There are currently ten different types of personality disorders that are grouped into three categories – Suspicious; Emotional and Impulsive; Anxious. The disorders are grouped according to the specific characteristics each presents, giving deeper insight into establishing proper treatment.

Suspicious

• Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder
• Antisocial Personality Disorder

Emotional and Impulsive

• Borderline Personality Disorder: Marked by intense variations in moods, behaviors, and
  self-image. An individual with BPD is likely to have extreme episodes alternating
  between depression, rage, and anxiety. Episodes may last anything from a few hours to
  several days. Research suggests that those at risk include individuals who have a parent
  with BPD, have structural irregularities in the parts of the brain that control impulse and
  the regulation of emotion, have experienced childhood trauma or abuse.
• Histrionic Personality Disorder
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Marked by an individual’s highly inflated sense of self-
  importance. These people have an intense need for attention and notably lack the ability
  to empathize since they are unable to perceive any point of view aside from their own.
  Narcissists don’t deal well with stress and find it difficult to adapt to change. They’re
  prone to outbursts of anger, and personal relationships are problematic. Research
  suggests that children who have experienced either overprotective or neglectful parenting
  are at risk of developing this disorder in later life.

Anxious

• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder: Marked by extreme organization and
  perfectionism. People with this disorder find it difficult to function when these extremes
  are not met in the outside world. Anxiety and depression are therefore common among
  individuals with OCPD. The exact cause is yet unknown, but research suggests that
  people with existing mental health problems are more likely than others to develop this
  personality disorder.

A recent study showed that more people are diagnosed with personality disorders than any other type of mental illness. But instead of being disheartening, this information is encouraging because it implies that people are recognizing that they need help, and then following through
and seeking that help. There is no need to be buffered through life, being impaired by dysfunctional behaviors and thoughts when the appropriate support exists for people with personality disorders to go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Identifying a problem is the first step, but in order to properly treat and manage a personality disorder, you have to make an appointment with a medical professional so that a diagnosis can be made. Only after a proper
diagnosis is made can the best route for treatment be established, taking into account your specific situation and needs.

Treatment methods vary depending on the type of personality disorder and your individual life experience. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, medication (antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, mood stabilizers), and adjustments to lifestyle – regular exercise, good nutrition, etc. Most often, it’s a combination of these that make up a holistic treatment plan that will allow the individual to regain control of their condition.

At ZwavelStream Clinic we believe that the best way to assist you on your way to healing is to provide that holistic approach – taking care of the whole in order to achieve wellbeing. We have psychologists available for an appointment if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about personality disorders.