[reggieregg1]

What are the implications for family members of those who suffer from personality disorders

[Gemini54]

It's very complex, and you probably need to do some googling:

There is a wide range of personality
disorders. All of them involve a pervasive
pattern of behaviour, which means that the
characteristic behaviours and thoughts are
evident in almost all aspects of a person’s
life.

There are three clusters of personality
disorders: odd or eccentric disorders;
dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders;
and anxious or fearful disorders.

Specific disorders are as follows:

Paranoid personality disorder is a
pervasive distrust and suspiciousness
of others, such that their motives are
interpreted as malevolent.

Schizoid personality disorder is a
pervasive pattern of detachment from
social relationships and a restricted range
of expression of emotions in interpersonal
settings.

Schizotypal personality disorder is a
pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal
deficits marked by acute discomfort with
reduced capacity for close relationships. It is
also characterised by distortions of thinking
and perception and eccentric behaviour.

Antisocial personality disorder is a
pervasive pattern of disregard for and
violation of the rights of others.

Histrionic personality disorder
is a pervasive pattern of excessive
emotion and attention seeking.

Narcissistic personality disorder is
a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in
fantasy or actual behaviour), need for
admiration, and lack of empathy.

Avoidant personality disorder
is a pervasive pattern of social
inhibition, feelings of inadequacy,
and hypersensitivity to negative
evaluation.

Dependent personality disorder
is a pervasive and excessive need
to be taken care of, which leads to
submissive and clinging behaviour and
fears of separation.

Obsessive-compulsive personality
disorder is a pervasive pattern of
preoccupation with orderliness,
perfectionism, and mental and
interpersonal control, at the expense
of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

Borderline personality disorder is
a pervasive pattern of instability of
interpersonal relationships, self-image,
moods, and control over impulses.

Understanding borderline personality
disorder is particularly important
because it can be misdiagnosed as
another mental illness, particularly a
mood disorder.

People with borderline personality
disorder are likely to have:

• Wide mood swings.
• Inappropriate anger or difficulty
controlling anger.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Recurrent suicidal behaviour, gestures
or threats, or self-harming behaviour.
• Impulsive and self-destructive
behaviour.
• A pattern of unstable relationships.
• Persistent unstable self-image or
sense of self.
• Fear of abandonment.
• Periods of paranoia and loss of
contact with reality.

[Gemini54]

Sorry, I meant to add that depending on the disorder - the effects on family members will vary. But clearly family will be confused, stressed and anxious. It will probabaly affect their mental and emotional health to have long term contact with anyone that is suffering from such a disorder.

[Jake2008]

what are the implications for family members of those who suffer from personality disorders

It is a terribly difficult thing to deal with. There is a lot of stress on marriages, and siblings, relatives etc. There is a lot of 'blame', and a tremendous amount of guilt. It is a never ending situation that leaves you exhausted, confused, and always starting over.

Depending upon which type of personality disorder, and how it is treated, and where it is treated (ie outpatient, inpatient etc.) will make a difference in the lives of loved ones as they will have to learn how to cope and effectively deal with the one who suffers with a personality disorder.

Many simple things become difficult, and behaviour is unpredictable. Medications, doctor appointments, group therapy, psychiatist visits, etc. all take up a good chunk of your life, especially if you are the parent of the one with the disorder.

Add to that many of the personality disorders are concurrent with other disorders, and difficulties arise in consistent care and instructions for loved ones. Sometimes resources are not always there when you need them and you fly by the seat of your pants.

There are legal issues of consent and capacity for some, as well as the necessity to provide money, clothing, etc. and that can be costly if the person is not on some sort of assistance, or on a pension. Even at that, expect financial expenses.

It is also difficult and a hit and miss with professionals in that some are excellent with advice and guidance, others prefer not to talk to you, or communicate very poorly. It takes work to figure out who you can rely on for good, practical information, on a regular basis.

Read, read, read. Do your homework and research as much as you can. Learn about the effects of medication, what to expect, and what they are supposed to do.

It is a tremendous task to live with, or be responsible for a person with a personality disorder. Success comes with proper diagnosis, treatment plans, and support from those that treat your loved one. Much of that success will depend upon the involvement of the family.