Therapy for Personality Disorders

What Is a Personality Disorder?

As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) a personality disorder is a persistent deviation of internal experience and behavior that deviates from the norm and has a significant negative impact on emotional and mental health.

What Are the Types of Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are grouped into 3 categories or clusters.

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd and eccentric thinking and behavior and include:

• Paranoid personality disorder: People with paranoid personality disorder often have a distrust and suspiciousness of others.
• Schizoid personality disorder: People with schizoid personality disorder have a detached or withdrawn personality.
• Schizotypal personality disorder: People with schizotypal personality disorder present as odd and may seem indifferent to others.

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic thinking and behavior and include:

• Borderline personality disorder: People with borderline personality disorder often have unstable emotions and relationships.
• Histrionic personality disorder: People with histrionic personality disorder often seek attention and admiration.
• Antisocial personality disorder: People with antisocial personality disorder often have a disregard for others.

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious or fearful thinking and behavior and include:

• Avoidant personality disorder: People with avoidant personality disorder have an intense fear of rejection and avoid social interaction.
• Dependent personality disorder: People with dependent personality disorder need to be taken care of and have difficulty making decisions.
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder require order and control.

If you think you may have a personality disorder see an experienced clinician. Personality disorders should only be diagnosed by a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Who Do Personality Disorders Affect?

Anyone can develop a personality disorder, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, people who have experienced significant trauma are at a higher risk of developing a personality disorder. Other things such as genetics, family history, and brain chemistry can also increase the risk for a personality disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Personality Disorders?

Symptoms of personality disorders include:

• Difficulty with interpersonal relationships
• Impaired self-image
• Intense emotions and behaviors

If you think you have a personality disorder, talk to a clinician. Most personality disorders are not treated with medication and require therapy.

How Are Personality Disorders Diagnosed?

A clinician or doctor can diagnose personality disorders by assessing your:

• Symptoms
• Behavior
• History

Your therapist may ask you questions relating to your:

• Relationships
• Environment
• Thoughts
• Feelings
• Behaviors
• Childhood
• Family history

Remember if you don’t feel comfortable talking about any of these topics with your therapist you can let them know. Your therapist may also use assessment tools and questionnaires to diagnose a personality disorder.

How Are Personality Disorders Treated?

Treatment of personalities involves therapy interventions including:

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

In combination with therapy, building a strong support system and practicing self-care can greatly improve your personality disorder symptoms.

Do I Need Therapy for a Personality Disorder?

Personality disorder symptoms are difficult to manage on your own. Personality disorders are long-lasting impairments in thought processes and behaviors. If you are living with a personality disorder, it is possible to find relief from your symptoms and change the thinking patterns that are controlling your life. You can do this with the help of an expert clinician who will help you understand your symptoms, learn to cope, improve self-awareness, and improve your relationships.

What Is the Best Therapy for Personality Disorder?

The most commonly used therapy for personality disorders is DBT. Through DBT you can be more mindful, learn to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, and improve interpersonal effectiveness.

How Effective Is Therapy With Personality Disorders?

According to an article published in PubMed “psychotherapy is an effective treatment for personality disorders and may be associated with up to a sevenfold faster rate of recovery in comparison with the natural history of disorders.”

How to Find the Best Personality Disorder Treatment?

There are several ways to find the best personality disorder treatment, including:

• Research: Do your research on therapists and interventions to decide what you feel is right for you.
• Recommendations: You can ask your doctor, friends, or family members to recommend a good therapist or therapy center.
• Meet with a therapist: Research and recommendations are important, but the most important step you can take is to meet with and talk to a therapist.

If you are struggling with a personality disorder, you are not alone. There is help available. Contact us today to learn more about our personality disorders therapy and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.