Individuals with a personality disorder usually have a thought process and type of behavior where thinking, perceiving and relating to others is dysfunctional. Individuals with a personality disorder may not know they have one because the pattern of thinking and behavior feels natural to them. They often feel that if everyone else would just do things the right way, everything would be fine.
Common symptoms of Personality Disorders include:
- frequent mood swings
- outbursts of anger
- social isolation
- distrust or suspicion of others
- tough time establishing friendship
- impulsive lack of control
- substance abuse
- rocky relationships
Types of Personality Disorders
The specific types of disorders are grouped into three categories called clusters, which are differentiated by traits that define them. Cluster A includes disorders with odd or eccentric behavior such as paranoid personality disorder, which is characterized by a person having irrational suspicions and mistrust of others. Cluster B includes dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders. Cluster C includes anxious or fearful disorders. Each disorder has specific symptoms differentiating it from others, though it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the specific disorder a person has because some of the symptoms can seem similar.
Treatment for Personality Disorders
Psychotherapy is the main way personality disorders are treated. By talking about the condition and how it affects mood, thoughts, feelings and actions, people gain insight and discover healthy ways to manage personality disorder symptoms. Different approaches to treatment through psychotherapy may help someone identify and replace bad, negative beliefs with good, healthy ones, or another approach may teach skills to help someone tolerate stress, handle emotions and improve social interactions. Other treatments include medications or in some cases, hospitalization to prevent someone from harming themselves or others.
Seeking help from Atlanta Behavioral Consultants
If you or someone in your life has shown signs of a possible personality disorder, please seek the help of a professional with experience treating mental illness. If left untreated, personality disorders can dramatically affect one’s life. Though you can’t make someone seek help, be supportive and encouraging with those in your life that you think may have symptoms and have an honest talk with them about your worries. In the chance that they harm themselves or are serious about doing something dangerous, seek emergency help right away.
To learn more or get in contact with us at the Atlanta Behavioral Consultants, please call Dr. Drutman at 770.910.9135.