People never change.

[Pamela]

I have to sleep with this brilliant mind.

You're welcome to come see me Danny, though I'm certain there will very little sleeping involved

You make very good points, can't disagree. Theories regarding how our personalities are formed will always be favored by some who believe it's behavioral and others who believe it's about traits. I have to believe in traits/genetics forming a significant part of a personality since many with mental disorders are born that way.

I suppose that it depends on what you choose to include under the umbrella term of 'personality' because what general society regards to be personality is something completely different to what constitutes personality within the clinical structure. Clinically speaking, personality (in its most simplistic form) is defined by an individuals patterns of thought, emotion and behaviours, as opposed to what can be readily seen on the exterior/social surface. What this means, essentially, is that personality cannot be gauged simply by external observation; but must instead be determined by examining the inner workings of the minds perception based thought process, situational evaluation process, emotional reactions and behavioural manifestations, alongside the behavioural and circumstantial history of any individual in order for its organization to be effectively ascertained.

Socially speaking; personality is what we see on the outside. Clinically speaking; personality is what happens internally based on external influences.

Thus, while I agree that many mental illness are passed through genetic inheritance I disagree that these same ailments or idiosyncratic traits (which tend to follow genetic predispositions) hold merit where the clinical definition of personality organization itself is concerned.

However, I believe a sound minded person can change aspects of their personality should they choose. Since the perceptual set also shapes parts of one's personality. We all perceive the world around us differently. It's a sensory experience. These differing views are often caused by expectations, motivations, culture, emotions, beliefs. All which can be changed, with work and understanding.

I agree with this, however I would venture as far as to say that even those who might not be of "sound mind" are completely capable of achieving such changes should they be willing to put in the work in order to make new learning and methods a part of their everyday way of life; the key to which is the desire to change and of course the determination of the individual to persist in making changes, regardless of any failure or set backs they might face along the way.

I firmly believe that as long as one has the capacity to learn new skills, to retain information (in a long term capacity) and for one to make cognitive/sober decisions within their life, the possibility to improve upon ones self is ever present.

It's a long hard road for anyone suffering a mental disorder though. The diagnostic process alone can be draining and a battle. My best friend went through hell, wrong diagnosis, wrong meds, bad physiatrists,and still suffering 10+ yrs later. So for someone like that to bring change it's much, much more difficult. But with love and support anything is possible. My belief, anyone that is loved and given positive support will always overcome any issues

It's unfortunate that your friend had to go through this kind of psychological song and dance; however their are many clinicians who will work with him/her without the need for a formal Dx if he/she feels that he/she is in need of support, assistance, guidance, etc...

Most psychiatrists provide little more than diagnosis and pharmacotherapy/medication monitoring; but clinical therapists offer an array of different resources to those in need of support through a wealth of different therapeutic models and often ongoing professional training within their field of expertise.

Also, I'd like to point out that finding a suitable therapist is much like finding a good hairdresser in that you have to find someone who knows how to work within your unique attributes in order to obtain the best results if you are to be truly satisfied with the outcome. Like finding a good hairdresser (or SP as the case may be) it can take a lot of trial and error, wasted time and money, disappointments and let downs; but when you do finally come to find that gem everything clicks into place and amazing things can/will happen!

Btw-you are very interestingPraise-Bowing

Truth be told, I'm not all that interesting- just a bit of a nerd for neurosis :blush2:

 

[cristycurves]

Pamela thank you for your insightful and intellectual replies. You certainly are a package to behold, beauty and brains and someone who can teach many of us. I hope you'll continue to post and respond as your intelligence and friendly demeanor are of great benefit to this forum. If those who frowned upon this profession/lifestyle only realized that there are those individuals, like yourself, who make up it's populous, then perhaps there viewpoints would change.

 

[Amelia Fox]

One you hit 16 or so your character and personality is what it is. If you were an asshole then you still an asshole now.


True dat?.

I disagree completly. One can change there perspectives and inner thoughts at anytime in life. We learn with age, and personal experiences..