Personality disorder — what it means

A long-term pattern of how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others that causes them or those around them real, repeating harm. Not a bad week — a way of moving through the world that's been stable since early adulthood.

What it looks like

Your partner has had explosive fights, dramatic breakups, and intense identity shifts since they were 19. Every job, every friendship, every romance has the same shape. That "pattern across every part of life" is what a clinician is listening for when they evaluate for a personality disorder.

Guides on this

Related terms

All terms · Guides · Questions & answers · Unmasked