Everyone experiences conflicting emotions or volatile mood swings they can’t rationally explain. They may be caused by major life changes, hormones in the body or difficulties at school or work. Human emotions are complex, it can be hard to tell whether these feelings are temporary or a sign of a larger mental health problem. If these emotional traits are negatively impacting your life, they may indicate a personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder treatment centers in Florida can help you determine your condition and manage symptoms.
What Are Personality Disorders?
A personality disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, behavior and functioning. Individuals with personality disorders may experience difficulty relating to situations or people and perceiving the emotions of others. This can cause significant problems in a person’s relationships, work, school or social activities.
Personality disorders usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood but can occur at any time. Many individuals may not realize they’re living with a personality disorder because their way of behaving and thinking seems normal to them, making it challenging to persuade them to get help. About 9.1% of adults in the United States are affected by a personality disorder.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most commonly diagnosed personality disorder, affecting 1.4% of the population.
Types of Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on similar symptoms and characteristics. Each disorder has its own specific criteria that must be met for an official diagnosis. It’s also possible for a person to exhibit symptoms or signs of more than one personality disorder.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
Cluster A disorders are characterized by thoughts or behaviors that may seem odd or eccentric. Symptoms can include hearing voices or feeling suspicious of others with no cause. Individuals may also struggle to navigate social situations or pick up social cues.
Paranoid personality disorder is a cluster A disorder characterized by feeling mistrustful of others due to the unjustified belief they’re trying to cause harm. Individuals may have a hard time confiding in others, become angry or hostile and hold grudges.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Cluster B disorders involve dramatic or unpredictable behaviors. Individuals may abuse drugs and alcohol or engage in risky sexual or attention-seeking behaviors. For example, those with borderline personality disorder may engage in high-risk and impulsive behavior such as gambling, binge eating or having unsafe sex. Individuals typically experience unstable relationships, fragile self-image and an intense fear of being alone.
Antisocial personality disorder is another cluster B condition characterized by disregarding others’ feelings or emotions and experiencing recurring legal problems. Individuals may engage in impulsive or aggressive behaviors such as lying, conning or stealing from others.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
Cluster C disorders are defined by intense anxiety and fear. Symptoms usually include a strong fear of rejection or abandonment, being overly sensitive to rejection and being clingy in relationships. Individuals may constantly obsess over the need to be perfect.
For example, those with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder strive to achieve extreme perfectionism and are constantly preoccupied with orderliness, rules and details. Individuals may lack self-confidence, fear being alone, require constant reassurance and tolerate abusive behavior from others.
When Does a Personality Issue Become a Disorder?
When thoughts and behavior traits are long-term and inflexible, interfering with your job, relationships and ability to function, the issue may signify a personality disorder. Individuals may be hesitant to seek a formal diagnosis because of the stigma associated with personality disorders or out of fear of friends or family finding out. However, an official diagnosis can also lead to treatment methods that help with managing symptoms.
To get an official diagnosis, you’ll need to talk to a trained mental health professional who’ll ask you questions about your feelings, emotions and behaviors. The doctor will then run a few tests and see if you match the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for a specific disorder. While the process may be uncomfortable at times and require sharing personal information, being honest will ensure you’re diagnosed correctly so you can determine next steps.
Can You Go to Rehab for BPD and Other Personality Disorders?
After receiving a diagnosis, you may start wondering, “Should I search for BPD treatment near me?” The symptoms and severity of the disorder are different for everyone. Since personality disorders are lifelong conditions, treatment can range from a few months to several years.
Treatment can also vary depending on the type of disorder. For instance, BPD rehab mostly includes psychotherapy and medication. The borderline personality disorder treatment centers Florida offers focus on an individual’s ability to function, manage uncomfortable emotions and reduce impulsivity. Most personality disorders benefit from talk therapy.
While there are no specific medications to treat personality disorders, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiety medication or antipsychotic medications. Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs are available for personality disorders. In severe cases where an individual is struggling to care for themselves, long-term psychiatric care can help with managing symptoms and developing healthy coping skills.
In any treatment setting, individuals are assigned a dedicated team that develops individualized treatment plans designed to equip them with the tools needed to manage their disorder and live successfully once rehab is over.
Can Personality Disorders Be Treated Without a Professional?
Therapy and medication are the best methods for treating a personality disorder. However, there are some techniques you can use at home to make symptoms easier to cope with:
- Build a strong support system
- Learn about your condition to understand how it affects you
- Learn to recognize your triggers for angry outbursts or impulsive behaviors
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle such as eating healthy, exercising regularly and engaging in social activities
- Avoid using drugs or alcohol
- Reach out to others with the disorder or look for community support groups
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Centers in Florida
Admitting you have an issue and reaching out for help can be daunting, but facing the problem can lead to better outcomes than avoiding it. If you or a loved one is struggling with a potential personality disorder, Restore Mental Health offers many treatment options that can help manage symptoms. Contact us today by calling and take the first step toward building a better life.
