Causes+of+Personality+Disorders

Personality disorders likely result from the complex interplay of early life experience, genetic and environmental factors. In principle, genetic factors contribute to the biological basis of brain function and to basic personality structure. This structure then influences how individuals respond to and interact with life experiences and the social environment. Over time, each person develops distinctive patterns or ways of perceiving their world and of feeling, thinking, coping and behaving.

Although little is known to date about possible biological correlates of personality disorder, individuals with personality disorders may have impaired regulation of the brain circuits that control emotion. This difficulty, combined with psychological and social factors such as abuse, neglect or separation, puts an individual at higher risk of developing a personality disorder. Strong attachments within the family or a supportive network of people outside the family, in the school and in the community help an individual develop a strong sense of self-esteem and strong coping abilities. Opportunities for personal growth and for developing unique abilities can enhance a person's self-image. This supportive environment may provide some protection against the development of a personality disorder.

For biologically predisposed individuals, the major developmental challenges that are a normal part of adolescence and early adulthood - separation from family, selfi-dentity, and independence - may be the precipitating factors for the development of the personality disorder. This may explain why personality disorders usually begin in these years.

Retrieved from The Public Health Agency of Canada __http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_5-eng.php,__ June 25, 2010.