Comments on: What is a Character Disorder?

By: Dr George Simon, PhD

Dr George Simon, PhD — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:27:42 +0000

Can’t help but comment here, Diane. The “superficial” character of personality applies well when we’re talking about neurosis. Neurotics put on a “social face.” For the non-neurotic, or for the character-disordered personality, however, what you see is what you get. Many a person has been done in by a disordered character because they “misread” their personality as a “front.” For a long time, many of us versed in traditional schools of thought have allowed ourselves to be overly influenced by neurotic metaphors.

Character is an aspect or dimension of personality. And, as you suggests, it “marks” a person with respect to integrity and commitment to living on a higher plane.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:41:42 +0000

Hi Ken,

I like that defination…but I guess to me when the reference to social norms was used it was in context to these two things probably being assumed…That character disordered people harm others frequently and have no conscience or virtue that helps them to overcome this and that is why they are so hard to treat.

1. Preservation of life.
2. Achievement of success.

I would add in to that in character disorders…it is in context to others success, for all concerned.

By: Ken Sack

Ken Sack — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:12:35 +0000

Hi Evan,
I agree, the definition of a character-disorder as “licentious or socially irresponsible” behavior or non-conforming to societies norms, has its problems. For example, some cultures are oppressive or have oppressive components. Hence societies expectations are a non ideal reference point for civilized behavior. The reference point I use, is that the purpose of a moral code is:
1. Preservation of life.
2. Achievement of success.
I’ve read these two points in several books and believe the writers plundered the bible to get them. These two points were given in defense of healing on the sabbath

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:41:36 +0000

Hello,

Personalities are superficial…. Though we all have them. And we love someone who seems happy and outgoing???

Character is deeper because it is about repition. And exhibited and attibuted to higher thought processes and is what you hone at for a lifetime as such emulate Jesus, Ghandi, and Socraties. Thanks Evan!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:55:29 +0000

so is a character disorder more of a psychosis, whereas personality disorders are more of a neurosis?

By: Lying - Manipulation Tactic 1 (Pt 1) | Manipulative-People.com

Lying - Manipulation Tactic 1 (Pt 1) | Manipulative-People.com — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:20:54 +0000

[...] of traditional psychology to provide an accurate framework for understanding the phenomenon of character disturbance, as well as a post that clarifies the distinction betwen personality traits, personality disorders, [...]

By: Evan

Evan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:54:35 +0000

So, the category is a value judgement?

Good people (ie. those in line with their societies norms) are not character disordered.

I take it that this includes Socrates, Jesus and Ghandi.

What is the defintion of virtue being used?

By: Gabriella

Gabriella — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:43:51 +0000

I’m not sure I’m getting this…

What you are describing as character disordered individuals sounds like the personality disorders that fall under Cluster B. Should Cluster B then be separated from the other two clusters? (BTW, I’m not a professional, just an interested layperson.)