NABHS helps locate treatment programs for personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders through therapy or medicines.
Transforming Personality Disorder Through Effective Treatment
Research-based on clinical samples suggests that approximately 10-15% of adults in the United States may meet diagnostic criteria for one or more personality disorders.
Additionally, certain types of personality disorders may be more prevalent than others. For example, a borderline personality disorder is estimated to affect between 1-2% of the general population, while narcissistic personality disorder is believed to be less common, affecting around 0.5-1% of the population.
What Is Personality Disorder?
A long-standing pattern of thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that significantly diverge from cultural norms and cause pain and difficulties in social, professional, and other areas of functioning is the signature of personality disorder which is a serious mental health condition.
There are several personality disorder types, each with its unique set of specific traits and symptoms.
For example, individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and difficulty controlling their emotions, while those with a narcissistic personality disorder may have an inflated sense of self-importance, lack empathy for others, and need constant admiration and attention.
Personality disorders are often difficult to treat and may require long-term therapy and medication. However, with proper treatment, many individuals with personality disorders can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.
About Multiple Personality Disorder
The phrase “multiple personality disorder” has fallen out of use in the field of psychiatry. This condition is now referred to as “dissociative identity disorder” (DID). This is a complex mental health disorder defined by the coexistence of two or more different personalities or identities in a single person. These identities can differ in their emotions, behavior, memories, and sense of self.
Individuals with DID may experience significant gaps in their memory or awareness of their actions when they switch between different personalities. These switches can be triggered by stress, trauma, or other environmental factors. Symptoms of DID can also include depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
DID is a rare condition and it’s still unclear what its exact causes are. However, it is believed to be a result of severe childhood trauma or abuse, which can lead to dissociation as a coping mechanism. Treatment for DID usually involves psychotherapy, medication, and other supportive measures to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Types Of Personality Disorder
There are various personality disorders types, which are classified into three main clusters based on their symptoms and characteristics:
Cluster A:
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster B:
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
Cluster C:
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Not everyone with a personality disorder fits neatly into one of these categories, and there can be significant overlap between the different types. A mental health professional can help determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for each individual’s unique needs.
Personality Disorder Symptoms
There are 10 specific personality disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), each with its distinct set of symptoms. Here are some general symptoms that are the most common personality disorders traits:
- The distorted thought process, such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and paranoia.
- Unstable and intense emotions, including anxiety, depression, anger, and emptiness.
- Impulsive and risky behavior, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, and promiscuity.
- Difficulty maintaining stable relationships leads to frequent arguments, social isolation, and fear of abandonment.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness, boredom, or dissatisfaction with life.
- Lack of empathy or concern for others.
- Inflexibility and rigidity in thinking and behavior.
- Unusual or eccentric behavior or beliefs.
- Hostility, irritability, impatience, or aggression towards others.
- Inclination to hold others accountable for one’s issues or failings.
Five Causes Of Personality Disorder
- Genetics: Some personality disorders have a possibility to be handed down through families.
- Childhood experiences: Traumatic experiences in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment, may make it more likely to develop a personality disorder.
- Family dynamics: Growing up in a dysfunctional or unstable family environment may also contribute to the development of personality disorders.
- Brain chemistry and structure: It’s possible that mental illnesses are influenced by variations in the brain’s chemistry and structure.
- Cultural factors: Cultural and societal factors, such as social norms and values, may also influence the emergence of personality disorders.
Personality Disorder Test
Personality disorder tests are arranged in sets of assessment procedures used by mental health professionals to identify potential personality disorders in people. The diagnosis can be administered as part of a comprehensive evaluation process to help analyze and treat mental health conditions. There are several types of personality disorder tests, including self-report questionnaires, clinical interviews, and psychological tests.
Self-report questionnaires are commonly performed in the initial screening process and are done by a healthcare professional or can be completed online. These tests usually involve answering a series of questions that ask about an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They can provide valuable insights into the individual’s personality traits and help identify potential areas of concern.
Clinical interviews involve a one-on-one conversation between a healthcare expert and the individual being diagnosed. The healthcare professional will then ask about the individual’s personal and family history, their social and occupational functioning, and any symptoms they may be having. Clinical interviews can provide a more in-depth understanding of the individual’s personality and help to identify any underlying mental health conditions.
Psychological tests are used to assess various aspects of an individual’s personality, such as cognitive capabilities, emotional functioning, and interpersonal skills. These tests are usually administered by a trained mental health professional and can include tasks such as word association, problem-solving, and pattern recognition. This can further provide valuable information about an individual’s personality and pinpoint specific areas of concern.
Personality Disorder Treatment
Depending on the particular personality disorder, the patient’s symptoms, and their requirements, personality disorder treatments may differ. The following are some common therapies for personality disorders:
- Psychotherapy: A variety of psychotherapy can be effective in treating personality disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. These therapies help individuals to successfully identify negative patterns of thinking and behavior and develop more positive coping strategies.
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to manage specific personality disorder symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability. However, medication is not the first line of treatment for personality disorders.
- Group therapy: Group therapy can be one effective treatment strategy for individuals with personality disorders who can benefit from the support and guidance of others who are going through the same situations in life.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization can be recommended to stabilize symptoms and ensure the safety of the patient and the people around them.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can be helpful for individuals with personality disorders who have strained relationships with family members. Therapy can help to improve communication and address underlying issues.
Everyone with a personality disorder will not necessarily exhibit all of the personality disorder symptoms, and many of them can also be present in other mental health conditions as well. A diagnosis of a personality disorder should only be made by a qualified mental health professional after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient.
Personality disorders can be challenging to treat and may require long-term care and management. They should always be administered by a qualified mental health professional who is trained to interpret the results and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
The exact treatment plan will depend on the individual’s symptoms and needs and should be developed in consultation with a qualified mental health professional.
If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of a personality disorder, we encourage you to call our helpline at +1 (917) 267 8635 to speak with a qualified mental health professional and learn more about treatment options.
