PERSONALITY DISORDERS

The Personality System

The average number of personalities for a person with MPD ranged from eight to thirteen. However, there can be many more; some cases have reported up to 100 or more personalities. The personalities may be referred to as alter personalities, alternates, or alters. Collectively, they are referred to as a system. They are experienced by the patient as distinct and separate individuals, with their own way of perceiving the world and responding to it.

These disorders typically aren’t diagnosed until an individual is a young adult, often not until their 20’s or even 30’s. Most individuals with personality disorders lead pretty normal lives and often only seek psychotherapeutic treatment during times of increased stress or social demands. Most people can relate to some or all of the personality traits listed; the difference is that it does not affect most people’s daily functioning to the same degree it might someone diagnosed with one of these disorders. Personality disorders tend to be an intergral part of a person, and therefore, are difficult to treat or “cure.” Learn more about personality disorders and personality traits…