There are no actual diagnostic personality disorder tests, so doctors must rely on their own observations, interviews, and psychological profiling of patients in order to make a firm diagnosis. Certain question and answer tests may be given to gain insight into a person’s state of mind, but these do not necessary indicate a personality disorder without the addition of certain behaviors or thought processes which inhibit a person’s daily life. Specialists typically must consider a combination of factors when determining if someone has a particular disorder.
Without firm personality disorder tests, doctors must depend on their own perceptions of patient behavior of determine the root of disruptive behavioral patterns. They may discuss a patient’s history in depth to gain insight into various coping mechanisms the person uses to escape reality or painful feelings. Recurrent episodes of using these mechanisms may indicate a personality disorder if they are implemented to the point of disruption of daily life.
Examples of coping techniques commonly used by those with personality disorders include frequent fantasies, using imaginary illnesses to gain attention, paranoia, and the assigning of good or evil identities to individuals. Each of these helps the patient to escape certain realities, such as loneliness or fear. Symptoms must be severe enough to cause problems in the person’s everyday life, as many people experience these things to a lesser degree at some point or another.
Question and answer segments may also be used as personality disorder tests, and doctors may be able to determine the most accurate diagnosis based on the answers a patient gives. Most disorders are characterized by certain thought processes and feelings. Doctors should be specially trained in personality disorders to ensure that he or she is able to recognize subtle clues of a potential problem during these discussions.
A long series of these personality disorder tests may be necessary in order to definitively determine whether a disorder is present and if so, which type of disorder. Treatment may depend on the disorder and can include medications and therapy. Many times patients do not seek help until behavioral patterns are firmly set, as many do not realize they have a problem until friends or family members urge them to get help. Some disorders are harder to treat than others, and many patients may not respond well to therapies if they are delusional or unwilling to participate in healing.