A personality disorder is a behavior pattern or character that significantly differs from the norm as defined by the person's identity and culture. Such behavior is termed as a personality disorder if it causes distress or dysfunction and lasts for an extended period. Most personality disorders start in early adulthood or late adolescence and continue into adulthood. Personality disorders affect the way a person thinks or perceives themselves and others.
People with personality disorders manifest extreme behavior more often than is the case for normal people. Such people have difficulties functioning properly in society for a long time. They may have problems managing their emotions and seem to be easily overwhelmed by emotional situations or switch off when they encounter emotionally demanding situations. They may also hold distorted beliefs such as extreme fear of rejection or the conviction that other people can't be trusted. Most of them have difficulties forming and sustaining relationships because of their unstable emotions and distorted views.