This episode explores Personality Disorders, complex mental health conditions that shape how individuals think, feel, and behave.
- Definition: Long-term, rigid patterns of behavior that cause distress and disrupt relationships.
- Three Clusters:
- Cluster A (Odd & Eccentric): Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal.
- Cluster B (Dramatic & Emotional): Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic.
- Cluster C (Anxious & Fearful): Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCPD).
- Causes: Genetics, childhood trauma, brain structure, and environmental factors.
- Challenges in Diagnosis: Overlapping symptoms, lack of self-awareness, and difficulty in defining clear boundaries.
- Treatment:
- Therapy (CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy) helps reshape thought patterns.
- Medication can manage mood and impulse control.
- Support systems and lifestyle changes improve coping skills.
- Breaking the Stigma: Understanding and compassion are key to helping those affected.
