A diagnosis of a personality disorder may be given when a person shows significant differences in the ways they think, feel and understand and relate to others compared to how most other people do. It’s a controversial diagnosis, as it suggests that a person’s personality is somehow ‘wrong’. As our personalities are the core of who we are, this can obviously be insulting and an indication that experiences and feelings are not valid. There is probably more stigma attached to receiving a diagnosis of a personality disorder than any other diagnosis due to the ways it is portrayed in the media.
However, some people find this diagnosis helpful in understanding their distress. They might feel that the diagnosis helps them to seek out useful information and sources of support.
Borderline (more commonly known as emotionally unstable) personality disorder appears to be the most commonly diagnosed.
For more information visit the BPD World website.
