Hello family section Nlanders, I don’t usually post on this section but I read from it from time to time. The family is the basic unit of society(from social studies, lol). So an excellent family is a building block for an excellent society. Don’t be deceived by lightness of my introduction. The matter to be discussed is a grave one.
I am writing today on personality disorders. The article is not meant to be elaborate or some sort of study manual on these conditions. It would just be an introduction to a few disorders to enlighten those who had earlier been oblivious of such, and also to rouse the curiosity of those that would want to learn further about the disorders. I believe there are people on this forum who would have been shocked and disturbed by the behaviour manifested by individuals with personality disorders. Hopefully after going through this write up, they would be better informed on how to deal with such matters. For example, you may have experienced an individual having an extremely volatile temper usually not proportionate to the insults received, then you need to step back, evaluate the situation and figure out what you are really dealing with. There could be a disorder somewhere. I’m not saying not to be angry, it’s okay to be angry over unfair treatment, but some people cross the limits. Also personality disorders are not rare like that, most cases occur once in about every 100 people and some environments may throw up even higher frequencies: backgrounds with all kinds of deprivation: extreme poverty and competition for basic amenities, absent parents i.e. father or mother, or even both.

I am not a psychiatrist or anything so there may be errors in the write up and I won’t likely be responding to questions. I am just an inquisitive layman who has taken the benefit of university libraries and the internet to learn more about the world around him. I have personally socially interacted with some persons with behaviours having a marked semblance to these disorders, and in all cases I was fortunate or informed enough to know what course of action to take before the occurrence of any significant incident.
So sit back, relax, and reflect deeply as you read.


To start; personality disorders are roughly enduring dysfunctional patterns of behaviour in which affected individuals are unable to maintain social relationships with others. They are usually unable to have real loving relationships with others, and they may not be able to hold regular jobs for a long period(not because of physical or mental incapacity to do well at the job, but usually due to an inability to conform to the social norms of the culture within which they are to work, or just straightforward absenteeism). The individuals cause significant distress to people they associate with, as well as themselves, though they seem to be oblivious of any harm to their own selves as they repeat error after error in spite of any actual punishment or suffering they may have faced for their actions. They also give logical reasons for their misbehaviour and are quick to blame others when things turn distasteful primarily due to their own actions. Some will display an unnatural lack of anxiety or tension in normally tense situations. They do not accept there’s anything wrong with their behaviour so they are not likely to seek help, though lately with the advent of the internet, there are public forums where people that may admit having these disorders can meet others who are similar.
Note that most people exhibit traits like those with pd on occasion, the distinguishing factor is that in the pd individual the traits are repetitive and ingrained into the personality, and the behaviour is dysfunctional enough to prevent them from having normal productive relationships.

I write from the perspective that Personality disorders are medical conditions. Though those affected are not mad as in like raving lunatics, they may require and benefit from specialist medical attention. In society they may be called possessed, evil, or just inherently bad. Many movies and novels depict people with pd in lead roles because of their dramatic existences e.g. Tony Montana in “Scarface”, and that lady played by Sharon Stone in “Casino” are those that readily come to mind. Some notable world leaders have been affected; it is said that Napoleon Bonaparte had a large ego, a certain Egyptian pharaoh raised oversized monuments of himself, and I suspect many Nigerian leaders/politicians may be mentally suspect. While it may not be proper to unnecessarily scoff at those with pd or anyone for that matter, to condone their atrocities or feel overly sympathetic towards their condition could be devastating. Keeping at a reasonably safe distance from them, and limiting the aspects of your interaction with them to those which you feel cannot be violated by them. In short, draw clear lines, and prevent them from causing harm to others as well.

Pd do not have a known medical cure from drugs or surgery, some individuals may benefit from psychotherapy, group therapy, or other psychological methods. Religious devotion or conversion has been known to lessen symptoms in some people. Conversely people with pd may hide under the cloak of religion to justify their character. Many of those affected have very few symptoms remaining by the time they are in their middle ages(50 and above). Coincidentally by this time the most socially active and productive periods of life have passed. Many pd people have “conduct disorders” in childhood, and as in all illnesses, a stitch in time may save nine. And taking the “unusual” child to see a child psychiatrist would be a prudent step. Interested Nlanders can research childhood conduct disorders on the internet.
There is no single precise known cause for pd. Possible causative factors include genetics, social status, familial environment esp in childhood years, social environment.

Note:
a. Some pd are extremely malevolent: destroying lives of loved ones and sufferers themselves. Others really cause no harm to anyone, just the behaviour is uncommon and psychiatrists have categorized them controversially as pd. I will start with the most malevolent types and move down to other relatively benign ones.
b. People with some pd are likely to abuse substances, and people that abuse substances may exhibit behaviour similar to pd. In the former case, traits have been present since childhood or teens, while in the latter, traits only start to manifest after adopting substance abuse, they will be perfectly normal if and when they get sober.

1. Antisocial pd. (The heartless charmer).

Be careful, you just might get badly hurt; and suddenly too.
These individuals often appear charming, and have good verbal abilities. They may even be physically attractive. Casual acquaintances are usually impressed with them but those that know them a little more often loathe them. Underneath the superficial charm is a gross insensitivity to, and a marked tendency to habitually violate the rights of others. (Sidney Sheldon in his first novel: “the naked face” described a criminal character with a magnetic personality: Demarco. He said he had within him something called “mana” which ancient people regarded as the evil spirit within a man that drew people to him). They are more likely than normal to habitually involve in criminal behaviour and as such are most likely frequent in prisons, courtrooms, or detention centres. In organized societies, this is the so called unreformable criminal.
Some environments e.g. violent slums may actually idolize antisocial behaviour as their traits may confer a survival advantage. Traits include:

• Repeatedly committing illegal acts, including thefts, leading to recurrent arrests.
• Lack of remorse for violating the rights of others.
• Engaging in or causing fights.
• Repeatedly lying and deceiving people for profit or fun: pathological lying.
• Engaging in reckless behaviour including reckless physically intimate relations within casual relationships:
These “players” have no scruples, and apart from maybe immediate family members, no one is forbidden to them, first cousins, distant relatives, friends’ partners or daughters, legal minors etc. are all fair game. They seem to reject all forms of morality.
• Impulsivity and failing to plan ahead.
• Absenteeism from school or work:
Antisocial personalities are likely to perform below their estimated intelligence(usually above average) in school leading to expulsion or dropping out.
(I read on NL recently about a prison kingpin who impregnated some prison officials. You do the math). They are usually male and usually abuse substances.
Think: Smooth criminal.


2. Histrionic pd (The seductive drama queen).

Not quite yet your turn Miss Fabulousity.
These individuals, usually females, are overly seductive in their dress, speech, and general manners. They however carry on as if they are unaware of this. This excessive seductiveness will usually cost them friends (other females) and male partners. They are unable to have deep loving relationships because of the shallow and tone of their emotions. Their traits include:
• Excessive dramatization of feelings as seen in extreme facial expressions, excessive inappropriate tears, temper tantrums following minor events.
• Constant need to be the centre of attention, selfishness.
• Seductive dressing or exhibitionism, constant loud dress and make up.
• Engaging in promiscuity from which they don’t really derive pleasure.
• Dependency; constantly needing reassurance.
• Manipulating with suicide attempts, pathological lying.
They may be unable to perform tasks requiring perseverance or deep concentration. May abuse substances.
Think: Marilyn Monroe.


3. Narcissistic p d.

Narcissistic individuals have an overinflated sense of self importance. They exaggerate their talents and achievements, and are quick to notice others’ faults. They believe they are unique and engage in fantasies/thoughts of unequalled success. They have a constant need for admiration and may form dependent relationships to this effect. They however have a lack of empathy for others’ feelings and are frequently manipulative of others to please their own selves. More often male, they are prone to constant raging or deeply feeling humiliated when criticised.
Narcissus in Greek mythology saw his reflection in a stream and was so pleased by the beauty of his own reflection that he was unable to leave the stream.
Note that a narcissistic person may however be able to function effectively at work for long periods while irritating co-staff with their attitude.

4. Schizotypal pd.

Mr Oddball; thinking is odd, speech is odd, appearance is odd. They are highly superstitious, engage in magical thinking: may believe they are clairvoyant, or believe they are re-incarnated etc. they are extremely socially anxious and are socially isolated. They have a childlike fantasy world with imaginary relationships. Are not schizoid(rational thinking), or schizophrenic(have hallucinations).


5. Schizoid pd (Android, anyone?)

Characterised by persistent social withdrawal and emotional coldness usually accompanied by an expressionless face. They have close relationships with only one or two people including family members, and believe they have no need or time for others; so no dependency issues here. However they may reveal underneath their bland façade a fear of people. They usually have an inner world of imaginary friendships. They are usually unable to express anger, as well as other emotions as mentioned earlier.
Now wait a minute, these guys are not your habitual truant. They can work well, and are exceptionally brilliant at tasks that require little interpersonal contact e.g. maths, programming, writing. They occasionally give the world truly original, creative, and innovative ideas. Unlikely to follow fashion, many usually commit themselves to some social cause while still avoiding close relationships with people. Are not schizotypal(odd thinking), or schizophrenic( have hallucinations).
Think: The “mad” scientist.

6. Avoidant pd. (Mr. Goody two shoes)

Extremely shy and socially withdrawn because of fear of rejection. Are extremely sensitive to criticism. Usually hesitant to enter into relationships unless sure of uncritical approval. They have a desire for companionship but are unable to risk the criticism involved in social interaction. May live their lives on the sidelines, and not rise to their true potential because they are unable to take the risks associated with assuming responsibility. They have an ingratiating attitude( are incurable people pleasers) and may have a difficulty in refusing requests to their own detriment and that of their loved ones.

7. Compulsive pd. (The devil is in the detail)

That will be quite enough, Mr. tidy, spick and span.
Compulsive personalities are preoccupied with order, tidiness, and organisation in everything. Their lives are filled with lists, dates, notes, and so on. In short, they are literally addicted to perfectionism. They are however not able to properly express warm, tender emotions, and can be harsh and unreasonably stubborn. (See: sleeping with the enemy: Julia Roberts). They have difficulty in making decisions because they endlessly turn over all their options in their mind. They may succeed at monogamous relationships with understanding partners, and occupational success is common because of their consistent habits and thorough work ethic. God have mercy on you should this person be your project supervisor in final year. You may just not graduate with other members of the set.

Other pd include borderline, paranoid, passive-aggressive etc. for further info, see: www.psychcentral.com.

Good of you