Personality Disorders | Overview & Treatment

There are 10 main personality disorders, subdivided into 3 clusters: A, B, and C. Learn about the individual disorders and how Bedrock provides treatment options for each.

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If you or a family member suffer from a mental health condition such as a personality disorder, you can live a healthier life when you find treatment. Treatment of mental illness can help provide you with stability, support, and local resources for better overall wellness.

Personality Disorder Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you seek mental health treatment for you or your loved one, consider Bedrock Recovery Center.

At our inpatient treatment facility, we provide various forms of therapy such as group therapy, evidence-based care. and other wellness techniques.

We also provide stabilization services for those struggling with various mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.

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Personality Disorder

There are several unique types of personality disorders.

Types Of Personality Disorders

There are 10 different types of personality disorders which are divided amongst clusters known as A, B, and C.

Cluster A consists of unusual behaviors or thoughts and includes:

  • schizoid personality disorder (loss of interest in others, prefers to be alone)
  • schizotypal personality disorder (uncomfortable with close relationships, unusual thoughts and speech patterns)
  • paranoid personality disorder (extreme paranoia and distrust of others)

Cluster B personality disorders consist of:

  • narcissistic personality disorder (lack of empathy, extreme ego)
  • histrionic personality disorder (seeks attention, acts dramatic)
  • borderline personality disorder (BPD) (unable to manage emotions, impulsive behaviors)
  • antisocial personality disorder (manipulates or exploits others)

Cluster C includes:

  • obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (seeks control and strives for perfectionism)
  • avoidant personality disorder (fear of rejection, shyness)
  • dependent personality disorder (depends on others to take care of them)

Diagnosis

To receive a diagnosis, you can speak to a mental health professional who can rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.

By examining your medical history, family history, and symptoms, a professional can help narrow down which type of personality disorder you suffer from.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms associated with each personality disorder can range in severity. Often, many symptoms are specific to the particular personality disorder.

Some of the overlapping symptoms of personality disorders include:

  • mood swings
  • difficulty with impulse control
  • grandiose sense of self-image
  • thoughts of self-harm
  • anxious or depressed thoughts
  • social impairment

Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with personality disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), may consist of:

  • history of substance use
  • genetics or family history of mental illness
  • experiencing a traumatic life event
  • social and cultural factors
  • structural change of function in the brain

Statistics

Some of the statistics associated with personality disorders include:

  • 1.4% of the U.S. population suffers from borderline personality disorder, part of cluster B
  • 9.1% of the U.S. population suffers from any type of personality disorder
  • 84.5% of people diagnosed with a personality disorder also have another mental disorder
  • the World Health Organization (WHO) states the estimated international prevalence of personality disorders to be 6.1%
  • paranoid personality disorder affects 2-4.5% of the population

Treating Personality Disorder

You can find various treatment options for personality disorders.

Medication

Certain medications may be used to help manage anxiety associated with a personality disorder. Those suffering from severe mood swings may require specific antidepressants while those experiencing hallucinations or delusions may be prescribed antipsychotic medications.

Psychotherapy

There are several types of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, which can be beneficial for those suffering from a personality disorder.

More specifically, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are options which can prove to be effective. In addition to this, psychodynamic psychotherapy can help a person better understand their range of emotions as well as the problems they experience.

Other Treatment Options

Short-term hospitalization may be needed for those who experience a sudden onset of symptoms. Other therapeutic settings, such as family therapy or group therapy, can be comforting and effective long-term treatment options.

How To Find Personality Disorder Treatment

You can find treatment for a personality disorder at various treatment facilities. Be sure to consider a treatment program that can best suit your needs.

Reach Out To Licensed Treatment Providers

To find appropriate mental health care, you can contact treatment providers directly. This includes our inpatient treatment center, Bedrock Recovery Center, in Canton, Massachusetts.

Inpatient care at our facility can help further assist you in managing your disorder once you’ve been diagnosed by a professional.

PCP Or Family Physician

You can also contact your primary care physician to learn more information about treatments available in your area or ones that are in-network with your insurance. Your physician may then refer you to a treatment center when necessary.

SAMHSA

Finally, you can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) behavioral locator tool to find nearby treatment centers.

To learn more about our treatment plans and mindfulness techniques for personality disorder and other mental health conditions, please contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Borderline-Personality-Disorder
  2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder
  3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/personality-disorders
  4. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/personalitydisorders.html#:~:text=Personality%20disorders%20are%20a%20group,%2C%20work%2C%20and%20social%20activities.
  5. National Library of Medicine: StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556058/

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

Published on: January 8, 2024

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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