Make sure that you do not label your partner, even if your suspect that they might have this disorder. Personality disorders are a spectrum of symptoms and it is possible to have some symptoms, but not have the disorder. If your partner finds that the symptoms are interfering with their life, then they should see a mental health professional for a diagnosis. [2] X Expert Source George Sachs, PsyDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
Someone with paranoid personality disorder may read too much into other people’s actions or believe that others are sending them hints and messages through innocuous behaviors. If your partner frequently accuses you of being unfaithful, it could be another indicator of paranoid personality disorder, or it could just be regular jealousy. Diagnostic criteria can blend in with other behaviors, so not all behaviors can be considered as part of a disorder.
Consider your partner’s desire for intimacy and sex. Many people with schizoid personality disorder have little or no sex drive. They may also avoid emotional intimacy. However, lack of sexual attraction or drive can also be a sign of asexuality, which is normal and healthy. Don’t confuse schizoid personality disorder with schizotypal personality disorder or schizophrenia. Their names and a few of their symptoms are similar, but people with schizoid personality disorder do not experience delusions or psychosis.
For example, if your partner believes they are telepathic or attempts to pick out coded messages on TV, this could indicate they have schizotypal personality disorder. Schizotypal personality disorder is not the same thing as schizophrenia. The two conditions share similar symptoms, but schizophrenia is more severe.
The Cluster B disorders are the most common group of personality disorders.
Abuse is a risk in relationships where one person has antisocial personality disorder. The person with the disorder may try to take out their anger on their partner.
If your partner seems to love you one day and hate you the next without any real reason for the change, they might be suffering from borderline personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed personality disorders.
Craving a lot of stimulation and novelty is another sign of histrionic personality disorder.
Consider whether your partner expresses that they are superior to others. Narcissists tend to believe they are special and different. A narcissistic partner might act caring towards you or others because they want to project the image of being a caring person. However, they are probably not acting out of genuine empathy. Narcissists also do not like to be criticized and do not take criticism well.
Don’t confuse avoidant personality disorder with introversion. Introversion is normal, and it doesn’t usually interfere with a person’s ability to function. Someone with avoidant personality disorder, on the other hand, may have a hard time going to work or school because they are so afraid of criticism. Whether or not someone has a disorder usually depends on how it affects their quality of life and how strong it is on a spectrum.
A partner with dependent personality disorder might be very submissive or agree with everything you say for fear of losing your approval and support.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder isn’t the same thing as obsessive-compulsive disorder, though the two are often confused. If your partner has to do everything “by the book,” obsesses over budgets or time management, or is too perfectionistic to finish imperfect tasks, these could be additional signs of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
Try to find a forum that is targeted at people with the disorder your partner has been diagnosed with.
Choose a time when both you and your partner are calm and free to talk with no distractions. Schedule the discussion ahead of time, if you must. Start by saying, “I love you, Georgia. I am concerned about your well-being lately. You don’t have any friends. You avoid family. I’m the only person you talk to, and I don’t feel like we have as deep an emotional connection as we could. I want you to flourish socially and have rich relationships. Will you talk to someone so we can figure out what’s going on with you?”
A mental health intervention involves working with a professional who can facilitate the process of you asking your partner to get help. To have a successful intervention, loved ones will take turns explaining how the person’s disorder has negatively affected them and making a plea for them to enter treatment. [14] X Research source Contact a local mental health treatment center to see if someone there has experience facilitating interventions.
It may also help for you to join a support group for loved ones of those with personality disorders. In these groups, you will meet with others who are coping with the same disorders and learn ways to better support your partner and your own health and well-being. Ask your partner’s therapist for suggestions about local or online support groups. [17] X Research source Remember that it’s not your responsibility to take on your partner’s mental health problems or try to fix them. You can support them while still having boundaries and protecting yourself. [18] X Expert Source Elizabeth Weiss, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 26 July 2019.
