What do you think of people with personality disorders?

Especially disorders like narcissism and schizoid personality. Do you feel bad for them or are they just jerks?

I think this question is a judgment call. I agree with several of the posts on here. Personality disorders are illnesses as well--most people probably don't view it that way because they don't "SEE" anything physically wrong with most sufferers because it's not like cancer, chicken pox, or leprosy. No one has the right to judge anybody or just throw labels around. Some individuals may indeed use an illness or diagnose their own mental illness to their advantage, but that's not our call to make. I have bi-polar disorder, and we're all human beings. Just like if someone who doesn't have a mental illness has a bad day, we have them, too. Just because you are around people or work with people who have mental illnessness doesn't mean you know everything about the illness or what they're going through, nor does it give you the right to judge them...

So my final answer is that you have to wear the hat before you can determine the fit.

I think a lot of people like to sling disorders around as an excuse for being a jerk, when other people start calling them on their bad behaviors. when In fact, they are just being a jerk. They dont have to be one, They just enjoy it. Anyone who wants to evolve into a better person, can. no matter what happend to them as children, or whatever. To saddle oneself with conditions is just using excuses for not wanting to improve oneself.

I have no problems with people who have disorders but I don't think narcissism is a legitimate disorder, that person is just self centered.

what do you think of someone with diabetes, or MS? these are the genes and the chemistry they have been given. why feel bad for them? that's the cards they have been dealt. compassion is what i have, they have more struggles and challenges to overcome, that's all. it does not make them any less human than you or I. try and put your judgments aside, and put yourself in their shoes.

I don't feel bad for them and they are not jerks.I try to understand what they are going through.They are suffering through no fault of their own.I wish i could help them but how ? While some are fortunate to have psychiatric help there are a lot in the community who are neglected and lost.it must be a terrible way to survive.

well i can tell you that as a person who works in a psych hospital. they are the hardest people to work with because they are often needy, whiny, self centered and yes generally jerks. There aren't any meds for it, just for the underlying disorders like depression for example. They say personality disorders are "made". I.E. enviroment, family . And narcissicts are the WORST. They will made you want to scream everytime! So half of me kinda feels bad for them and the other half of me thinks you can't medicate asshole, know what i mean! lol, BTW personality disorders are behavior based so they can help them selves, but the must commit to therapy and be willing to change.

It would be unfeeling to judge people with personality disorders.

They need kindness and understanding

They're not jerks. It's not something they can change on their own. There are some therapies that help, but it takes a lot of effort and sometimes medication. I have some traits from a personality disorder, but not enough to be fully diagnosed. It's not like we're freaks, we just have some issues.

No I don't feel sorry for them. They still need to take responsibility for themselves. Be in therapy, and be doing what the pdoc tells them to do, and take their meds. I am bipolar, but that doesn't give me an excuse to be a jerk, or not take my meds. My ex is schizoid, and now he takes his medication, and is no longer a jerk. I have a daughter who is schizoid, and MPD, and no I don't feel sorry for her. As long as she does what she is suppose to do to help herself, she does well. Same way with any one with a personality disorder, why feel sorry for them? they have the same options you and I have, and the same kind of choices you and I have to make. Anyone, with or without a personality disorder can be a jerk.

The biggest Jerks around are those who have no comprehension that mental illness is just as real an illness as cancer or measles. These are not things that people choose.. or should be blamed for.

I feel compassion & non-judgmental regard.
I am in no position to judge anyone.