5 Personality Disorder Symptoms That Shouldn't Be Ignored

Everyone has their own quirks and ways of dealing with the world. But when certain patterns in thinking, feeling, or behaving consistently disrupt your relationships or your ability to function, it could be more than just personality — it could be a personality disorder.

About 9% of Americans have personality disorders. These conditions affect how you relate to others and yourself, and they can create long-term challenges that don’t simply go away with time or willpower.

At Boston Neurobehavioral Associates, we offer expert evaluation and therapy for people living with personality disorders. Here are five symptoms that might mean it’s time to seek professional help.

1. Intense fear of abandonment

No one likes feeling rejected. But if you find yourself going to extreme lengths to avoid being alone, rejected, or abandoned — even when there's no real threat — it could be a sign of a personality disorder like borderline personality disorder (BPD).

This intense fear can cause a cycle of unstable relationships and emotional pain, and you might face issues like becoming overly clingy in relationships, experiencing emotional outbursts, or pushing others away in anticipation of rejection. 

2. Ongoing difficulty with relationships

Everyone has arguments or misunderstandings, but if your relationships are consistently stormy, manipulative, or filled with mistrust, it’s a red flag. People with personality disorders can struggle with empathy, boundary-setting, or managing interpersonal conflict.

Issues like these can lead to patterns of dependency, control, or emotional detachment that make it hard to sustain healthy connections in both romantic and platonic relationships.

3. Distorted self-image or identity confusion

Living with a personality disorder can make you feel like you don’t know who you are. You might feel as if your sense of self shifts depending on the situation or the people you’re around, and this type of feeling is common in some personality disorders.

A distorted or confusing sense of self can make you feel empty, disconnected, or unsure of your goals and values. And these symptoms can complicate everything from career decisions to personal relationships.

4. Impulsive or risky behaviors

Engaging in behaviors that are harmful or self-destructive can be a sign of deeper emotional distress that’s linked to a personality disorder. A few examples are binge eating, reckless driving, unsafe sex, or substance abuse.

While these actions are often used as coping mechanisms to deal with internal discomfort, they can cause harm to your long-term health and overall well-being.

5. Chronic feelings of emptiness or emotional instability

If you regularly feel emotionally numb, bored, or hollow, even when things in your life seem stable, it’s worth taking seriously. For many with personality disorders, especially BPD, this internal emptiness is persistent and difficult to explain. It’s often accompanied by mood swings, irritability, or emotional reactions that seem “too big” for the situation.

Therapy can help you understand and heal

Living with a personality disorder can feel isolating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, or if you think you might have a personality disorder, our team is here to help you get the support you need.

Working with a licensed therapist can help you better understand your behavior patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and improve your relationships. Along with therapy, we offer medication management to help you achieve balance in your everyday life.

Recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one? Don’t ignore them. With the right support, it’s possible to feel more stable, connected, and in control of your life. Schedule a confidential consultation with our team to get started.