Mixed personality disorder

Mixed Personality Disorder does not fall into any comprehensive category for diagnosis, as it is not just a specific personality disorder but encompasses its troublesome variations as well.

To properly diagnose this personality disorder, refer to the DSM V (prepared by the APA) and ICD11 (prepared by the WHO) diagnostic manual for mental disorders. the personality that does not meet the criteria to be specific .

This grouping of personality disorders is historically done by resorting to the major syndromes in relation to psychosis and neurosis. As it is not in any of these groups, this personality disorder is considered as mixed.

Mixed personality disorders share very similar characteristics with borderline disorders, being often associated. In order to make the diagnosis, these behavior patterns usually go back to adolescence and early adulthood . It is rare that it begins or occurs in childhood.

The validity of the diagnosis of this disorder is quite controversial, also that of personality disorders in general. Many professionals question the bases on which this evaluation is based to make such a diagnosis. There are experts who consider that these deviations of behavior with respect to the personality of each individual are derived from the dominant cultural expectations . Therefore, the considerations of this diagnosis have a high degree of subjectivity, based on socio-political, social and economic issues. Who determines what is normal? Is our society generally healthy? All of this invites us to reflect …

Next we will present the characteristic symptoms that derive from this disorder and that are officially diagnosed by both psychologists and psychiatrists to proceed to a treatment, generally, cognitive behavioral. Symptoms of depressive personality disorder and passive-aggressive personality disorder are included in the diagnostic criteria for this unspecified personality disorder .

Depressive personality disorder

In its diagnostic characteristics, there is an accentuated pattern of behaviors and cognitive functions that generally tend to depression . It has its onset especially in adulthood, and can appear in various contexts.

Among the remarkable behaviors of this type of personality disorder that are related to depression are: feelings of despondency, lack of motivation, discouragement, unhappiness and disappointment. Also presenting an inability to relax , have fun or understand other people’s sense of humor.

It should be noted that these behaviors do not occur under an episode of major depression or dysthymic disorder. We can observe in people who suffer from this disorder, that they do not consider themselves worthy of being happy, or even having fun. The cogitation and rumination are frequent by self – destructive and negative thoughts that only serve to keep suffering. There is no thought of hope or that things may get better at some point. It is, therefore, a learned helplessness in all circumstances. They believe that they are realistic, although the reality is one of overwhelmed pessimism.

People with this personality disorder criticize themselves harshly, judge themselves for all their actions, often feeling guilty for their failures and shortcomings. At all times there is the feeling of not being able to do anything due to low self-esteem that they do not know how to cope with. They are equally critical of other people, highlighting their flaws above all else. They are given to censorship and are also negative in their interrelations.

Associated symptoms

Both men and women are equally likely to suffer from this personality disorder. Maintaining this disorder over time can lead to major depression and dysthymic disorder . In any case, the associated symptoms have to do with introversion, apathy, lack of assertiveness and passivity; That makes them prone to letting themselves be carried away by others before having to make important decisions.

Experts indicate that this disorder occurs mostly in people with a family history who have suffered from a major depressive disorder. However, it has been observed that people with a major depressive disorder often have a family history with a depressive personality disorder .

This would be one of the disorders associated with mixed personality disorder , below we will analyze the following personality disorder that is in interaction with the one we have just explained.

Passive-aggressive personality disorder

It is a personality disorder that usually begins in early adult life. It is characterized by the fact that the person who suffers it has attitudes of resistance and opposition to the demands related to job performance and social ties . These people have a great resistance to meeting the demands and performance expectations that other people demand of them. It usually manifests itself mainly in work performance, although as we have also specified it is usually present in social relationships.

The responses and behaviors that are associated with this disorder are typical of people who sabotage the efforts of others , by failing, for example, with their part of the job. It is common for these people to spend most of their time complaining about others , feeling underappreciated and misunderstood.

They tend to have an attitude that leads to impatience and irritability; They contribute to this by being sullen, seeking discussions, always carrying the opposite. They show their contempt, hostility and discontent with any authority figure, no matter how close. They express their criticisms and do not hesitate to share them openly publicly at the slightest provocation, from someone who is considered an authority figure.

We highlight these two disorders since their symptoms usually appear in an unspecified personality disorder ; being considered as mixed personality disorder.