A Personality Disorder
A personality disorder is a mental health condition where people have a lifelong pattern of seeing themselves and reacting to others in ways that cause challenges in their relationships. People with personality disorders find it difficult coping with distress, regulating their emotions and maintaining healthy relationships. Most people with personality disorders do not perceive it as a problem or may sometime rationalize it.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is only applicable to individuals 18 or older. People under 18 are typically not diagnosed with personality disorders because their personalities are still under development.
- Cognition (ways or perceiving and interpreting self, others, and events)
- Affectivity
- Interpersonal Functioning
- Impulse control
In order words it must affect at least two of these areas:
- Way of thinking about oneself and others
- Way of responding emotionally
- Way of relating to other people
- Way of controlling one's behavior
Types of Personality Disorders
Antisocial personality disorder: a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others. A person with antisocial personality disorder may not conform to social norms, may repeatedly lie or deceive others, or may act impulsively.
Avoidant personality disorder: a pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People with avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain of being liked, be preoccupied with being criticized or rejected, or may view themselves as not being good enough or socially inept.
Borderline personality disorder: a pattern of instability in personal relationships, intense emotions, poor self-image and impulsivity. A person with borderline personality disorder may go to great lengths to avoid being abandoned, have repeated suicide attempts, display inappropriate intense anger, or have ongoing feelings of emptiness.
Dependent personality disorder: a pattern of needing to be taken care of and submissive and clingy behavior. People with dependent personality disorder may have difficulty making daily decisions without reassurance from others or may feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of fear of inability to take care of themselves.
Histrionic personality disorder: a pattern of excessive emotion and attention-seeking. People with histrionic personality disorder may be uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, may use physical appearance to draw attention to themselves or have rapidly shifting or exaggerated emotions.
Narcissistic personality disorder: a pattern of need for admiration and lack of empathy for others. A person with narcissistic personality disorder may have a grandiose sense of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, take advantage of others or lack empathy.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: a pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfection and control. A person with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may be overly focused on details or schedules, may work excessively, not allowing time for leisure or friends, or may be rigid in their morality and values.
Paranoid personality disorder: a pattern of being suspicious of others and seeing them as mean or spiteful. People with paranoid personality disorder often assume people will harm or deceive them and don't confide in others or become close to them.
Schizoid personality disorder: being detached from social relationships and expressing little emotion. A person with schizoid personality disorder typically does not seek close relationships, chooses to be alone and seems to not care about praise or criticism from others.
Schizotypal personality disorder: a pattern of being very uncomfortable in close relationships, having distorted thinking and eccentric behavior. A person with schizotypal personality disorder may have odd beliefs or odd or peculiar behavior or speech or may have excessive social anxiety.
Diagnosis
Treatment for personality disorder varies. Howver, some psychotherapieshave been shown to be more effective. They include:
- Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic/transference-focused therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychoeducation (teaching the individual and family members about the diagnosis, treatment and ways of coping)
There are no medications specifically used to treat personality disorders. However, in some cases, medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or mood-stabilizing medication, may be helpful in treating some symptoms especially if it is co-morbid with other mental conditions.
Psychotherapy can help a person understand the effects of their behavior may be having on themselves and others. Through therapy they will learn to manage or cope with symptoms and to reduce behaviors causing dysfunctionality in their relationships.
PD
Screening & Pricing
Personality Disorder Assessment — ₦75,000 (per session)
Book a Session
We offer assessments, therapy and follow-up support. Sessions can be booked online or using the contact details below
Book NowNot sure if this applies to you?
Reach out for an assessmet or speak with a clinician about tailored care plans and next steps
Company
Services
Legal
© 2026 The Unforsaken House of Hephzibah. All rights reserved.