Personality disorders can negatively impact personal relationships and daily functioning. When an individual has a personality disorder, their way of interacting with others and the environment may feel normal to them, but it can cause problems. People may see someone with a personality disorder as selfish or inconsiderate of others’ needs or opinions. Individuals display different behaviors based on their disorder. Some withdraw and isolate themselves; others may be prone to violent outbursts. It’s possible to have an undiagnosed personality disorder.

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What Causes Personality Disorders?

Experts suggest several reasons for personality disorders, including childhood trauma, environment and genetics. Abuse, neglect or abandonment in childhood can be major contributing factors. Additionally, changes in the amygdala, the part of the brain that responds to threats or danger, may cause hypervigilance and other behaviors associated with personality disorders.

People with a range of personality disorders in group therapy with a mental health provider at Transformations Mending Fences

What Are the Types of Personality Disorders?

Personality disorder types include borderline, histrionic, obsessive-compulsive and dependent personality disorders. Other types include schizotypal personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. These personality disorders make it difficult for individuals to function and relate to their loved ones and peers. Personality disorders can have similar symptoms, but some are more challenging and stigmatized, such as antisocial personality disorder or schizoid personality disorder. People with personality disorders may be unaware of their condition and therefore may not seek treatment without encouragement.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Individuals with a borderline personality disorder may experience emotional chaos and unstable relationships. Impulsive actions that keep others on edge and not knowing what to expect are hallmarks of borderline personality disorder. Self-destructive behaviors, fear of abandonment and inability to control emotions can be frustrating for someone with borderline personality disorder and their family members.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

People with histrionic personality disorders need the approval of others and may try to get it through attention-seeking or provocative behaviors. They may be overly focused on their physical appearance, emote flirtatiously and dramatically and seek constant approval. Individuals with a histrionic personality disorder may think superficial relationships are more meaningful than they are.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

An individual with an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experiences persistent and distressing thoughts. Excessive avoidance of contamination, which can lead to frequent handwashing and fear of forgetting to turn off appliances and repeatedly checking them, are examples of obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Individuals with the condition also struggle with intrusive thoughts of angry, sexual or otherwise inappropriate natures. The repeated behaviors associated with OCD can strain relationships.

Dependent Personality Disorder

People with dependent personality disorder need others to care for them and make decisions. They may avoid responsibility and lack the self-confidence needed to live independently. They can be clingy and feel abandoned when someone ends a relationship. These behaviors may arise from childhood experiences, such as authoritarian upbringing, neglect or verbal abuse.

A person with substance abuse working to treat personality disorders with interpersonal therapy and a proper treatment plan

The Benefits of Personality Disorder Treatment

Are you struggling with a personality disorder? Treating personality disorders can help free you from the burdens of past experiences to live your best life and enjoy fulfilling relationships. The first step is to rule out other mental disorders and symptoms to get the correct diagnosis. Therapy with a mental health professional can help you develop coping skills and learn communication skills for building relationships with healthy boundaries. Treatment can also help individuals enjoy family, school or work while managing the crippling doubts, fears, insecurity, mood swings and obsessive thoughts that come with personality disorders.

Treatment Options for Personality Disorders

A combination of therapies is often used to manage the complexities of personality disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy with mental health professionals helps individuals identify emotions and thoughts and, working with a mental health professional, develop healthy strategies for managing them. Depending on the personality disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be appropriate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral treatment examines negative and unhealthy behaviors, feelings and thoughts to replace them with positive ones.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on regulating emotions, mindfulness and handling crises in a manner that doesn’t threaten relationships.

Family Therapy

Family therapy for addiction encourages mending relationships and developing skills to handle conflicts.

You may also benefit from medication for managing various personality disorder symptoms, including anxiety, depression, impulsive behavior and volatile moods.

A person with thoughts and behaviors specific to a type of personality disorder that causes chronic feelings of paranoia working with a medical professional in one-on-one sessions to improve relationships

Begin Personality Disorder Treatment in Florida

Have you been diagnosed with a personality disorder? Are you experiencing relationship issues or other problems related to a personality disorder? At Transformations Mending Fences, we provide the treatment personality disorders require, as well as other mental health conditions in Morriston, Florida.

When you choose Transformations Mending Fences, you’ll experience an environment dedicated to your needs and be involved in treatment planning from day one. Our compassionate team is on call to explain our treatment options, what to expect during treatment and handling insurance. Call us at (800) 823-2350 or complete our convenient online form.