Personality Disorders

Personality disorders often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can vary widely in terms of severity. These conditions are deeply rooted patterns that require the type of understanding and proper treatment that only a professional personality disorder treatment facility can provide.  

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are 10 specific types of personality disorders, each with their own unique symptoms and associated behaviors: 

• Antisocial personality disorder: People who struggle with antisocial personality disorder often exhibit a disregard for the rights or feelings of others. Behavior associated with this disorder can include a failure to conform to social norms (e.g., breaking the law), deceitfulness (e.g., lying or manipulation), and problems with work or financial obligations. A person who has antisocial personality disorder may act impulsively and may display irritability or aggressiveness, which can lead to fights or assaults. They may demonstrate a sense of disregard for their safety and the safety of others, and they may have a lack of remorse for the harm they have caused others. 

• Avoidant personality disorder: Avoidant personality disorder can cause symptoms including feelings of discomfort in social settings and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People who are experiencing these symptoms may avoid work, social activities, and relationships because they fear rejection or embarrassment. They often have feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can make them hesitant to try new things. 

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): People who have borderline personality disorder may struggle with unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. They may have a deep fear of abandonment, which can lead to intense relationships. They may struggle with a shifting sense of self and engage in impulsive, potentially self-damaging behaviors, such as reckless spending and substance abuse. Emotional challenges can include rapid mood swings, difficulty managing anger, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Some people may also experience thoughts of self-harm, as well as periods of stress-related paranoia or dissociation. 

• Dependent personality disorder: Dependent personality disorder causes symptoms including an overwhelming need to be cared for and an intense fear of abandonment or separation. People who have dependent personality disorder often struggle to make decisions without reassurance or advice from others and may rely on others to take responsibility for major aspects of their lives. They may avoid expressing their feelings out of fear of losing support and find it difficult to initiate projects or act independently. In their efforts to maintain relationships, they might go to great lengths, such as agreeing to unpleasant tasks to gain a person’s approval or support. Being alone can leave them feeling helpless or extremely uncomfortable, and when a relationship ends, they may quickly seek to begin a new one. A persistent fear of being left to take care of themselves often preoccupies their thoughts and drives their choices. 

• Histrionic personality disorder: People who are struggling with histrionic personality disorder may demonstrate excessive emotionality and a strong desire to be the center of attention. People who have this condition may feel uncomfortable or distressed when they are not the focus of attention and may engage in seductive or provocative behaviors to draw others in. They may be prone to speech that lacks depth or detail, and their emotional expression may seem dramatic or exaggerated. They may be easily influenced by others and may perceive relationships as closer or more intimate than they truly are. 

• Narcissistic personality disorder: This disorder is defined by a need for admiration combined with a lack of empathy. People who struggle with narcissistic personality disorder demonstrate an inflated sense of self-importance and may be preoccupied with fantasies of brilliance, power, or beauty. They may view themselves as highly unique, believing that they deserve admiration and special treatment. They may also demonstrate a strong sense of entitlement or a tendency to exploit others for personal gain. They may envy others or believe that others are envious of them. 

• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include an intense need for orderliness, perfectionism, and control. People who are struggling with this disorder may become so preoccupied with details, rules, and organization that they lose sight of the overall purpose of their tasks. Their perfectionism can keep them from completing tasks, and they may devote a great amount of time to work at the expense of their leisure time or relationships. They may also be very inflexible about their morals, ethics, or values. They may struggle to discard items, even if they have no sentimental value. They often resist delegating tasks and may appear stubborn and inflexible to others.  

• Paranoid personality disorder: People who have paranoid personality disorder experience feelings of distrust and suspicion of others. They may believe that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them, leading to doubts about their friends’ or associates’ loyalty. They are often reluctant to confide in others due to the fear that their information will be used against them. They may also perceive neutral comments as attacks on their character and suspect loved ones of unfaithfulness or disloyalty without cause.  

• Schizoid personality disorder: The symptoms of this disorder can cause a person to become detached from social relationships and to exhibit a very limited range of emotions. People who are struggling with this disorder may have little interest in forming close relationships and often prefer solitary activities. They may have little desire for sexual experiences with others and may lack close friends. They may demonstrate an indifference to praise or criticism and may exhibit emotional coldness or detachment. 

• Schizotypal personality disorder: People who have schizotypal personality disorder often demonstrate discomfort forming close relationships. They may behave in an eccentric way and have instances of distorted thinking. They may hold beliefs that are perceived as odd by others and engage in magical thinking, such as superstition or a belief in telepathy. They might perceive things others don’t, such as a presence that isn’t there, and their speech can be vague or metaphorical. Other common symptoms of this disorder include suspiciousness, paranoid thinking, and inappropriate or limited emotions. Eccentric behaviors or appearances often set them apart, and they typically lack close friends or confidants. They may suffer from excessive social anxiety, and it tends not to improve with familiarity, which can further contribute to their isolation. 

Although these symptoms can provide overall guidelines for diagnosis, personality disorders require a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with a personality disorder, Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, can provide a pathway to healing.  

The exact causes of personality disorders are not fully understood, but experts believe that they are the result of a combination of factors. Genetics can play a role, as research shows that having a family history of personality disorders may increase a person’s risk for suffering from one of these disorders themselves. Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, and job loss, can also trigger symptoms in some people. Additionally, substance use, like the use of drugs or alcohol, may raise a person’s risk for having a personality disorder, especially those who are more vulnerable due to genetic factors. People who have conditions such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and narcissistic personality disorder may also be more likely to suffer from schizotypal personality disorder

Personality disorders are a serious mental health concern affecting many people across the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 9.1% of adults in the United States struggle with a personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder alone affects about 1.4% of U.S. adults.  

These conditions often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Receiving an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help people manage their symptoms and can improve their sense of well-being. At Turning Point Centers, we offer personalized treatment plans to help people understand and manage their symptoms, which can foster healthier relationships and more fulfilling lives. 

Despite the differences between personality disorders and their associated symptoms, most people respond well to treatment, which often includes a combination of therapy and medication (as needed). The most effective treatment plan depends on the type of personality disorder a person is struggling with, the severity of their symptoms, and other factors. Turning Point Centers’ highly trained mental health specialists work with each client individually to create a personalized treatment plan that can help address the mental, physical, and social challenges they may be experiencing.  

Treating personality disorders often involves using a combination of therapies that are designed to help people understand their thought and behavior patterns, manage their symptoms, and build healthier relationships. Therapies that are commonly used in personality disorder treatment include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For people who are struggling with a personality disorder, CBT can assist with reducing harmful coping mechanisms and improving problem-solving skills and emotion regulation. 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can be especially effective for people who have borderline personality disorder, but it can benefit others as well. DBT focuses on teaching skills in four areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT can help people better manage their emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve their relationships. 

• Group therapy: Group therapy can provide a supportive environment where people who are facing similar challenges can share their experiences, practice their social skills, and learn from each other. Group therapy can also help people improve their interpersonal relationships. 

• Family therapy: Family therapy can help people address the impact of personality disorders on their family dynamics in a supportive environment. It can help improve communication and reduce conflict among family members. Family therapy can also help people cultivate a more supportive home environment, which can foster long-term healing. 

• Medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate): While medications don’t directly treat personality disorders, they may be used to help a person manage their symptoms, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or impulsivity. Medication is not a required part of personality disorder treatment, and whether a person takes medication is always their choice. 

Because no two people are the same, the most effective treatment for personality disorders should be tailored to the individual. At Turning Point Centers in Utah, we work with clients to create a tailored treatment plan that can help them manage their symptoms, build better relationships, and lead a more balanced life.  

At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we provide expert personality disorder treatment options within a boutique treatment setting. Our spacious facility is designed to be a comfortable and inviting place to relax and heal. Our lodging options are surrounded by natural beauty, including the majestic Wasatch Mountains and the beautiful Salt Lake Valley. At Turning Point, clients can enjoy a unique and tranquil setting as they focus on their wellness and move forward on their personal path to healing. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.