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Commonly Used Treatments For Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are difficult conditions to treat. As well as the stigma that goes along with it. I have heard many people saying that there are no treatment available for persons diagnosed with personality disorders and its hopeless. This is far from the truth, there are a variety of treatment that may aid in the treatment of personality disorders. There are ten types of personality disorders listed in the DSM. In the DSM-5 personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on descriptive similarities.

3 Clusters Of Personality Disorders

  1. Cluster A Personality disorders – Paranoid (PPD), Schizoid (SPD), Schizotypal

  2. Cluster B Personality disorders- Antisocial (ASPD) could be psychopaths, sociopaths, Borderline (BPD), Histrionic (HPD) Narcissistic (NPD)

  3. Cluster C Personality disorders – Avoidant (APD), Dependent (DPD), Obsessive-compulsive (OCPD)

Treatment Available For Personality Disorders

There are certain types of psychotherapy that are effective for treating personality disorders. During psychotherapy, an individual can gain insight and knowledge about the disorder and what is contributing to symptoms, and can talk about thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help a person understand the effects of their behavior on others and learn to manage or cope with symptoms and to reduce behaviors causing problems with functioning and relationships. The type of treatment will depend on the specific personality disorder, how severe it is, and the individual’s circumstances.

Commonly Used Types Of Psychotherapy

  1. Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy

  2. Dialectical behavior therapy

  3. Cognitive behavioral therapy

  4. Group therapy

  5. Psychoeducation (teaching the individual and family members about the illness, treatment and ways of coping)

  6. Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy

  7. Dialectical behavior therapy

  8. Cognitive behavioral therapy

  9. Group therapy

  10. Psychoeducation (teaching the individual and family members about the illness, treatment and ways of coping)

Other Forms Of Treatment

There are no medications specifically to treat personality disorders. However, medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or mood stabilizing medication, may be helpful in treating some symptoms. More severe or long lasting symptoms may require a team approach involving a primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, social worker and family members.

Any questions, queries or concerns please feel free to comment below I would love to hear your thoughts.

AMY

 
 
 

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