Personality Disorder Therapy Phoenix, AZ
Personality disorder therapy and treatment offer people with various personality disorders a way to manage and cope with their symptoms. A personality disorder refers to a set of long-term behavior patterns significantly impairing a person's ability to function in society. Personality disorders often create problems for patients in all aspects of their lives, making them more vulnerable to mental illness and substance abuse. Our clinic provides services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We have specialized clinicians experienced in working with each age group.
Personality disorder therapy is available at Push Wellness Health in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Our team can help diagnose, manage, and treat various personality disorders. Call us today at (480) 739-6765 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Types of Personality Disorders
Personality is what sets each individual apart from others. It comes from a mixture of experiences, environment, surroundings, situations, and inherited characteristics. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a personality disorder is "a way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates from culture's expectations, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time."
There are ten types of personality disorders, which can be categorized under three clusters: suspicious, emotional or impulsive, and anxious.
- Cluster A – Suspicious: includes Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder, and Schizotypal personality disorder.
- Cluster B – Emotional or Impulsive: consists of Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), Borderline personality disorder (BPD), Histrionic personality disorder, and Narcissistic personality disorder.
- Cluster C – Anxious: encompasses Avoidant personality disorder, Dependent personality disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
Each type of personality disorder has its own set of causes, symptoms, management, and treatment. A person may have all the types in a single cluster or a combination of all the types in each cluster (called a mixed personality disorder). Managing and treating personality disorders requires an accurate diagnosis.
“There are ten types of personality disorders, which can be categorized under three clusters: suspicious, emotional or impulsive, and anxious.”
Causes of Personality Disorder
Personality disorders are often caused by genetics, parenting styles, and peer influences. Modern research suggests that various factors, such as abuse, can also contribute to the development of these disorders, especially when they are inherent in an individual. The American Psychological Association lists the causes of personality disorders and their contributing factors:
- Childhood Trauma. Researchers have found that many complicated or serious traumas that occur in childhood, such as sexual abuse, could severely impact a person with a personality disorder or greatly contribute to its development.
- Genetics. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that 6 out of 7 family members with a certain mutated gene had Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and multiple other conditions such as alcohol and substance abuse.
- High Reactivity. Children who are overly sensitive to certain stimuli, such as light, noise, and textures, may be more susceptible to the development of a personality disorder.
- Peer influence. Relationships can affect the development of a personality disorder in either a positive or negative way.
- Verbal Abuse. Children who experienced emotionally abusive verbal language or threats from their parents were three times more likely to develop a personality disorder in adulthood.
“Personality disorders are often caused by genetics, parenting styles, and peer influences.”
Diagnosing Personality Disorders
To properly diagnose a personality disorder, patients must go through various tests and assessments. We may recommend a physical examination, laboratory tests, psychiatric evaluation, and running diagnostic criteria under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is often difficult to diagnose patients with a particular personality disorder as many signs and symptoms overlap, and many people have a combination of multiple types of personality disorders.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people experiencing long-term deviations from cultural expectations in themselves or loved ones may have one or more personality disorders. This long-term deviation can lead to significant effects or impairment in the following areas:
- Emotional reactions or responses
- Functioning in relationships
- Impulse control
- Interpretation of the self and others
In many cases, diagnosis and treatment require the aid of family members or close friends as the person may not know how to recognize the problem.
“This long-term deviation can lead to significant effects or impairment in the following areas: interpretation of the self and others, emotional reactions or responses, functioning in relationships, and impulse control.”
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Court Ordered Diagnoses
In some cases, the court may order individuals with personality disorders to see a therapist and attain a professional clinical evaluation and diagnosis. In these cases, more severe consequences, such as abuse or violence, may result from the person's behavior.
The 730 Evaluation may be required when concerns about child abuse, substance abuse, mental health concerns, disagreements about relocation, questionable parenting practices, custody arrangements, or questionable upbringings by either parent. The court may also require other evaluations in times of dispute or when a doctor recommends an assessment of a physical or mental health condition.
“In some cases, the court may order individuals with personality disorders to attain a professional, clinical evaluation and diagnosis.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are personality disorders?
Q. What causes personality disorders?
Q. How are personality disorders diagnosed?
Q. What are court-order diagnoses?
Q. What are the available treatments for a personality disorder?
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Q. How are mood disorders diagnosed?
Treatments for Personality Disorders
As personality disorders are often difficult to measure or diagnose, combining treatments can help address multiple factors. The American Psychiatric Association asserts that various forms of psychotherapy help patients understand their condition, how their behavior affects themselves and others, and how to manage their symptoms and keep them at bay. One or more forms of psychotherapy may help manage or treat personality disorders, while more severe cases may require medication and the care of a therapist in conjunction with psychiatric care.
Many psychotherapies can help treat personality disorders, such as Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation. In psychoeducation, a therapist or psychiatrist helps educate the individual and family members about their specific disorder and helps them develop ways of coping. In addition to therapy, people with personality disorders are often given self-care management strategies to work on at home. These include education, physical activity, substance avoidance, routine medical care, support groups, journaling, stress management, and social circles.
“Many psychotherapies can help treat personality disorders, such as Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Group therapy, and Psychoeducation.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Personality Disorder Therapy
Q. Is personality disorder curable?
A. Although it is still unknown whether personality disorders can be completely cured, the symptoms have been known to decrease over time with proper treatment. Early intervention in childhood and adolescence can yield great benefits in reducing symptoms in adulthood. Personality disorders may not currently be curable, but they are treatable and manageable.
Q. How common are personality disorders?
A. Personality disorders are among the most common disorders in the world, with an estimated 10 to 13 percent of the world's population affected. These disorders most commonly begin developing in the teen years and are most commonly diagnosed after the age of 18.
Q. What is the most common type of personality disorder?
A. The most common personality disorder in the United States is Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), followed by Narcissistic personality disorder, and then Borderline personality disorder. Prevalence may be due to the societal norms and expectations in the U.S. today. Commonality may differ in other countries.
Q. What is the most common treatment for a personality disorder?
A. Psychotherapy is the most common way to treat personality disorders. There are various forms of psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Family-Focused Therapy. The type of psychotherapy used depends on the patient's case, severity, and symptoms.
Q. What are the different treatments available for personality disorders?
A. Along with psychotherapy, there are treatments that can be used in combination to help manage symptoms. Although there are no medications strictly made for personality disorders, patients may be prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, or mood-stabilizing medications depending on their case to manage similar symptoms.
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Call Us Today
Personality disorders are manageable with proper treatment and therapy. We have helped people overcome their struggles and live life normally. Call us today at 480-739-6765 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2024
- American Psychiatric Association (APA). American Psychiatric Association (APA). 2024
- Psychology Today. Psychology Today. 2024
- The American Board of Professional Psychology. The American Board of Professional Psychology. 2024
- The American Journal of Psychology. The American Journal of Psychology. 2024
- The National Association of Behavioral Healthcare. The National Association of Behavioral Healthcare. 2024
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