Personality Disorders

Treatment for Personality Disorders in Palm City, Florida

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect a person’s personality, thoughts, behaviors, and other aspects of their functioning.

Mental health experts classify personality disorders into ten types. This article will explore the different features of all ten personality disorders. You will learn:

•  The symptoms of each personality disorder
•  How to treat personality disorders
•  Where to find treatment for personality disorders

If you or someone you love requires personality disorder treatment, you are not alone. Reach out to the Palm City Wellness specialists to learn about our comprehensive mental health treatment programs. You may contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What are Personality Disorders?

Your personality is unique to you. It consists of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make you different from others. Many things can affect your personality, including:

•  Genetics
•  Your environment
•  Your experiences

Mental health experts believe that a person’s personality generally stays consistent across their lifespan.

In some cases, people may develop a personality disorder. A personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The symptoms of a personality disorder can impair a person’s functioning. They can impair a person’s ability to maintain healthy relationships and disrupt their lives in other ways.

Mental health professionals have identified ten personality disorders. It is important to understand these mental health conditions and seek treatment when necessary. Comprehensive treatment can help people with personality disorders improve functioning and quality of life.

Understanding Types of Personality Disorders

There are many types of personality disorders that can affect people’s lives. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there are three categories of personality disorders. The DSM classifies ten personality disorders into three “clusters.”

Here is an overview of the types of personality disorders.

Cluster A personality disorders

Paranoid personality disorder

Paranoid personality disorder causes people to be suspicious about other people’s feelings or intentions. They may avoid forming close relationships with others because of this fundamental distrust.

Schizoid personality disorder

People with schizoid personality disorder men avoid relationships with others. They may have difficulty expressing emotions or engaging with other people. People with schizoid personality disorder may isolate themselves and prefer to live without contact or connections with others.

Schizotypal personality disorder

People with schizotypal personality disorder may  Exhibit eccentric behaviors or have strange beliefs. They may have intense social anxiety or feel deeply uncomfortable interacting with others. They may avoid forming close relationships with others, including family members.

Cluster B personality disorders

Antisocial personality disorder

People with antisocial personality disorder have little to no regard for the rights of others. People with this personality disorder may fail to conform to social norms, act impulsively, or lie to get ahead.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder causes people to exhibit patterns of unstable relationships and negative self-image. They may struggle with impulsive behaviors or have an intense fear of abandonment. People with BPD can experience rapid mood swings and have periods of intense, inappropriate anger.

Histrionic personality disorder

People with histrionic personality disorder may feel deeply uncomfortable if they are not the center of attention. They may engage in excessive attention-seeking behaviors. They may also experience intense emotions or rapidly changing moods.

Narcissistic personality disorder

People with narcissistic personality disorder have an overly exaggerated sense of their own importance. They may lack empathy for others, causing them to take advantage of others to get what they want.

Cluster C personality disorders

Avoidant personality disorder

People with avoidant personality disorder may feel as though they are not socially adequate. they may have the sense that they are ”not good enough” or feel shy in social situations. They may have intense sensitivity to criticism.

These symptoms can cause people to avoid social situations. They can also impair functioning and make many aspects of daily life more challenging.

Dependent personality disorder

People with dependent personality disorder may have a deep need for reassurance from others. They may feel helpless or overwhelmed if they have to care for themselves.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may have a “black and white” view of what is right and wrong. They may have a rigid worldview and have difficulty relaxing. People with this condition may work compulsively, preventing them from maintaining healthy relationships or connections with others.

How to Treat Personality Disorders

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) encourages people with personality disorders to seek treatment. According to the APA, treatment for personality disorder includes medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

Here is an overview of the treatment available for personality disorders.

Medications

There are no medications that can cure personality disorders or treat their symptoms directly. However, some people my personality disorders may benefit from taking medications to help them manage anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric symptoms

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for personality disorders. Talk therapy can help people with personality disorders process their feelings and learn better coping skills. Common forms of talk therapy for personality disorder include:

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Psychoeducation
• Psychoanalytic therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

People may work individually with a licensed therapist or participate in group therapy sessions.

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes can help people with personality disorders manage their symptoms and improve functioning. Some beneficial self-care strategies include:

•  Learning about your personality disorder
•  Getting regular exercise to reduce stress and improve self-image
•  Avoid addictive substances
•  Receiving regular medical and mental health care
•  Developing a support network
•  Finding a creative outlet for feelings, including making music, drawing, or writing
•  Spending time with friends and family to stay socially active

Working with a mental health professional to manage the symptoms of a personality disorder is critical. If you or someone you love lives with a personality disorder, seek treatment as soon as possible.

Find Treatment for Personality Disorders

If you or someone you love requires personality disorder treatment, reach out to the Palm City Wellness team. Our compassionate mental health professionals provide effective treatment and support. Contacts are intake staff to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Personality Disorders
2. American Psychiatric Association (APA): What are Personality Disorders?
3. APA: What causes personality disorders?