Noticing strange behavior in a person, in society they are usually attributed to character traits. However, American psychotherapists think differently. Scientists argue that extravagant acts can be associated with the manifestation of mental illness, which in fact are not so harmless and need to be adjusted and monitored by a specialist.
Hysterical (histrionic) personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder hides behind such character traits as excessive emotionality, sensitivity, the desire to be in sight at any cost, theatricality of behavior. Often, such people provoke increased attention to themselves due to their eccentric appearance.
They are pronounced extroverts, so they desperately crave the attention of others. If they are ignored, scandals, provocations, lies, fantasies, shocking behavior are used. Histrionic personalities do not recognize semitones in the expression of feelings. Both grief and joy on their part fall on those around them exaggeratedly violently. But, as a rule, they are not capable of true, deep feelings.
In everyday life, such people lack perseverance, perseverance, punctuality, self-discipline. In addition, they often create problems for themselves and others, acting under the influence of momentary desires. This leads to serious problems at work and in personal life.
Paranoid personality disorder
Paranoid disorder is manifested by excessive suspicion and rancor. These character traits are inherent in many people, but sometimes they literally go beyond all imaginable boundaries. Such a person sees enemies everywhere, constantly looking for negative meaning in the actions of those around him.
But the most unpleasant thing is that paranoid individuals are not able to trust even the closest people. In an attempt to catch their entourage in deception, they often stoop to spying, reading someone else's correspondence, and eavesdropping on conversations. Moreover, without justifying someone's trust, they never plead guilty.
Another characteristic sign of paranoid disorder is the lack of a sense of humor, the inability to defuse a tense situation by simply laughing at it.
Dissocial personality disorder
Laziness, unwillingness to work, attempts to live at someone else's expense, unjustified extravagance are characteristic of people with dissocial personality disorder. Of course, the desire to rest more and work less is inherent in human nature, but sometimes it takes on rampant proportions. For example, a person without good reason constantly changes his place of work, stays at home for a long time without further plans for employment.
At the other extreme, people with dissocial behavior are negligent in performing their professional duties, endlessly late, disappearing on sick leave, on vacation or time off. In addition, they can be completely thoughtless about money, spending their last funds on momentary pleasures.
Anxiety personality disorder
Anxiety or avoidant disorder can be found in withdrawn, uncommunicative people. Their behavior is based on the fear of negative assessments from others, a painful reaction to criticism, avoiding the slightest difficulties and exaggerating their scale.
Of course, self-criticism within reasonable limits is useful to everyone, but anxiety disorder makes a person mercilessly belittle his dignity. He does not believe that he is able to please someone, to be interesting. Therefore, he fenced himself off from the rest of the world, avoiding in advance possible ridicule, humiliation, offensive reactions.
The behavior of an ostrich, hiding its head in the sand at the slightest danger, seriously inhibits personal growth. Typically, the fight against anxiety disorder consists of training social skills and gradually refuting the patient's negative beliefs about himself.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characteristic of people with a high level of intelligence and a tendency to perfectionism. In pursuit of discipline and self-control, they get so carried away that they drive themselves into an overly rigid framework, undermining physical and mental health.
Perfectionists do not know how to rest, regarding these moments as a waste of time. In addition, it is difficult for them to delegate work to someone else because of the conviction that no one will do it as well.
Various meditation techniques are one of the most effective methods of dealing with the initial signs of OCD.
Narcissistic personality disorder
Any extremes in self-perception are not good for a person. And if self-criticism leads to anxiety disorder, then overestimated self-esteem is a hallmark of the narcissistic personality. Such a person considers himself the most intelligent, talented, unique, beautiful. He believes that a special destiny is in store for him, makes grandiose plans and endlessly fantasizes about future successes.
The typical "narcissist" does not tolerate criticism, reacting to it with anger and indignation. At the same time, he is piously convinced that others should put his interests above their own, therefore, he is happy to use other people to achieve personal goals.
At the same time, other people's successes cause strong envy in narcissistic personalities, and a series of failures can lead to mood swings, a feeling of their own worthlessness and depression. The fight against the manifestation of the disorder should begin with lowering the bar of expectations, and achieving, albeit insignificant, but realistic goals will help restore the lost peace of mind.
