Personality disorders encompass a broad category of mental health disorders that often emerge early in life and significantly influence a person’s thoughts and behaviors in
maladaptive ways. Individuals with personality disorders may struggle to respond appropriately to people and situations, complicating their ability to manage daily stressors. They often
struggle with very strong emotions which results in troubled interpersonal relationships, oftentimes with those closest to them.
There are various types of personality disorders, such as narcissistic, borderline, obsessive-compulsive, and paranoid personality disorders, each characterized by distinct symptoms.
Personality disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat because they involve deeply ingrained patterns of behavior and thinking. Treatment typically involves intensive
psychotherapy, although medications may be used to treat specific symptoms (anxiety, depression, etc) or co-occurring disorders that oftentimes can be associated with the
personality disorders.
It’s important to note that having a personality trait or characteristic associated with a disorder does not necessarily mean someone has a personality disorder. Diagnosis requires a thorough
evaluation by a mental health professional to determine if the symptoms significantly impair the individuals functioning and if they meet the specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
The treatment of personality disorders involves several key components: developing insight into one’s own patterns, cultivating coping skills to regulate emotions and reduce emotional outbursts that can strain interpersonal relationships, understanding the triggers that provoke
intense emotional and behavioral reactions, fost ring self-compassion (as individuals with personality disorders often encounter rejection, frustration, or dismissal), and addressing the root causes of these intense feelings to facilitate self-healing.
