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Why is personality disorder controversial?
Lots of people have different views on personality disorder.
You might find it a useful way understand your experiences. Or you might find it unhelpful to view your feelings and behaviour as a 'disorder'.
Some healthcare professionals also disagree with the term. And with when and how it's diagnosed.
This page covers:
This page is part of our guide to:
Confusing and inconsistent diagnosis
Some people find personality disorder confusing. And think that it's diagnosed in an inconsistent way.
For example, some doctors may only diagnose it in severe cases. Others may not use the term at all. Instead, they might use terms like personality difficulties or emotional difficulties.
Or they might give another diagnosis instead of personality disorder. This is because the traits of personality disorder are broad. They can be similar to symptoms of other diagnoses. For example, complex PTSD and ADHD.
The confusion and inconsistency may mean you get the wrong diagnosis for you. This can make it hard to get the support you need.
The criteria for diagnosing personality disorder are changing in the UK. But some people also disagree with the new criteria. Our page on diagnosing personality disorder explains more about these changes.
Not enough focus on social factors
Some people think diagnosis should focus more on social factors. And how these factors might affect how you feel and behave today. They think the criteria for personality disorder don't cover these factors.
These factors might include:
- Experiencing trauma in childhood, such as abuse or neglect
- Struggling with money, for example if you live on a low income or have lots of debt
- Big changes in your life, like moving to a new country or culture
- Stigma and discrimination, maybe relating to your race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
- People treating you badly in past relationships
These experiences are likely to affect how we feel or behave. So some people believe that doctors shouldn't describe our feelings and behaviour as 'disorder' at all.
I had an unsettled childhood, changing schools many times. I was small, terrified, and an easy target for bullying
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
You can speak to a mental health professional if you disagree with your diagnosis. They can help you make sure you're getting the right support.
See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem to find tips for making sure your voice is heard.
There's also information about what you can do if you're not happy with your doctor.
Stigma and personality disorder
The term 'personality disorder' can come with a lot of stigma.
For example:
- Negative views of what personality disorder means, including misconceptions
- Misleading stories in the media about personality disorder, such as in the news or on TV shows
- Health professionals misunderstanding the diagnosis, not taking it seriously, or treating you differently
If you're diagnosed with personality disorder, this stigma may be difficult to deal with. You might feel upset, insulted or excluded. It could also make it harder to access the care that you need.
If you experience stigma, remember that you aren't alone. And you shouldn't have to put up with these views.
If you want to fight stigma, you could:
- Show people this information. This could help them better understand this diagnosis and how it might affect you.
- Get more involved in your treatment. See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem to learn more. This includes guidance on making your voice heard, and overcoming barriers to getting support.
- Get to know your rights. Our pages on legal rights have more information, including how you can complain about your care.
- Take action with Mind. See our campaigning pages to help us challenge stigma.
See more on personality disorder:
Diagnosing personality disorder
– Why is personality disorder controversial?
Treatment for personality disorder
Published: October 2024
Next review planned: October 2027
References and bibliography available on request.
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