Baylor Health Care System
 

Personality disorders

Definition

Personality disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions marked by chronic behavior patterns that cause serious problems with relationships and work.

Causes

People with personality disorders have difficulty dealing with everyday stresses and problems, and they often have stormy relationships with others. These conditions vary from mild to severe and tend to be difficult to treat.

The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown. However, numerous genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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