Paper Contents
Abstract
Personality disorders (PDs) are complex mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that deviate from cultural expectations. Increasing evidence suggests that the link between personality disorders and heightened risk of physical health problems can be partially explained by underlying neurobiological and physiological mechanisms. Neurobiological factors, including genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and structural or functional abnormalities in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, have been implicated in both personality pathology and physical health vulnerabilities. For instance, dysregulation of serotonin and dopamine systems may contribute to impulsivity and emotional instability, while also influencing cardiovascular and metabolic processes.Physiological mechanisms, particularly dysfunctions in the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis, provide a crucial link between personality disorders and physical illness. Chronic stress and emotional dysregulation associated with PDs can lead to sustained cortisol secretion, immune suppression, and inflammatory responses, predisposing individuals to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, alterations in autonomic nervous system functioningsuch as reduced heart rate variabilityfurther connect emotional instability to poorer somatic health outcomes.While biological explanations are significant, environmental factors remain central to the development and maintenance of personality disorders. Early life adversity, trauma, and chronic stress may both shape personality pathology and impair physiological regulation. Individuals facing childhood hardship due to chronic physical illness or familial dysfunction may develop maladaptive coping styles that evolve into personality disorder traits. Conversely, certain physical health conditions that alter brain structure or functionsuch as traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, or chronic pain syndromescan precipitate or exacerbate traits associated with borderline, narcissistic, or antisocial personality disorders.Overall, the interplay between neurobiological vulnerabilities, physiological dysregulation, and environmental stressors forms a dynamic biopsychosocial model linking personality disorders with physical health problems. While biological factors offer important insights, they do not fully account for the complexity of these associations. A holistic understanding that integrates neurobiology with environmental and psychosocial determinants is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies targeting both mental and physical health outcomes.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Naamya Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
