A deep-seated and enduring pattern of experience and behavior that noticeably deviates from the expectations of the sociocultural environment, causes distress, and leads to impairment in various areas of life. It is a technical term from psychology and psychiatry.
example
Nach langer Diagnostik wurde bei ihm eine narzisstische Persönlichkeitsstörung festgestellt.
After a long diagnostic process, he was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a compound made up of 'Persönlichkeit' (personality), the linking -s, and 'Störung' (disorder). So it literally describes a disorder of the personality.
EXAMPLE
Eine Persönlichkeitsstörung entwickelt sich oft über viele Jahre.
A personality disorder often develops over many years.
Register: technical term
This is a clinical technical term from psychology and psychiatry. It is used to diagnose clinical conditions and does not describe everyday character flaws or bad habits.
EXAMPLE
Für die Diagnose einer Persönlichkeitsstörung sind spezifische Kriterien zu erfüllen.
Specific criteria must be met for the diagnosis of a personality disorder.
Typical collocations
Common verbs are 'eine Persönlichkeitsstörung haben' (to have a personality disorder), 'an einer Persönlichkeitsstörung leiden' (to suffer from a personality disorder), or 'eine Persönlichkeitsstörung diagnostizieren' (to diagnose a personality disorder). The type of disorder is often specified more precisely with an adjective, e.g. 'borderline' or 'zwanghaft' (compulsive).
EXAMPLE
Er leidet an einer schweren Persönlichkeitsstörung.
He suffers from a severe personality disorder.
Compare with
confusable
Persönlichkeitsstörung vs Psychose
psychosis
'Psychose' and 'Persönlichkeitsstörung' are both technical terms from psychology and psychiatry. They can therefore easily be confused, but they mean different things. In a 'Psychose', a person temporarily loses touch with reality in a severe way, for example through delusions or hallucinations. A 'Persönlichkeitsstörung' describes a long-term pattern of experience and behavior that causes problems in life. It does not automatically mean that someone cannot recognize reality. As a guide: 'Psychose' is especially about contact with reality, while 'Persönlichkeitsstörung' is more about long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Persönlichkeitsstörung
Eine Persönlichkeitsstörung kann Beziehungen und den Alltag stark belasten.
A personality disorder can put a serious strain on relationships and everyday life.
Psychose
Während einer Psychose braucht die betroffene Person oft sofort professionelle Hilfe.
During psychosis, the affected person often needs immediate professional help.
