Famous People with Personality Disorders

Do you ever wonder if there are any famous people with personality disorders? Well, of course there are. Just like AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, or any number of other physical illnesses, mental illness knows no boundaries with respect to social status. Personality disorders are no different, affecting rich and poor, brilliant and dull, famous and unknown. The following list of famous people and celebrities who likely have (or had) personality disorders is in no way comprehensive. Please also keep in mind that without a publicly known, professional diagnosis, much of this is simply speculation based on observed behavior.

Famous People with Personality Disorders

1. Anna Nicole Smith
A number of psychologists claim that Smith exhibited many of the symptoms of histrionic personality disorder. The public watched as she displayed excessive emotions, abused drugs, had promiscuous sex, and always had to be the center of attention.

2. Angelina Jolie-Pitt
Beautiful and talented, Jolie voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility in the late 1990s, claiming she had experienced both suicidal and homicidal thoughts. Although she had no intention of acting on these thoughts, she realized that she needed help. She was diagnosed with "presumptive borderline personality disorder".

3. Megan Fox
Actress Megan Fox is quoted as saying, "...I constantly struggle with the idea that I think I'm a borderline personality – or that I have bouts of mild schizophrenia."

4. Adolf Hitler
Okay, not a celebrity, but definitely a famous (or infamous) person. There has been much speculation about Hitler's psychiatric profile over the years. In his book, Hitler: Diagnosis of a Destructive Prophet, author Fritz Redlich concludes that the genocidal leader showed strong symptoms of paranoid personality disorder as well as narcissistic personality disorder symptoms.

5. Marilyn Monroe
During her short life, Monroe exhibited sexual promiscuity, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and fear of abandonment – all hallmarks of borderline personality disorder.

6. Steve Jobs
The late CEO of Apple Computer Corporation suffered from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. According to an article in Slate Magazine, Jobs' OCPD is "what made him great". The article lists other famous "greats' who suffered from the same personality disorder. Read the rest of it here.

7. David Beckham
According to at least one source, the handsome and famous soccer star suffers from dependent personality disorder. While certainly not financially dependent on anyone, Beckham has shown excessive clinginess in his relationship, low self-esteem, inability to cope with certain situations by himself.

Personality disorders and other mental illnesses can affect anyone – even celebrities. The most important thing is to seek help.

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