Personality disorders are a category of mental health issues in which people’s behaviors stray from the norm. Although everyone has varied traits and behavior patterns, those with personality disorders tend to have more trouble meeting cultural and social expectations.
In some cases, people with personality disorders may not notice symptoms or consider their behaviors to be problematic.
Types of Personality Disorders and Their Symptoms
Experts categorize personality disorders into three major types: cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C. Each cluster of personality disorders shares common traits and presentations. Across all clusters, there are currently ten recognized personality disorders.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by unusual and eccentric behavior toward others. Symptoms of cluster A personality disorders include:
- Paranoid personality disorder: A mistrust of others, a tendency to hold grudges, and a belief that others are betraying or hiding things from them
- Schizoid personality disorder: Flat or emotionless affect, lack of interest in social relationships, and difficulty feeling pleasure or joy
- Schizotypal personality disorder: Anxiety or discomfort in social relationships, belief in one’s magical powers or abilities, paranoia, and odd speech or dress
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by shocking, unusual, or emotional behavior. Symptoms of cluster B disorders include:
- Antisocial personality disorder: Reckless or impulsive behavior, low or absent empathy, and an unusual sense of morality
- Borderline personality disorder: A wavering or absent sense of identity, mood swings, fear of abandonment or rejection, and rapid shifts in their views of others
- Histrionic personality disorder: An intense desire for attention and praise, mood swings, and intense concern with appearance
- Narcissistic personality disorder: A high sense of importance, difficulty accepting criticism, and an insatiable desire for praise and attention
Cluster C Personality Disorders
Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, tense behavior, especially socially. Symptoms of cluster C personality disorders include:
- Avoidant personality disorder: Low feelings of self-worth, a fear of or belief in others judging them, and avoidance of social relationships and interactions
- Dependent personality disorder: Feelings of helplessness or dependence, intense attachments to others, and a fear of responsibility or independence
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: Intense need for order and perfection and a desire for control over all elements of one’s life
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is different from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), although they are frequently conflated. People with OCD experience two major categories of symptoms. One symptom is obsessions with subjects that make them concerned (such as germs or accidentally harming others). The other is compulsions, which are repetitive tasks they feel compelled to do to ease the obsessions. Meanwhile, people with OCPD are not typically impacted by specific obsessions or compulsions, Instead, they broadly require perfection and order.
The Prevalence of Personality Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 9.1% of U.S. adults had a personality disorder in the past year. The majority of people with personality disorders —67% — have a co-occurring mental health condition. About 52% have a co-occurring anxiety disorder, making anxiety the most common co-occurring condition.
Personality disorders are complex. Experts are not currently sure what causes personality disorders, but they believe that genetics and environment both play a role.
Why Is the Treatment of Personality Disorders Important?
Left untreated, personality disorders can be extremely difficult for both those experiencing the disorder and for their loved ones. Those with personality disorders may struggle to attend work or school, complete daily life chores, or maintain social relationships. Many personality disorders are stigmatized, resulting in additional difficulty in daily functioning.
The good news is that personality disorders are treatable. Experts have developed effective therapy options that can teach those with personality disorders the vital skills they need to succeed.
Alter Wellness Care’s Program
Alter Wellness Care, located in Laguna Beach, California, offers holistic, cutting-edge treatment for those with personality disorders or other psychiatric conditions. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is possible.
To ensure our clients’ needs are met, Alter Wellness Care offers three main treatment programs: two intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and one partial hospitalization program (PHP). Each offers different levels of flexibility, structure, and time commitment.
Our Intensive Outpatient Programs
Our IOPs are designed for those seeking higher levels of structure in their care. To meet your needs and time constraints, we offer two different IOPs: IOP5 and IOP3.
- IOP5 is our longer program, lasting 40 to 60 days. For this option, you’ll meet five days a week for therapy, offered several times a day, Monday through Friday. Throughout your entire stay, including weekends, you will live at a local sober living house, which provides a safe, convenient home base.
- IOP3 is our shorter program, lasting 30 to 40 days. You will attend therapy five days a week, choosing between two therapy sessions in the morning or two in the afternoon. During your entire stay, you will reside at a beautiful local sober living house.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is designed for you if you want more flexibility in your treatment. Lasting 30 to 45 days total, you will stay in a local sober living house to ensure your safety and easy access to care. During weekdays, treatment is offered three to five days a week at several points in the day.
Getting Help for Personality Disorders
At Alter Wellness Care, we believe in holistic, trauma-informed treatment. As such, we provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options to ensure you achieve success. Our treatment options include the following:
- Psycho-educational groups
- Skills development groups
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Support groups
- Interpersonal process groups
- Acceptance therapy
We pride ourselves in offering a wide array of services to address the underlying root causes and effectively bring you back to health. You don’t have to suffer alone. We can help.
At Alter Wellness Care, we provide compassionate treatment for personality disorders and other mental health conditions. Call us at (866) 515-1580
