Personality disorders

View this information as a PDF (new window) 

Why is it controversial?

Our understanding of mental health problems is constantly evolving. So is the language we use when talking about them. The diagnosis of 'personality disorder' can be controversial because:

• specialists disagree about how to understand personality disorders
• it doesn't take social context into enough account
• the term itself can be stigmatising.

Some people with this diagnosis hold the view that their feelings and behaviours are a reasonable, human reaction to going through difficult life experiences. So it's unhelpful and upsetting to call it an illness or 'disorder' in their personality. They argue that professionals should consider what in their life may have contributed to their difficulties, and help with these. Not focus on finding problems in them as an individual.

On the other hand, some people find that getting this diagnosis helps them to name and understand their experiences, to explain themselves to other people, and sometimes get treatment and support they otherwise might not.

Mind is committed to ensuring that voices on all sides of this debate are heard. This includes those who:

• understand their experiences and behaviours as a disorder
• think of them as a natural reaction to adversity
• reject the personality disorder label
• do not fully agree with the label but accept it being as a way to access support.

If you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder but you're concerned that this isn't right for you, we have information on what you can do if you think your diagnosis is wrong. 

Specialists disagree about how to understand personality disorders

The system of personality disorder diagnosis we list on our page on types of personality disorder is the one psychiatrists tend to use in the UK. However, some psychiatrists disagree with its use and find it unhelpful because:

• Most people who are diagnosed with a personality disorder do not fit any one category, and may be diagnosed with more than one.
• Some people believe the focus should instead be on what each person needs in order to deal with their problems and discover new ways of living, not what category they are in.

It doesn't take social context into enough account

• Experiencing trauma in childhood (such as abuse or neglect), or trauma that lasted for a long time.
• Issues to do with your situation and environment, such as poverty and social deprivation, or having to move home to a totally new place or culture.
• Experiencing stigma and discrimination, like racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.
• If people have treated you badly in past relationships (including your parents or carers).

The term itself can be stigmatising

Some people feel that the term 'personality disorder' can sound very judgmental. Being given a diagnosis or label of personality disorder can feel as if you're being told there's something wrong with who you are. You may feel upset, insulted and excluded. Language evolves and it may be that a different term will be used by professionals in future.

Stigma can sometime come from the professionals themselves, whether intentionally or not.

It's important to remember that you're not alone – there are other people out there experiencing what you are. However you choose to make sense of your difficulties, you deserve to be treated fairly. Here are some options you can consider:

• Show people this information to help them understand more about what your diagnosis really means.
• Get involved in your treatment – our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem and advocacy provide guidance on having your say in your treatment, making your voice heard and steps you can take if you're not happy with your care.
• Know your rights – our pages on legal rights provide more information.
• Take action with Mind – see our campaigning page for details of the different ways you can get involved in helping us to challenge stigma.

That said, it takes energy to challenge stigma. When you are particularly unwell you may not have the capacity to do any of these things. Be kind to yourself and try not to put yourself under pressure to do anything other than rest and recover when that is what you need.

See our advocacy page and useful contacts page for more information if you need support with having a say in your treatment.

The stigma of being violent and dangerous is the worst for me. I am a caring and empathetic soul who would do anything for the people I love.

This information was published in January 2020.

This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published. 

References and bibliography available on request.

If you want to reproduce this content, see our permissions and licensing page.