Personality Disorder

What is a personality disorder?

Personality disorders are characterized by poor behavior adaptability, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and inflexibility. They can cause problematic stress-coping behaviors, such as drug or alcohol misuse. Personality disorders can lead to lifelong patterns of negatively reacting to other people or acting impulsively. See Evan and the team if you suspect a personality disorder or have a diagnosis and need expert-level treatment. 

What are the different types of personality disorders?

The symptoms of personality disorders depend on the specific disorder you struggle with. Examples include:

Group A (paranoid, schizotypal, and schizoid)

Group A personality disorders can cause odd thinking patterns. You might have little to no emotion or be highly suspicious of other people.

Group B (borderline, histrionic, antisocial, and narcissistic)

Group B disorders are characterized by impulsivity, paranoia, unpredictable thinking, and an exaggerated sense of one’s abilities. 

Group C (dependent, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive)

Group C personality disorders are associated with difficult relationships, obsessive or controlling behaviors, or severe social anxiety.

Personality disorders make it difficult to interact appropriately with other people. They can negatively affect your career, school, family life, social activities, and overall quality of life. Your risk of addictions and work or legal issues may be higher because of a personality disorder.

What are the risk factors for a personality disorder?

While the cause isn’t fully clear, personality disorders might stem from a combination of genetics and your environment. 

Risk factors include strong urges to seek out risky behaviors, poor impulse control, and early life experiences. For example, your risk increases if your home environment isn’t supportive or stable. A history of trauma, such as abuse or neglect, may also contribute to a personality disorder. 

How are personality disorders diagnosed?

Evan and the team can diagnose personality disorders using DSM-5 criteria during a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They discuss your thoughts, moods, behaviors, emotions, and relationships with other people. 

Evan and the team also review your medical history, lifestyle, medications, and goals to tailor a mental health treatment that’s best suited for you. They utilize Genomind genetic testing when clinically appropriate to assist with medication selection. 

How are personality disorders treated?

Your personalized personality disorder treatment may consist of lifestyle changes, medication management, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or other therapies. It’s helpful to get enough sleep, stay active, manage stress, eat nutritious foods, and maintain a strong social support network. 

Personality disorder treatment at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. is unique because it is deeply trauma-informed. Evan and the team deliver care in a non-judgmental, stabilizing environment. They recognize that early experiences shape emotional patterns and works collaboratively with you to build safety, trust, and long-term emotional regulation.

Schedule a virtual personality disorder evaluation at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.