While most people are familiar with the signs of anxiety disorders and depression, those aren’t the only mental health conditions that affect Americans. Many people also have personality disorders. These mental health conditions can be distressing to the person with them and the people around them. Untreated personality disorders can cause significant problems that may get worse over time, not better. While these conditions cannot be definitively cured, treatment is possible. Starting a personality disorder treatment program could make all the difference in the quality of a person’s life.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other similar personality disorders, we at Evoke Waltham are here to help. Our goal is to help our patients better understand their mental health and give them the skills, support, and resources they need to manage their symptoms—every minute counts when you need expert assistance with mental health issues. Contact us today at 866.276.1920 to speak to our admissions team and learn more about the signs of a personality disorder and available treatment options.
What Are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are severe mental health conditions characterized by long-term distorted thinking, feeling, and behaving patterns. People with personality disorders have difficulty understanding and relating to others. They may display behaviors that can be confusing, upsetting, or even dangerous. While there is no single cause for personality disorders, they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the more commonly diagnosed personality disorders include:
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
Personality disorder symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of disorder. Common symptoms include difficulty managing emotions, problems with interpersonal relationships, an inability to control impulses or behavior, and rigid thinking patterns.
Common Signs of a Personality Disorder
It can be challenging to identify personality disorder symptoms without specialized training. However, some common signs and behaviors may indicate a person is struggling with a personality disorder.
Emotional Instability
People with some more common personality disorders may have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can lead to frequent mood swings or extreme emotional reactions in response to minor events. They may experience intense feelings such as anger, fear, sadness, or guilt without any external trigger or provocation.
Interpersonal Problems
People diagnosed with personality disorders tend to have problems maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships due to difficulties empathizing with others. They may lack insight into the thoughts and feelings of those around them, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts in social situations. Other signs may include difficulty accepting criticism or advice from others or exhibiting overly demanding behavior towards close friends or family members.
Impulse Control Issues
Some people with personality disorders struggle to control their impulses which can lead to dangerous behaviors such as substance use or reckless driving. They may also engage in self-harming behaviors without understanding the consequences of their actions. Other signs include engaging in shoplifting or stealing without regard for potential outcomes.
Rigid Thinking Patterns
Rigid thinking patterns can be another telltale sign of a personality disorder, particularly regarding inflexibility about beliefs and values that cannot be changed even when presented with evidence to the contrary. This thought process can lead to a belief that one should always get what one wants, no matter what the cost is for other people involved in the situation.
Apart from the usual signs, those with personality disorders may also exhibit typical depression indicators such as self-esteem issues, alterations in sleeping and eating habits or appetite, fatigue, lack of enthusiasm for activities they once cherished, and difficulty focusing on everyday tasks.
Discover the Evoke Waltham Personality Disorder Treatment Program
If you suspect you or someone else is exhibiting signs of a personality disorder, it’s essential to seek professional help. This way, the individual will receive an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if needed. At Evoke Waltham, we offer a comprehensive personality disorder treatment program in a calm, peaceful environment in a beautiful neighborhood. Our luxury treatment center has excellent amenities and a strong community of patients and caregivers. The program meets each patient’s needs and goals and is administered by our highly skilled and experienced staff members. Contact us at 866.276.1920 and stop on the path of healing.
