The signs and symptoms associated with personality disorders differ depending on the nature of the disorder. For more information, see Types and differences.

Personality disorders also raise the risk of several related behaviors and conditions. Patients may become socially disconnected and find themselves both lacking the desire for close relationships and having an inability to forge such relationships. They are also at greater risk for developing depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Other behaviors and conditions associated with personality disorders include:

• Crime. People with antisocial personality disorder are at increased risk of committing crimes that lead to incarceration.
  
  
• Homicide and other violence. People with paranoid and antisocial personality disorders are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior.
  
  
• Self-destructive behavior. People with borderline personality disorder often engage in destabilizing behaviors such as gambling or risky sex. People with dependent personality disorder are so desperate to remain in relationships that they may place themselves at risk of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
  
  
• Substance abuse. The risk is highest among people with personality disorders in cluster B.
  
  
• Suicide. The risk is highest among people with personality disorders in cluster B, especially if they also suffer from major depression and alcoholism.