Personality Disorder Treatment

People with this condition typically don’t have an interest in others and forming relationships with them. They choose to be alone, have challenges socializing and experiencing emotion, and find little pleasure in most activities.

Those with schizotypal personality disorder tend to have unique thinking patterns, and may find a deeper meaning in mundane events and situations. Sometimes, they experience auditory hallucinations and believe their thoughts can influence people and the world around them. They have “beyond the norm” beliefs, and often behave inappropriately in social situations. Schizotypal personality disorder is different than schizophrenia, but they have some commonalities. 

Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a deep suspicion and mistrust in every area of life. These people will consistently doubt others’ motivations and loyalty, find personal attacks where there aren’t any, and rarely feel a sense of security. 

People with histrionic personality disorder’s self-worth depends on the attention they receive from others, and they’ll go to great lengths to get it. They’re often dramatic and emotional, but these emotions are shallow and change quickly. They’re easily influenced, and may feel like they’re closer to people than they actually are. 

The outdated terms “sociopath” and “psychopath” fall under this condition. These people have little concern for other people and rules. They often fail to follow unspoken social guidelines and get in trouble with the law. They also rarely care about the consequences of their actions, are impulsive, and may even be aggressive.

People with borderline personality disorder have an extreme fear of abandonment, intense emotions they have trouble regulating, and a confused sense of self. They often feel empty, don’t know who they are, and have unstable relationships. They tend to get deeply attached to one person, have an extreme and varying opinion of them, and experience paranoia about them leaving. Sometimes, they will “test” the loyalty of the people who care for them, even to the point of threatening self-harm or suicide. It’s often more than a threat, too. Around 70% of people with borderline personality disorder attempt suicide, and as many as 10% of those with the disorder will die by suicide. This makes it the highest suicide rate of any mental health condition.

People with this condition believe they’re superior to others, and often have little regard for other people and their feelings. They need others to look up to them and might exaggerate their accomplishments to look more impressive. They want attention and adoration and believe they should receive special treatment, even if there’s no reason for it. Despite their apparent superiority complex, people with this condition are usually insecure.

These individuals have a fear of judgment and rejection so intense that it makes them avoid interacting with others. They’re very quiet in social situations, and while they often wish they could interact with others, their feelings of inadequacy and anxiety get in the way. They’ll also avoid trying new things because they anticipate failing and being humiliated. 

People with dependent personality disorder feel like they must be taken care of by others. They’re highly indecisive, need help with most things, and fear being left alone. They have low self-confidence and feel the need to please others, even if they’re being mistreated. 

Different from obsessive-compulsive disorder, people with this condition experience similar symptoms without realizing they’re dysfunctional. These people want constant control, are inflexible, and have such an intense need for perfection that it negatively impacts their lives. It can keep them from finishing projects and spending time with others, and they’re usually stubborn.