A person’s personality is a combination of characteristics, beliefs, and behavior styles that make them unique. Their perceptions of the world, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes are part of that personality. Personality grows more consistent with age but does not ever become fixed. Accounting for nearly 10% of the U.S. population, individuals with personality disorders have ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ from general cultural norms. Personality disorders cause significant impairment in daily functioning that results in far-reaching consequences. Rose Hill Center offers comprehensive personality disorder treatment in Michigan. Learn how we can help you or your loved one by calling 866.367.0220.
A Closer Look at Personality Disorders
According to the American Psychological Association [APA], nearly 30% of individuals who seek mental health services have at least one personality disorder. There are ten different personality disorders, which each have distinct symptoms. Personality disorders begin to emerge in late adolescence and early adulthood. Most individuals with a personality disorder are unaware of the problem because their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors feel normal. They often believe that others cause their problems.
Personality disorders commonly affect the following areas of a person’s functioning:
- How they think about themselves and others
- Their emotional responses
- How they conduct themselves or control their behavior
- Their interactions and relations with others
Causes of Personality Disorders
While there is no known cause of personality disorders, they appear to be rooted in genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, environmental factors may cause a genetically predisposed person to develop a personality disorder. General symptoms that can indicate the presence of a personality disorder include:
- A pattern of unstable relationships
- Frequent displays of anger
- Consistently displaying impulsive, risk-taking behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Withdrawal from or lack of interest in social situations
- Frequent problems at school or work
Untreated personality disorders have long-term consequences. Personality disorder treatment in Michigan can help.
The Need for Personality Disorder Therapy
While the range of symptoms of personality disorders is far-reaching, the common thread is that they will not subside without treatment from personality disorder therapists. The type of personality disorder treatment you require will depend upon:
- The type of personality disorder[s] you have
- The severity of your symptoms
- Level of support at home or in the community
- Ability to function and provide self-care
- Co-occurring disorders
Individuals with mild symptoms that are well-controlled can usually manage with outpatient care from a team that includes a physician, community supports, and a personality disorder therapist. However, personality disorders tend to be chronic and require long-term treatment. When symptoms are severe or co-occurring disorders exist, residential treatment is the best course.
Typical Methods Used by Personality Disorder Therapists
Personality disorders have the reputation of being difficult to treat in part because personality traits are largely innate, meaning that we are born with them. Additionally, most of those with personality disorders go untreated or are frequently misdiagnosed, so research on effective treatments is limited.
That said, there are some evidence-based treatment methods typically used by personality disorder therapists, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT]
- Dialectical behavior therapy [DBT]
- Psychoanalytic treatment, or talk therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Group therapy
- Interpersonal therapy [IPT]
- Family therapy
CBT and DBT are particularly effective for almost all personality disorders. CBT helps people identify and change dysfunctional core beliefs, while DBT emphasizes emotional regulation. There are no medications specifically designed to treat personality disorders. However, antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often incorporated into an overall treatment plan.
Find Treatment at Rose Hill Center
Living with a personality disorder can make life chaotic. Affected individuals and their loved ones often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and desperate. The Rose Hill Center team has over 40 years of experience treating personality disorders, so we know how to help.Rose Hill Center provides top-rated long-term personality disorder treatment in Michigan. Our adult mental health services include:
- Residential rehabilitation program
- Individual residential care
- Co-occurring rehabilitation services
- Transitional living services
- Extended residential program
- Community support services
- Life skills and work team programs
More than a mental health treatment center, Rose Hill Center is a community of people who share the common goals of healing and growth.
Contact us today at 866.367.0220 to discover how we can help you or your loved one learn to manage personality disorder symptoms to live the happy, healthy life you deserve.