What Is The Prognosis for Personality Disorders?

Personality Disorders are very complicated conditions that arise following some form of defect in an individual’s personality. The problem is that the personality of an individual is generally the result of years and years of development.

Personality effects how an individual thinks, feels and behaves in the world around them. Given that many long-standing traits are present in Personality Disorders, it can be difficult to change.

But, treatment can help address any problem. In general, the prognosis isn’t too positive, however long-term treatment can bring about positive change.

What is a Personality Disorder?

Personality Disorder: A Personality Disorder is a condition which involves an individual thinking, behaving, feeling or relating in a very different way from the average person. There are ten different personality disorders, split into three clusters. The clusters are “odd and eccentric”, “dramatic, emotional and erratic’” and “anxious and fearful”. The different disorders vary considerably, and thus the symptoms of each differ too. Those with a personality disorder may find their symptoms cause them distress, and results in them not living their life how they want to.

The different types of Personality Disorders

There are ten personality disorders in total, divided into three clusters. You can read more about the types of personality disorders here.

The prognosis for each personality disorder can differ. In this article, we are taking more of a broad look at the overall prognosis of personality disorders.

But the truth is that some disorders have a better prognosis than others. One study found that quality of life is generally lower for those with Paranoid, Schizotypal, Schizoid, Avoidant, Dependent and Borderline personality disorders [1].

In a similar study, Schizotypal, Schizoid, Antisocial, Borderline and Dependent personality disorders were linked with the poorest “life success” – measured by status, wealth and successful intimate relationships [2].

There are of course limitations to these studies, but they do provide an idea of how the disorders do differ in overall prognosis.

Across all of the personality disorders, there are a few key factors that impact the prognosis.

Length of treatment

One key factor that is shared among all the conditions is the need to change long-standing patterns of thoughts, actions and behaviours. Change takes time. Therefore, the length of treatment is a key factor.

Short-term treatment can only help to an extent. It may iron out some small problems, and restore motivation if necessary, but may not help in the long-term, as the same problems will normally come back to haunt the individual.

This is why getting long-term treatment is crucial. And this is where in the majority of cases it can become hard to recover from personality disorders.

Mental health treatment is gradually improving, but the main focus is on conditions like Depression, Schizophrenia, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder.

Not enough attention is given to personality disorders. Other than Borderline, Narcissistic and Antisocial, the other conditions are hardly known. Trying to receive long-term treatment is difficult, unless an individual is able to pay private fees.

Long-term treatment does appear to be capable of helping an individual. With long-term treatment, it gives a therapist ample time to be able to direct meaningful change, and treat any issues that appear to have contributed to the disorder.

Long-term treatment normally involves a form of therapy. If a person is looking for a form of short-term treatment, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy can be useful.

Longer-term forms of therapy include Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Therapeutic Communities. There are a range of other types of talking therapy too.

For cases of Borderline Personality Disorder, there is a specialised form of therapy that was designed specifically for its use. This is called Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.

Use of medication

Medication can sometimes be used to help treat personality disorders. Antipsychotics may be used to treat Cluster A personality disorders.

Antidepressants are useful for the majority of conditions, especially Cluster C personality disorders. Mood stabilisers can be used on occasion with Borderline Personality Disorder.

How an individual responds to their medication is another key indicator of the prognosis of the condition.

Risk of early death

Unfortunately, all personality disorders are linked to an increased rate in suicide [3]. It can be very difficult to live with a personality disorder, with the symptoms causing impairment in multiple areas of life, and normally result in low mood or anxiety.

Borderline personality disorder is especially linked to suicidal ideation, given the mood swings and propensity to self-harm.

But any personality disorder causes distress, and can lead to someone developing suicidal thoughts.

Concomitant conditions

The prognosis for personality disorder worsens when a concomitant condition is present. For instance, it is common for someone with Dependent Personality Disorder to develop Depression.

This makes it even more difficult to overcome their challenges. Those with Antisocial Personality Disorder may commonly have legal issues to contend with – again making their life more difficult.

Substance abuse is also a common issue for people with personality disorders. Personality orders often run alongside another mental health condition.

Other factors

Adding to these issues is the stigma that appears to exist around personality disorders. When an individual is told they have a personality disorder, it is common for them to believe something is completely wrong with them.

But there isn’t anything wrong in being different per se, and there isn’t anything to suggest there is such a thing as a “normal” personality.

Moreover, as mentioned above, personality disorders don’t get the same attention as other conditions receive.

It may be the case that someone with a personality disorder will have the condition for life. These conditions do tend to gradually get better as an individual ages.

But hopefully, by accessing treatment, an individual will at the very least see the severity of their symptoms lessening. Being able to manage their life in a healthier way is important.

Of course the caveat is, that disorders can worsen, for instance Schizotypal Personality Disorder may exacerbate into Schizophrenia.

Summary

Personality Disorders are complex conditions that need significant treatment. Those with a personality disorder will often struggle in their life, and will commonly be impaired.

It is a long road to recovery, but it is possible. Long-term treatment can certainly help, while short-term treatment may provide some benefit too. Personality Disorders are difficult to live with, but it is possible to see improvements.

See Also

1. Everything You Need to Know About Personality Disorders
2. What Are The Different Types of Personality Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Personality Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Personality Disorders?
5. How are Personality Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Personality Disorders Be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis For Personality Disorders?
8. 10 Tips on Living With a Personality Disorder