Personality DIsorders

Personality disorders are long-term patterns in the way someone thinks, feels and behaves that can make life hard. These patterns are often very different from what is considered “normal” and can cause trouble in relationships, work, and everyday life. 

What Are Personality Disorders?

These patterns often develop in early adulthood and can impact how individuals relate to others, regulate emotions, and view themselves. People with personality disorders may struggle to manage their emotions, connect with others or see themselves clearly. 

Types Of Personality Disorders

There are 10 main personality disorders, which are grouped into three distinct categories, or “clusters,” based on shared characteristics in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Here is an elaboration on the key differences between these three clusters:

  • Lacks trust and is suspicious of others and the reasons for their actions.
  • Believes that others are trying to do harm with no reason to feel this way.
  • Doubts the loyalty of others.
  • Is not willing to trust others.
  • Hesitates to confide in others for fear that others will use that information against them.
  • Takes innocent remarks or situations that are not threatening as personal insults or attacks.
  • Becomes angry or hostile to what are believed to be slights or insults.
  • Has a habit of holding grudges.
  • Often suspects that a spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful with no reason to feel this way.
  • Appears to be cold to or not interested in others.
  • Almost always chooses to be alone.
  • Is limited in how emotions are expressed.
  • Cannot take pleasure in most activities.
  • Cannot pick up typical social cues.
  • Has little to no interest in having sex with another person.
  • Has odd thoughts or behaviours and may believe in strange ideas.
  • Has unusual thinking, beliefs, speech or behaviour.
  • Feels or thinks strange things, such as hearing a voice whisper their name.
  • Has flat emotions or emotional responses that are socially unusual.
  • Has social anxiety, including not being comfortable making close connections with others or not having close relationships.
  • Responds to others in ways that are not proper or shows suspicion or lack of interest.
  • Has “magical thinking”— the belief that their thoughts can affect other people and events.
  • Believes that some casual incidents or events have hidden messages.
  • Has little, if any, concern for the needs or feelings of others.
  • Often lies, steals, uses false names and cons others.
  • Has repeated run-ins with the law.
  • Often violates the rights of others.
  • Is aggressive and often violent.
  • Has little, if any, concern for personal safety or the safety of others.
  • Behaves impulsively.
  • Is often reckless.
  • Has little, if any, regret for how their behaviour negatively affects others.
  • Has a strong fear of being alone or abandoned.
  • Has ongoing feelings of emptiness.
  • Sees self as being unstable or weak.
  • Has deep relationships that are not stable.
  • Has up and down moods, often due to stress when interacting with others.
  • Threatens self-harm or behaves in ways that could lead to suicide.
  • Is often very angry.
  • Shows impulsive and risky behaviour, such as having unsafe sex, gambling or binge eating.
  • Has stress-related paranoia that comes and goes.
  • Always seeks attention.
  • Is overly emotional or dramatic, or stirs up sexual feelings to get attention.
  • Speaks dramatically with strong opinions but has few facts or details to back them up.
  • Is easily led by others.
  • Has shallow emotions that change quickly.
  • Is very concerned with physical appearance.
  • Thinks relationships with others are closer than they are.
  • Has beliefs about being special and more important than others.
  • Has fantasies about power, success and being attractive to others.
  • Does not understand the needs and feelings of others.
  • Stretches the truth about achievements or talents.
  • Expects constant praise and wants to be admired.
  • Feels superior to others and brags about it.
  • Expects favours and advantages without a good reason.
  • Often takes advantage of others.
  • Is jealous of others or believes that others are jealous of them.
  • Is very sensitive to criticism or rejection.
  • Does not feel good enough, important or attractive.
  • Does not take part in work activities that include contact with others.
  • Is isolated.
  • Does not try new activities and does not like meeting new people.
  • Is extremely shy in social settings and in dealing with others.
  • Fears disapproval, embarrassment or being made fun of.
  • Relies on others too much and feels the need to be taken care of.
  • Is submissive or clingy toward others.
  • Fears having to take care of oneself if left alone.
  • Lacks confidence in abilities.
  • Needs a lot of advice and comforting from others to make even small decisions.
  • Finds it hard to start or do projects due to a lack of self-confidence.
  • Finds it hard to disagree with others, fearing they will not approve.
  • Endures poor treatment or abuse, even when other options are available.
  • Has an urgent need to start a new relationship when a close one ends.
  • Not the same as OCD
  • Focuses too much on details, orderliness and rules.
  • Thinks everything needs to be perfect and gets upset when perfection is not achieved.
  • Cannot finish a project because reaching perfection is not possible.
  • Needs to be in control of people, tasks and situations.
  • Cannot assign tasks to others.
  • Ignores friends and enjoyable activities because of too much focus on work or a project.
  • Cannot throw away broken or worthless objects.
  • Is rigid and stubborn.
  • Is not flexible about morality, ethics or values.
  • Holds very tight control over budgeting and spending money.

Signs And Symptoms Of Personality Disorders

Everyone can have bad days, but people with personality disorders often:

  • Struggle to control emotions or behaviour
  • Push people away without meaning to
  • React very strongly to stress or conflict
  • Feel very empty or alone
  • Have trouble keeping jobs, friendships or routines
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Causes Of Personality Disorders

There is no one cause of personality disorders, but here are some factors that may contribute to the development of personality disorders:

1. Genetics: 

    • If someone in your family has a personality disorder or other mental health condition, you may be more likely to develop one too. Scientists have even found specific genes that may play a role in obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, as well as traits like anxiety, fear and aggression.

2. Brain Differences: 

    • Some people with personality disorders have subtle changes in their brains that differ from normal brains. For example:
      • People with paranoid personality disorder may have changes in their amygdala—the part of the brain that reacts to fear and threats.
      • People with schizotypal personality disorder may have a smaller frontal lobe, which is important for decision-making and social behaviour.
    • These differences might affect how someone sees the world, reacts to stress, or relates to others.

3. Childhood Trauma: 

    • Bad experiences growing up, like abuse, neglect, or living in an unsafe home, can strongly affect how someone sees themselves and others. For example:
      • Many people with borderline personality disorder have a history of sexual or emotional abuse
      • People with antisocial or borderline disorders may have trouble trusting others, especially if they were hurt by someone they depended on as children

4. Verbal Abuse: 

    • Words can hurt too. Being constantly criticised, yelled at, or insulted as a child can shape how you think and feel about yourself. One study found that kids who were verbally abused were up to three times more likely to develop disorders like narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, borderline, or paranoid personality disorders later in life.

5. Cultural and Social Influences: 

    • Where and how you grow up can also matter. Different cultures have different expectations, which can shape personality. For example, antisocial personality disorder is much rarer in places like Japan, Taiwan, and China. Meanwhile, anxiety-related disorders (Cluster C) are more common in those countries, possibly because of cultural values around obedience and social harmony.

When To Seek Help?

It might be time to speak to a professional if:

  • You feel overwhelmed by emotions often
  • You keep having the same problems in relationships or work
  • You have been told you seem “too intense,” “cold,” or “hard to understand”
  • You feel stuck or hopeless

Reaching out is a brave and important first step.

How Can Us Help You?

Us Therapy Staff

Experienced Therapists

Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.

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Holistic & Personalised Approach

Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.

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Thorough Assessment

At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.

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Our Therapists​

Dr Emma Waddington - Us Therapy

Dr. Emma Waddington

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Henny Tan - Us Therapy

Henny Tan

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Dr Karin Rechsteiner - Us Therapy

Dr. Karin Rechsteiner

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Mark Rozario​ - Us Therapy

Mark Rozario

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Therapy Approaches

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Effective treatment involves a tailored approach, often combining behavioural therapy, medical intervention, and lifestyle changes.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a specialised form of talk therapy originally developed to help people who experience emotions very intensely, especially those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It teaches skills like emotional control, coping with stress, and improving relationships, addressing emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviour, and unstable relationships—core challenges of these conditions.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are closely connected, and by challenging their accuracy, and replacing them with more balanced and realistic perspectives, people can improve their emotional well-being and daily functioning.

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Schema Therapy

Focuses on understanding where harmful beliefs come from (usually early in life) and how to change them.

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Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores deeper emotional roots and past experiences that may be influencing current behaviour.

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Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

Family members can learn how to offer better support, understand the disorder, and therefore can improve communication at home.

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Group Therapy

Being part of a group with others facing similar challenges can help you feel less alone, teach you how to better interact with others and provide a safe space to practice new skills. 

Education and Self-Help

Learning about your condition helps you understand your triggers and patterns. Some people find books, online communities or self-help tools useful alongside professional treatment.

What To Expect

The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.

To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.

Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:

  • Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
  • Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
  • Developing practical coping tools
  • Strengthening emotional resilience

After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.

Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:

🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.

🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.

💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.

🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.

🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.

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Fees

Individual Counselling Rates

Clinician type

Fees and Duration

Clinic Founder

$310

Principal Psychologist

$290

Senior Clinical Psychologist

$262

Educational Psychologist

$262

Clinical Psychologist

$236

Counsellor

$170

Expressive Arts Therapist

$170

Associate Psychologist

$130

Phone calls / Emails

Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)

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Living With Personality Disorders

Living with a personality disorder can feel overwhelming at times, but it is possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Here are some key points to help understand what it is like and how to cope: 

Everyday Challenges

Emotional Ups and Downs: You may experience intense emotions that can change quickly, making it hard to feel stable or secure.

Relationship Struggles: It can be difficult to maintain friendships or romantic relationships due to misunderstandings, fear of abandonment, or trust issues.

Self-Image Issues: You may struggle with your sense of identity, feeling unsure about who you are or what you want.

Coping with Stress: Stressful situations often make symptoms worse, leading to impulsive actions or withdrawal from others

Tips For Living Well

Learn About the Disorder: Understanding your condition can help you recognize triggers and develop healthier coping skills.

Seek Support: Therapy, such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), can teach mindfulness, emotional regulation, and relationship skills.

Build a Support Network: Stay connected with people who make you feel good and can offer support when needed.

Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries with others can help create more stable and supportive relationships.

Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities you enjoy and allow yourself to rest and recharge, even if you are having a tough day.

Communicate Openly: Try to express your feelings and needs calmly and honestly, and encourage loved ones to do the same

How Family And Friends Can Help

Be Patient and Non-Judgmental: Understand that reactions may seem extreme or confusing, but they are real for the person experiencing them.

Listen and Validate: Acknowledge their feelings, even if you may not fully understand them. This can help reduce conflict and build trust.

Stay Consistent: Being reliable and predictable can make the person feel safer and more supported.

Encourage Treatment: Support your loved one in seeking help from mental health professionals and participating in therapy.

Living with a personality disorder is challenging, but with the right support and strategies, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

FAQs About Sleep Disorders

  • Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric):
    • Paranoid Personality Disorder
    • Schizoid Personality Disorder
    • Schizotypal Personality Disorder
  • Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic):
    • Antisocial Personality Disorder
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Histrionic Personality Disorder
    • Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful):
    • Avoidant Personality Disorder
    • Dependent Personality Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (not the same as OCD)

Recognising a personality disorder can be challenging because symptoms often overlap with other mental health conditions. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty managing emotions, relationships, or self-image
  • Patterns of thinking or behaviour that cause distress or problems in daily life
  • Trouble coping with stress or change
  • Impulsive or risky behaviours
  • Difficulty empathising with others

A diagnosis is made by a mental health professional through a comprehensive evaluation, which may include interviews, questionnaires, and input from family or close contacts

While both borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder can involve mood changes and impulsive behaviour, they are different conditions:

  • BPD is a personality disorder characterised by ongoing instability in self-image, mood, and relationships. Mood changes are often triggered by interpersonal stress and can shift quickly, sometimes within hours.

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder marked by distinct episodes of depression and mania (extremely high or low moods) that last days to months and are not necessarily linked to events or relationships (American Psychological Association, 2013)

If you notice persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that cause distress or problems in your life, consider seeking help from a qualified mental health professional for assessment and support. Early intervention can improve outcomes. If you are in crisis or have thoughts of self-harm, reach out to emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately

Yes, personality disorders can be overcome and managed. The main form of therapy is psychotherapy (talk therapy), including:

Medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, but they are not the primary approach. With the right support and therapy, many people experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life

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