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Personality Disorder
Treatment Program
Options
Personality disorders make up a group of mental illnesses in which a
person displays long-term rigid patterns of behavior and thoughts that
don’t adapt to a wide range of settings. Most people who have these
disorders don’t seek treatment immediately, even if personality
disorder treatment program options are available for them.

If you are, or a person you know is, displaying behaviors that highly
interfere with the ability to function normally in work or relationships,
don’t hesitate to contact us at to get information on how you can help
yourself or someone you love.

Many different types of personality disorders exist, and the symptoms

vary greatly according to each type. Commonly diagnosed personality
disorders include:

 Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

 Borderline personality disorder
 Avoidant personality disorder
 Schizoid personality disorder
 Antisocial personality disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about

9.1 percent of the US adult population experience a personality
disorder in a 12-month prevalence period. Most of these people often
suffer from a co-occurring major mental disorder, such as
depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and others.

What Causes Personality Disorders?

No known definite cause of personality disorders exists, although

researchers believe genetics and environmental factors play a huge
role in developing the condition. In some studies, some
malfunctioning genes might cause certain personality disorders, while
another study links anxiety, fear and aggression to genetics. Other
factors being explored as possible causes of personality
disorders include:
 Childhood trauma. Many people who are diagnosed with
borderline or schizotypal personality disorder experienced sexual
trauma or bullying during childhood.
 Verbal abuse. Children who’ve suffered from insensitive
parenting and verbal abuse during childhood are three times more
likely to suffer from narcissistic personality disorder.
 High reactivity. Sensitivity to light, texture, noise and other
stimuli might also cause a very young child to develop anxious
personalities during their teenage years and into adulthood.
However, only 10 percent of highly reactive infants develop a
certain type of phobia.
 Peers. Strong bonds or relationships with family, relatives or
friends might cause dependent personality disorder.

Many psychologists narrow down the probable root of the disorder in

order to design a therapy that can help treat a person’s specific
disorder. It’s important to speak honestly with a doctor or psychologist
when you or a person you love is undergoing assessment and diagnosis
to make sure you or the person involved can get proper treatment.

Is There a Cure for Personality

Disorders?

Personality disorders are difficult to cure because people who suffer

from the condition often have abnormal thoughts and behaviors that
prevent them from thinking and functioning as well as they should.
Most have denial issues and reject the presence of their condition;
however, these disorders don’t go away without proper treatment.
According to the NIMH, 42.4 percent of people diagnosed with
personality disorder are receiving treatment. The treatment depends
on a person’s particular personality disorder. Treatments available
include medications, hospitalization and psychotherapy. Call us at to
get more information about various treatment and program options
for specific types of personality disorder.

Therapies for Personality Disorders

Therapy is a general term for the application of techniques used to

improve a person’s mental or physical well-being. Psychotherapy is the
main way of dealing with and treating mental conditions like
personality disorders. Also called “talk therapy,” therapists deal with
the patients by encouraging them to talk about their condition,
feelings, thoughts, mood and behavior. Several types of psychotherapy
for mental illnesses include:

 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

 Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
 Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
 Family-focused therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Treatments

Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, helps patients to

recognize and alter their inaccurate perception about themselves,
other people and the world around them. Most therapists combine
cognitive and behavioral therapies to replace a person’s unhealthy
thoughts with positive and healthier perceptions. Aside from cognitive
and behavioral, another branch of CBT is dynamic, or an examination
of a person’s early childhood to identify the possible cause of that
person’s personality disorder.

CBT is ideal for individuals who can’t take medications for their
disorder or for those who have thoughts and behavioral patterns that
display a form of mental illness. It’s also used alongside
antidepressants or medications during hospitalization, and it is a
recommended therapy for people of all ages who have mental
conditions.

Other Therapeutic Methods

Other forms of CBT are also considered helpful in treating personality

disorders. For example, dialectical behavior therapy is indicated for
the treatment of borderline personality disorder, a disorder where
suicidal thoughts and self-mutilation actions are common. During a
DBT session, the therapist assures the patient that their behavior and
actions are understandable and valid. By the end of the therapy, the
patient should be able to change disruptive or unhealthy behavior.

Interpersonal therapy focuses mainly on how patients interact with

family and friends. This therapy is often used on a one-on-one basis as
a way of addressing and treating depression. It’s based on the idea that
a person’s way of communicating with others affects their moods and
feelings, and improving communication skills might improve a
person’s case of depression. On the other hand, family-focused
therapy is mainly used in treating bipolar disorder. The therapy
educates the patient’s family on their family member’s condition and
informs them of ways to effectively handle or live with difficulties
associated with the condition.

Residential Inpatient Personality

Disorder Treatment Centers

Personality disorders tend to be chronic and often require long-term

treatment. When the symptoms are severe or other physical or mental
conditions are present, hospitalization inside a personality disorder
facility could be required to treat the disorder. Residential or inpatient
treatment centers can offer acute or long-term treatment program,
depending on the type and severity of the personality disorder of the
patient. Patients with borderline personality disorder, which make up
about 6 percent of the US adult population, utilize inpatient treatment
programs because of their inability to control and regulate their
emotions and behaviors.

The Benefits of Residential Personality

Treatment

Many people who have personality disorders require the care of skilled
general psychiatrists and a disciplined staff due to their pervasive
behavior and emotional problems. A residential treatment facility
offers a supportive environment and 24-hour monitoring and medical
care. The disorders also require complex handling, which can be
managed immediately in an acute setting like a residential personality
disorder facility.

Most residential centers also provide therapeutic communities (TC)

where patients undergo a more intensive form of therapy.
Participating in TCs requires a high level of commitment as well as a
willingness to take part in group therapy and activities.

Luxury Personality Disorder Facilities

A luxury disorder center offers the same treatment as a standard

residential facility, but often provides more amenities. Most luxury
centers provide patients with personal staff and attendants as well as
private rooms in posh settings. It isn’t surprising to find a luxury
treatment center located in a highly secluded area where patients can
relax and enjoy their stay without fear of their privacy being exposed.

A luxury center might emphasize the physical and emotional well-

being of their patients. Most have fitness centers where one can take
Pilates or yoga classes or have one-on-one sessions with physical
fitness trainers.

Don’t hesitate to call us at to get help finding a luxury and private
personality disorder center near your area.
Executive Personality Disorder
Programs

An executive personality disorder treatment program focuses on

people with personality disorders in the business and professional
arena. The programs are designed to help patients cope with their
condition as well as manage the stress acquired from a loaded
workday. The patient who chooses to undertake an executive
treatment program can enter a private facility in secrecy in order to
keep the patient’s condition confidential.

Outpatient Personality Rehab and

Treatment Programs

About 10 percent of outpatient admission involve borderline

personality disorder. Outpatient treatment for personality disorders is
recommended for people who don’t display disruptive and violent
behavior because of their conditions. Outpatient care and treatment
are similar to those provided in inpatient settings, but patients are
required come for the recommended number of sessions for therapies
and medications.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

There are no FDA-approved medications for personality disorders, but
antidepressants and other medications can be prescribed and taken to
control the symptoms of the condition. These medications include:

 Antidepressants. These medications can be taken to control and

suppress feelings of anger, hopelessness, impulsivity or irritability
induced by personality disorder. Some of the most common
antidepressants for controlling and managing personality disorder
include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic
antidepressants.
 Antipsychotic medications. These medications are often
prescribed for schizoid personality disorder or schizophrenia-
related conditions. Antipsychotics are often prescribed to prevent
recurring self-harm. They are also used if the patient is losing touch
with reality (psychosis).
 Mood-stabilizing medications. These medications can reduce
irritability, mood swings and impulsive behavior. They’ve been used
in managing borderline personality disorder.
 Anti-anxiety medications. Benzodiazepines are taken to promote
a sense of well-being in patients with personality disorders. They
should be taken as prescribed by a doctor because they can cause
drug tolerance and dependence.

Prescriptions medications are often used as temporary relief for

personality disorder symptoms. They can be taken alongside therapies
during an outpatient or inpatient treatment program. Always consult a
doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication for personality
disorder to prevent the occurrence of side effects. It is important
to find help on treating personality disorder for you or your loved one.
Call us today for more information.

How to Find the Best Personality

Disorder Treatment Facility

It’s vital to undergo a thorough checkup with a physician and skilled

general psychiatrist before entering a residential or outpatient
treatment facility for personality disorders. Some disorders have
overlapping symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis and improper
therapy and medications. You can also call us at to learn
about available personality disorder treatment options for your or
your loved one’s type of personality disorder.

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