Personality Disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by enduring maladaptive patterns of behaviour, cognition, and inner experience. These patterns deviate significantly from the expectations of the individual's culture, are pervasive and inflexible, onset in adolescence or early adulthood, and lead to distress or impairment. Examples include Borderline Personality Disorder, characterised by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, characterised by a need for admiration and a lack of empathy, and Antisocial Personality Disorder, marked by a disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
Creating a self-assessment test for Personality Disorders (PDs) can help individuals recognise potential symptoms they may be experiencing. It's crucial to remember that this test is not a diagnostic tool. A proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified healthcare professional. If you find that you answer "Yes" to several of these questions, consider reaching out to a professional at Calm 'n' Caring for a comprehensive evaluation and support.
Personality Disorders are categorised into three clusters based on similar characteristics and symptoms:
· Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric)
· Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, Erratic)
· Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful)
Personality Disorders Self-Assessment Test
Instructions: Answer "Yes" or "No" to the following questions based on your experiences. Remember, this assessment is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
Cluster A
1. Do you often find yourself mistrusting others, believing they have hidden motives or are out to harm you?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
2. Do you prefer solitary activities and have little interest in forming close relationships, even with family members?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
3. Do others describe you as odd or eccentric in your thinking, beliefs, or manner of speech?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
Cluster B
4. Do you experience intense and unstable relationships, swinging dramatically between idealisation and devaluation?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
5. Do you often act impulsively in ways that are potentially self-damaging, such as spending sprees, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
6. Do you have a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
7. Do you have a long-term pattern of exaggerated self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy for others?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
Cluster C
8. Do you have a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviour and fears of separation?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
9. Do you often feel socially inhibited, inferior, or extremely sensitive to negative evaluation?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
10. Are you preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency?
· Yes [ ]
· No [ ]
Scoring and Interpretation:
· If you answered "Yes" to multiple questions, especially within the same cluster: Your responses suggest that you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with a Personality Disorder within that cluster. Personality Disorders are complex and require a nuanced understanding of your experiences for a proper diagnosis.
· If you answered "No" to most questions: While you may not be experiencing symptoms indicative of a Personality Disorder, if you have concerns about your mental health or interpersonal relationships, reaching out to a professional can provide peace of mind and support.
Next Steps:
Regardless of your answers, if you're concerned about persistent patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are affecting your life and relationships, Calm 'n' Caring is here to help. Our team of professionals specialises in diagnosing and treating Personality Disorders and other mental health conditions. We offer a range of services, from telehealth consultations to face-to-face sessions, tailored to meet your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to better mental health and well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don't have to face this alone.