can be influenced by your thoughts; and

o Indifference to other people

2. Disorders that display dramatic emotional behaviour. These include hysterics, narcissism, and antisocial behaviours and are often quite dramatic.

Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include;

o Attention seeking behaviours, particularly of a sexual nature;

o Intense desire for approval from others;

o False sense of intimacy;

o Excessive concern with physical appearance; and

o Emotional swings.

Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include;

o Excessive response to criticism;

o Constant attention seeking behaviours;

o Inability to empathise;

o Inflated sense of importance; and

o Being manipulative.

Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include;

o Aggressive and violent behaviours;

o Lying and stealing;

o No signs of remorse when hurting others;

o No consideration for the law and other people's rights;

o Irresponsible and unreliable; and

o No concern for safety.

Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include;

o Inability to control emotions;

o Dramatic mood swings;

o Stormy relationships including physical aggression;

o Feeling empty inside;

o Fear of being alone; and

o Suicidal attempts or ideations and self harming.

3. Those personality disorders marked by obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anxiety, fearful behaviours and avoidance and dependence.

Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include;

o Socially isolated;

o Extremely shy; and

o Hypersensitive to criticism

Symptoms of dependent personality disorder include;

o Excessively dependent on others;

o Intensely afraid of being alone;

o Not willing to make decisions or to give opinion:

o Tolerates abusive treatment rather than lose relationship; and

o Jumps straight into new relationship after one ends.

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include;

o Excessively concerned about rules, order. schedules and so forth;

o Perfectionism;

o Hoarding of broken and worthless objects;

o Inability to share responsibilities;

o Inflexibility in opinions; and

o Compulsive devotion to work.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder that shares some symptoms but is more extreme and disabling.

Most people with personality disorders believe that other people are to blame for the conflict and instability that they experience in their lives.

Although these conditions are incurable, the sufferer can live a relatively normal life with therapy and medication.




This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年9月13日 星期四

I Love You, I Hate You But Don't Go: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder


It amazes me that 6-10 million Americans have been diagnosed with this isolating disorder. What's amazing about this is that not much is written about BPD much less talked about. Almost like there is a stigma attached to the very name.

The name Borderline Personality Disorder originated in 1938 by Adolph Stern. He was describing a group of patients that didn't quite fit an existing diagnosis; patients that were classified as past the neurotic stage but not quite psychotic. However these days this disorder is seen in a different way but the name BPD has stuck.

BPD is relatively common, affecting 10-14% of the general population. Women commonly suffer from depression more often than men and the frequency of BPD in women is two to three times greater than men. Nearly 20% of psychiatric hospitalizations stem from BPD.

While people that suffer with depression or bipolar disorder typically endure the same mood for several weeks at a time, a person with BPD can experience depression and anxiety that may last only an hour or at most, a day.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

o Impulsive aggression

o Self injury

o Strong feelings of anxiety

o Feelings of low self worth

o Drug or alcohol abuse

o Impulsive behaviors

o Feelings of being misunderstood

o Experience unstable relationships

Sometimes people suffering from BPD view themselves essentially as bad people or unworthy. This mood instability and poor self-image can bring on bouts of anger, eating disorders, panic attacks and anxiety. Very intense emotional turmoil appears to be a way of life for those afflicted by it.

However, often times a person with BPD can present as a bright, intelligent individual with a warm, friendly nature. They can maintain this appearance for a number of years until their defense mechanism breaks down, usually because of a very stressful situation like a relationship breakup or death of a loved one.

They may feel isolated and empty which may result in frantic efforts to avoid being alone. People with BPD often formulate highly unstable relationship patterns. While their relationships with family and friends can be very intense their attitude can change dramatically and suddenly from great admiration and love to profound anger and distaste. Often times they will form an immediate attachment to another person but when even a slight conflict or separation occurs they shift suddenly to the other extreme and accuse the other person of not really caring about them at all. They are highly sensitive to any sign (real or imagined) of rejection and react quickly with anger and distress when their expectations are not met.

Over the years treatments for BPD have improved with group and individual psychotherapy at least partially effective for a great number of patients. Talking about present challenges and past experiences with an empathetic and accepting therapist on a consistent and regular basis has proven effective. Patients are encouraged to talk about their feelings rather than expel them in their usual self-defeating manner.

Sometimes medications such as antidepressants or lithium carbonate are helpful in treatment of BPD and brief hospitalization may be necessary during acutely stressful episodes or if self-destructive behavior threatens to erupt.

The goals of ongoing therapy and/or treatments would be to increase an individual's tolerance of anxiety as well as increase self awareness and build more stability into relationships. With increased self awareness and introspection, it is hoped that individuals with BPD will be able to change rigid patterns of behavior set earlier in life which in turn will help prevent these patterns from repeating themselves in future generations.




Lois Galloway is a Professional Coach. As the founder of Discover Yourself Coaching, Lois acknowledges that each person is extraordinary in their own right and that having a personal coach will encourage and empower individuals to gain clairty and move forward to become their very best! To learn more about Discover Yourself Coaching, please follow the link to Lois's web site and remember to sign up for the monthly newsletters. [http://www.discoveryourselfcoaching.com]





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年8月29日 星期三

Mental Health - Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder


The following article will give you a broad overview of Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder has only been adopted as an official diagnosis in 1980 so it is a very recent addition to the personality disorders.

Remember Michael Douglas and Glenn Close in the film Fatal Attraction? She played a woman with many characteristics of the borderline personality. Another example is Winona Ryder as the girl she played in Girl, Interrupted.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

People who suffer from this disorder show impulsivity and instability in relationships, moods and self-image. Emotions can be erratic and shift abruptly, particularly from passionate idealization to contemptuous anger. It is obvious that these people are emotionally unstable in their personality.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Patients of BPD often show up as being argumentative, sarcastic, quick to take offense, irritable, and are generally hard to be around or live with. Their behavior is regularly impulsive and unpredictable. Habits, which may include gambling, spending, unselective sexual activities and eating sprees can potentially be self-damaging.

Individuals are often manipulative, very sensitive to the way they are treated by others, specifically reacting strongly to criticism and being and or feeling hurt. They often show risk of self-harm and have suicidal tendencies.

Where does it come from?

BPD has a lot of connection with the environmental factors and the psychosocial dynamics of the patient's families. Evidence shows that this disorder runs in families, suggesting it may have genetic components and that it is related to traumatic events that happened during childhood.

BPD typically begins in early adulthood and is more common in women than in men.

Treatment options

Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are used regularly to treat the co-existing symptoms of depression however the evidence for benefit for BPD is weak.

Therapeutic support in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy have been studied and used. For a therapist to be working with BPD patients it takes a lot of flexibility and the ego strength to be projected at with negative attributions.

In many cases psychiatric hospitalization is required or at least outpatient services.

Get help

Dealing with BPD yourself or in your family is not something that can be managed on your own.

Remember: If you're concerned that your loved one is dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder seek external support and get them checked out by a medical professional.




Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年8月14日 星期二

I Love You, I Hate You But Don't Go: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder


It amazes me that 6-10 million Americans have been diagnosed with this isolating disorder. What's amazing about this is that not much is written about BPD much less talked about. Almost like there is a stigma attached to the very name.

The name Borderline Personality Disorder originated in 1938 by Adolph Stern. He was describing a group of patients that didn't quite fit an existing diagnosis; patients that were classified as past the neurotic stage but not quite psychotic. However these days this disorder is seen in a different way but the name BPD has stuck.

BPD is relatively common, affecting 10-14% of the general population. Women commonly suffer from depression more often than men and the frequency of BPD in women is two to three times greater than men. Nearly 20% of psychiatric hospitalizations stem from BPD.

While people that suffer with depression or bipolar disorder typically endure the same mood for several weeks at a time, a person with BPD can experience depression and anxiety that may last only an hour or at most, a day.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

o Impulsive aggression

o Self injury

o Strong feelings of anxiety

o Feelings of low self worth

o Drug or alcohol abuse

o Impulsive behaviors

o Feelings of being misunderstood

o Experience unstable relationships

Sometimes people suffering from BPD view themselves essentially as bad people or unworthy. This mood instability and poor self-image can bring on bouts of anger, eating disorders, panic attacks and anxiety. Very intense emotional turmoil appears to be a way of life for those afflicted by it.

However, often times a person with BPD can present as a bright, intelligent individual with a warm, friendly nature. They can maintain this appearance for a number of years until their defense mechanism breaks down, usually because of a very stressful situation like a relationship breakup or death of a loved one.

They may feel isolated and empty which may result in frantic efforts to avoid being alone. People with BPD often formulate highly unstable relationship patterns. While their relationships with family and friends can be very intense their attitude can change dramatically and suddenly from great admiration and love to profound anger and distaste. Often times they will form an immediate attachment to another person but when even a slight conflict or separation occurs they shift suddenly to the other extreme and accuse the other person of not really caring about them at all. They are highly sensitive to any sign (real or imagined) of rejection and react quickly with anger and distress when their expectations are not met.

Over the years treatments for BPD have improved with group and individual psychotherapy at least partially effective for a great number of patients. Talking about present challenges and past experiences with an empathetic and accepting therapist on a consistent and regular basis has proven effective. Patients are encouraged to talk about their feelings rather than expel them in their usual self-defeating manner.

Sometimes medications such as antidepressants or lithium carbonate are helpful in treatment of BPD and brief hospitalization may be necessary during acutely stressful episodes or if self-destructive behavior threatens to erupt.

The goals of ongoing therapy and/or treatments would be to increase an individual's tolerance of anxiety as well as increase self awareness and build more stability into relationships. With increased self awareness and introspection, it is hoped that individuals with BPD will be able to change rigid patterns of behavior set earlier in life which in turn will help prevent these patterns from repeating themselves in future generations.




Lois Galloway is a Professional Coach. As the founder of Discover Yourself Coaching, Lois acknowledges that each person is extraordinary in their own right and that having a personal coach will encourage and empower individuals to gain clairty and move forward to become their very best! To learn more about Discover Yourself Coaching, please follow the link to Lois's web site and remember to sign up for the monthly newsletters. [http://www.discoveryourselfcoaching.com]





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年8月5日 星期日

Understanding Personality Disorders


For the average person, their traits are usually fixed by the time you become an adult. These traits are fundamental from your past and from your genetic makeup. Often, they are a combination of positive and negative traits that make you the person you are.

The same cannot always be said of people with personality disorders as their traits tend to be mainly negative. They may act in socially inappropriate ways and are often unable to function normally in relationships whether personal or work related.

There are three groups of personality disorders, each having similar characteristics. These are:

1. Personality disorders that are characterised by eccentric behaviours such as paranoia, and schizoid behaviours.

Symptoms of paranoid personality disorders include:

o Emotional detachment;

o Feelings of anger toward others;

o Believing that people are trying to harm you in some way;

o Believing that what people say is in some way being malicious toward you personally; and

o Being unable to work collaboratively with other people.

Symptoms of a schizoid personality disorder include:

o Being emotionally distant;

o Emotional detachment;

o Being very introverted:

o Fantasising; and

o Being fixated on your own thoughts and feelings.

Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include;

o Eccentricities in the way you dress, speak, and interact;

o Believing that public speeches etc contain hidden messages for you;

o Suspicion and paranoia;

o Believing others can be influenced by your thoughts; and

o Indifference to other people

2. Disorders that display dramatic emotional behaviour. These include hysterics, narcissism, and antisocial behaviours and are often quite dramatic.

Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include;

o Attention seeking behaviours, particularly of a sexual nature;

o Intense desire for approval from others;

o False sense of intimacy;

o Excessive concern with physical appearance; and

o Emotional swings.

Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include;

o Excessive response to criticism;

o Constant attention seeking behaviours;

o Inability to empathise;

o Inflated sense of importance; and

o Being manipulative.

Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include;

o Aggressive and violent behaviours;

o Lying and stealing;

o No signs of remorse when hurting others;

o No consideration for the law and other people's rights;

o Irresponsible and unreliable; and

o No concern for safety.

Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include;

o Inability to control emotions;

o Dramatic mood swings;

o Stormy relationships including physical aggression;

o Feeling empty inside;

o Fear of being alone; and

o Suicidal attempts or ideations and self harming.

3. Those personality disorders marked by obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anxiety, fearful behaviours and avoidance and dependence.

Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include;

o Socially isolated;

o Extremely shy; and

o Hypersensitive to criticism

Symptoms of dependent personality disorder include;

o Excessively dependent on others;

o Intensely afraid of being alone;

o Not willing to make decisions or to give opinion:

o Tolerates abusive treatment rather than lose relationship; and

o Jumps straight into new relationship after one ends.

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include;

o Excessively concerned about rules, order. schedules and so forth;

o Perfectionism;

o Hoarding of broken and worthless objects;

o Inability to share responsibilities;

o Inflexibility in opinions; and

o Compulsive devotion to work.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder that shares some symptoms but is more extreme and disabling.

Most people with personality disorders believe that other people are to blame for the conflict and instability that they experience in their lives.

Although these conditions are incurable, the sufferer can live a relatively normal life with therapy and medication.




This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年7月19日 星期四

Mental Health - Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder


The following article will give you a broad overview of Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder has only been adopted as an official diagnosis in 1980 so it is a very recent addition to the personality disorders.

Remember Michael Douglas and Glenn Close in the film Fatal Attraction? She played a woman with many characteristics of the borderline personality. Another example is Winona Ryder as the girl she played in Girl, Interrupted.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

People who suffer from this disorder show impulsivity and instability in relationships, moods and self-image. Emotions can be erratic and shift abruptly, particularly from passionate idealization to contemptuous anger. It is obvious that these people are emotionally unstable in their personality.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Patients of BPD often show up as being argumentative, sarcastic, quick to take offense, irritable, and are generally hard to be around or live with. Their behavior is regularly impulsive and unpredictable. Habits, which may include gambling, spending, unselective sexual activities and eating sprees can potentially be self-damaging.

Individuals are often manipulative, very sensitive to the way they are treated by others, specifically reacting strongly to criticism and being and or feeling hurt. They often show risk of self-harm and have suicidal tendencies.

Where does it come from?

BPD has a lot of connection with the environmental factors and the psychosocial dynamics of the patient's families. Evidence shows that this disorder runs in families, suggesting it may have genetic components and that it is related to traumatic events that happened during childhood.

BPD typically begins in early adulthood and is more common in women than in men.

Treatment options

Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are used regularly to treat the co-existing symptoms of depression however the evidence for benefit for BPD is weak.

Therapeutic support in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy have been studied and used. For a therapist to be working with BPD patients it takes a lot of flexibility and the ego strength to be projected at with negative attributions.

In many cases psychiatric hospitalization is required or at least outpatient services.

Get help

Dealing with BPD yourself or in your family is not something that can be managed on your own.

Remember: If you're concerned that your loved one is dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder seek external support and get them checked out by a medical professional.




Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年5月27日 星期日

Mental Health - Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder


The following article will give you a broad overview of Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder has only been adopted as an official diagnosis in 1980 so it is a very recent addition to the personality disorders.

Remember Michael Douglas and Glenn Close in the film Fatal Attraction? She played a woman with many characteristics of the borderline personality. Another example is Winona Ryder as the girl she played in Girl, Interrupted.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

People who suffer from this disorder show impulsivity and instability in relationships, moods and self-image. Emotions can be erratic and shift abruptly, particularly from passionate idealization to contemptuous anger. It is obvious that these people are emotionally unstable in their personality.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Patients of BPD often show up as being argumentative, sarcastic, quick to take offense, irritable, and are generally hard to be around or live with. Their behavior is regularly impulsive and unpredictable. Habits, which may include gambling, spending, unselective sexual activities and eating sprees can potentially be self-damaging.

Individuals are often manipulative, very sensitive to the way they are treated by others, specifically reacting strongly to criticism and being and or feeling hurt. They often show risk of self-harm and have suicidal tendencies.

Where does it come from?

BPD has a lot of connection with the environmental factors and the psychosocial dynamics of the patient's families. Evidence shows that this disorder runs in families, suggesting it may have genetic components and that it is related to traumatic events that happened during childhood.

BPD typically begins in early adulthood and is more common in women than in men.

Treatment options

Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are used regularly to treat the co-existing symptoms of depression however the evidence for benefit for BPD is weak.

Therapeutic support in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy have been studied and used. For a therapist to be working with BPD patients it takes a lot of flexibility and the ego strength to be projected at with negative attributions.

In many cases psychiatric hospitalization is required or at least outpatient services.

Get help

Dealing with BPD yourself or in your family is not something that can be managed on your own.

Remember: If you're concerned that your loved one is dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder seek external support and get them checked out by a medical professional.




Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.