How can i tell if a person has a personality disorder or if they are just seeking attention?

You may not be able: To tell, but a good psychiatrist in your area could. One tip is that the behavior patterns are deeply entrenched so will occur over and over.

You can't.: A mental health professional will have to make that determination after a comprehensive psychiatric or psychological assessment. Though attention-seeking is typical in some types of personality disorders, it is not--by itself--indicative or pathognomonic of one. Lots of people attention-seek, and for more reasons that we can count. Attention-seeking does not equate to personality disorder.