Personality Disorders Treatment
A variety of personality disorders exist, each with its own set of symptoms and associated behaviors.
Though disorders like these can prove difficult for an individual to manage alone, the help of a treatment center can offer relief from symptoms and the tools and support to make lasting changes. Understanding the disorder, treatment possibilities, and how a residential mental health center can be the best help is key to making an informed decision regarding care.
What Are Personality Disorders?
Considered a class of mental health disorders, personality disorders are generally characterized by long-term patterns of unhealthy thinking and behavior. Individuals may feel untrusting, suspicious, angry, severely stressed, withdrawn, anxious, depressed, or have difficulty managing emotions.
There are three different clusters a personality disorder may fall into, depending on the characteristics and behavioral patterns presented.
Cluster A
Disorders in Cluster A are associated with odd or eccentric behavior. These include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
- Paranoid PD – A severe mistrust of others and persistent paranoid thinking
- Schizoid PD – Discomfort in social settings, often appearing eccentric or emotionally distant
- Schizotypal PD – A mix of schizoid and paranoid behaviors, often involving distorted thinking or magical beliefs
Cluster B
People in Cluster B typically show dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable behavior. This includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
- Antisocial PD – A disregard for the feelings and rights of others
- Borderline PD – Intense mood swings, unstable self-image, and relationship difficulties
- Histrionic PD – A strong need for attention, often acting dramatically to be noticed
- Narcissistic PD – Inflated sense of importance coupled with low self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism
Cluster C
Cluster C disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful behavior. These include avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
- Avoidant PD – Avoids social interactions due to fear of rejection or criticism
- Dependent PD – Relies heavily on others to meet emotional and physical needs
- Obsessive-Compulsive PD – Preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control
Treatment Options for Personality Disorders
No matter which personality disorder a person is diagnosed with, there are several commonly recommended approaches to treatment that can significantly improve quality of life.
Medication
Individuals diagnosed with a personality disorder are often prescribed medication to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Finding the right medication or dosage may take time, and it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider throughout this process.
According to the Mayo Clinic, medications may include one or more of the following:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antipsychotic medications
Individual Therapy
Individuals are often encouraged to attend one-on-one therapy sessions. These regular sessions give the therapist time to explore the underlying causes of unhealthy thinking and behaviors and to provide coping tools for when symptoms arise. Identifying triggers and developing real-time coping strategies are key to managing mood swings and other symptoms.
Various types of psychotherapy — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — have proven effective in treating personality disorders. Mental health professionals work closely with patients to help them manage challenging thoughts and behaviors in a supportive, structured way.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a valuable treatment option for individuals who feel isolated or misunderstood. Hearing from others with similar experiences can offer comfort, perspective, and practical strategies for coping. It also helps reduce the stigma that often surrounds personality disorders. Many treatment plans recommend a combination of individual and group therapy for the most benefit.
Residential Treatment
Some individuals may benefit from removing themselves from daily triggers by entering a residential treatment facility. A structured, substance-free environment allows them to focus solely on healing and self-growth. This type of treatment can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual’s needs and progress.
Treatments for Specific Personality Disorders
While there are general treatment approaches for personality disorders, each specific disorder may require a more tailored plan to address unique symptoms and behaviors.
Medication types often depend on the cluster classification. For example, individuals in Cluster C, who experience fear and anxiety, may benefit from anti-anxiety medications. Those in Cluster B may require mood stabilizers or antidepressants to manage emotional instability, while Cluster A disorders are more likely to be treated with antipsychotic medications.
It’s also common for individuals to experience symptoms from more than one cluster or to be diagnosed with multiple personality disorders. In such cases, a combination of medications may be recommended for the most effective treatment outcome.
Additionally, treatment plans may differ based on personality traits. For example, individuals with narcissistic or paranoid personality disorders may benefit more from individual therapy rather than group therapy, especially in the early stages. These individuals may find it difficult to open up in a group setting due to feelings of superiority or mistrust.
California Care Recovery Treatment for Personality Disorders
At California Care Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis, addressing both mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use challenges. These conditions often develop alongside one another—some individuals turn to substances to cope with their disorder, while others develop mental health issues as a result of substance abuse.
We treat a wide range of personality disorders, helping individuals identify the root causes of their behaviors, manage triggers, and improve their emotional well-being. Our evidence-based approach is personalized to each patient, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective.
California Care Recovery treats, but is not limited to, the following personality disorders:
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
Find Mental Health Treatment in Orange County
When searching for “personality disorder treatment near me,” you’ll find several mental health facilities in Orange County. At California Care Recovery, we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs designed to support individuals struggling with their mental health and emotional well-being.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey toward self-care, healing, and lasting wellness.