The term ‘personality’ refers to the enduring characteristics which influence the way a person thinks, feels or behaves in a wide variety of circumstances. A personality is deemed to be ‘disordered’ when it causes suffering to that person or to other people. The Department of Health estimates that 10–13% of the adult population have personality disorders, and it is therefore extremely important that GPs are aware of current thinking regarding the classification, diagnosis and treatment of these complex conditions.
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