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Personality pathology needs adaptation, not treatment.

¹https://ror.org/041kmwe10Imperial College, London, UK.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Personality disorders are often misunderstood as typical mental illnesses. This article argues for an adaptive treatment approach, recognizing personality as a stable self-component rather than something to be removed.

Keywords:

Adaptive designs comorbidity diagnosis and classification personality disorders psychological treatments

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Clinical Psychology
Personality Science

Background:

The diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders remain highly debated topics in mental health.
Current approaches often frame personality pathology as a curable mental illness requiring alleviation or removal.

Purpose of the Study:

To challenge the conventional view of personality disorders as typical mental illnesses.
To propose a paradigm shift in understanding and treating personality pathology.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of personality disorder diagnosis and treatment.
Review of existing literature on personality and self-constructs.
Argumentative essay based on theoretical frameworks.

Main Results:

Personality pathology is fundamentally different from typical mental illnesses.
Personality traits are persistent and integral components of the self.
Existing treatment models may be misaligned with the nature of personality disorders.

Conclusions:

Personality disorders should not be viewed as illnesses to be eradicated.
A new treatment approach focused on adaptation and integration of personality traits is necessary.
Rethinking the conceptualization of personality pathology is crucial for effective intervention.