Almost 15% of the American population, or nearly 31 million Americans, have at least one serious personality disorder. Many individuals struggle with a personality disorder and are unaware of their condition. It's essential to seek a psychiatrist's diagnosis and treatment if you're struggling with a personality disorder. These disorders can cause adverse outcomes in your personal and work life. However, proper treatment can help to lessen the impact on your quality of life.
Definition
Our personalities are the way we think, feel, and behave that make us different from other people. Your personality is created and influenced by your environment, experiences, and some inherited characteristics. Most people don't see drastic changes in their personality over time.
A personality disorder is when personality traits become so rigid, pronounced, and maladaptive that they impair how you interact with others. It often causes distress, issues functioning in the world, and lasts over a long time.
Most often, personality disorders impact at least two of the below:
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How a person thinks about themselves and others
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How an individual responds emotionally
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How an individual relates to others
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How an individual controls their behavior
Different Types
Personality disorders are clustered into three groups: A, B, and C.
Cluster A
Individuals with Cluster A personality disorders come off as eccentric and find it hard to relate to people. The disorders in Cluster A are:
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Paranoid personality
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Schizoid personality
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Schizotypal personality
Cluster B
Individuals with Cluster B personality disorders seem unpredictable and have difficulties controlling their emotions. The disorders in Cluster B are:
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Antisocial personality
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Borderline personality
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Histrionic personality
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Narcissistic personality
Cluster C
Individuals with Cluster C personality disorders have intense feelings of fear and anxiety. The disorders in Cluster C are:
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Dependent personality
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Avoidant personality
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Obsessive-compulsive
What Are The Causes?
Experts aren't certain what causes personality disorders. Frequently, it seems to be genetics or the environment while growing up. Often, those who develop personality disorders have experienced some form of trauma.
What Are The Symptoms?
Personalty disorders can be challenging to diagnose and often require consultation with a psychiatrist. Some of the main symptoms are that the individual has difficulties with their self-identity and interpersonal functioning.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for personality disorders, all usually different forms of therapy with a psychiatrist. The American Psychological Associaton has found that cognitive therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are usually the most effective. If your psychiatrist feels its necessary, medication may be prescribed in conjunction with your therapy treatments.
With treatment, most individuals can see their condition 'go into remission.' This means that the symptoms of the condition are infrequent and no longer impact the individual's quality of life.
Williamsville Psychiatry
If you require a Buffalo psychiatrist, Williamsville Psychiatry has the top doctors in the region. We believe in an individualized, holistic approach to treatment. After a consultation, we work with our patients on a treatment plan that is best suited to their needs. This may or may not include medication.
If you suspect you have a personality disorder, you don't have to keep having it impact your relationships, friendships, and work life. Get the treatment you need so you can start living your best life. Book a consultation online with Williamsville Psychiatry today.