A disorder of this type interferes with a person’s ability to adapt comfortably to the environment. This disorder usually becomes evident in social or personal contexts, manifesting with extreme, maladaptive inflexibility. Generally, it is only after social impairment or distress becomes unbearable that a person will look for help, in large part because the very thought of interacting with a therapist is troubling.
Among the most common forms of personality disorder is obsessive-compulsiveness, in which a person is excessively preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism and control. Dependent personality disorder is also common, and is characterized by submissiveness and clinging behavior that point to deep longings to be taken care of. Also common is narcissistic personality disorder which manifests with grandiosity, the need for admiration, and the lack of empathy for others. A good therapist is able to combine compassion with insight and support, and does not shy away from the patient’s awkwardness, preoccupations, or idiosyncrasies. |