Personality disorders include a group of complex conditions that each have their own unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The team at Notre Dame Behavioral Health has extensive experience evaluating your symptoms and determining if you have a personality disorder. Then they work with you, helping you overcome the challenges that stand in the way of a fulfilling life. To schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, call the office in Surprise, Arizona, or use the online booking feature today.
The traits that define your personality make you different from other people. Your personality uniquely develops as your experiences and environment mold your core feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. After your personality develops, it usually stays the same and guides your choices throughout your lifetime.
A personality disorder is defined as a way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differs from cultural expectations. This type of disorder appears in adolescence or young adulthood and affects your ability to function in daily life.
Personality disorders develop when your core character changes, often due to childhood trauma or another early life experience. As your personality changes, you develop an ongoing pattern of inappropriate emotional responses and dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors.
When a personality disorder develops, you:
This list only gives you a few examples of the symptoms that develop in people with a personality disorder.
All personality disorders belong to one of three groups based on their common qualities.
The conditions in cluster A cause odd or eccentric thinking and behavior.
The disorders in cluster B cause thoughts and behaviors that are dramatic, unpredictable, and emotional.
The conditions in cluster C cause thoughts and behaviors that are fearful and anxious.
Though there are currently no medications to treat personality disorders, your provider can prescribe medications to improve specific symptoms. For example, you might need an antidepressant, mood stabilizer, antipsychotic medication, or anti-anxiety medication.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy often helps people with personality disorders. During therapy, you can learn about your specific disorder and gain insight into the things that influence your symptoms. Then your therapist teaches you how to control dysfunctional behaviors and manage your thoughts and feelings.
If you need expert care for a personality disorder, call Notre Dame Behavioral Health, or book an appointment online today.