Personality Disorders

More than 9% of the population struggles with a personality disorder. If you have disruptive behaviors, thoughts, moods, or peer relationships, see board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Hawley Campbell, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, at HC Mental Health & Wellness in Florida, or DC. She diagnoses and treats personality disorders to help you overcome challenging symptoms. Schedule a telehealth evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What are personality disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of 10 disorders affecting your mental health. They’re characterized by disruptive thoughts, behaviors, moods, and interpersonal relationships — and can cause significant distress when left untreated.

Your personality is who you are as an individual, involving a blend of unique traits and how you express them during interactions with other people.

What are the different types of personality disorders?

Examples of the different types of personality disorders include:

Cluster A personality disorders

Cluster A personality disorders consist of eccentric or unusual behavior patterns or thoughts. Examples of such disorders include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. You might have intense discomfort with close relationships or be unable to maintain healthy peer relationships. 

Cluster B personality disorders

Cluster B disorders involve erratic and dramatic behaviors. People with these disorders may display impulsive behaviors and unstable motions. Examples include antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.

Cluster C personality disorders

Cluster C personality disorders can cause severe anxiety and a fear of being judged or rejected. Examples include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). 

What increases the risk of personality disorders?

Personality disorder risk factors may include:

• Genetics
• Childhood trauma
• Brain changes
• Cultural factors
• Physical or verbal abuse

However, the exact causes of personality disorders aren’t fully understood.

Which symptoms can personality disorders cause?

Symptoms that may appear because of a personality disorder include:

• Poor interpersonal relationships
• Lack of empathy or respect
• Feeling emotionally detached from others
• Strong need for care or attention
• Lack of a clear self-image 
• Unrealistically low or high self-esteem
• Inconsistent, confusing, or frustrating behavior patterns
• Treating others around you poorly 

Many people with a personality disorder don’t realize how problematic their behaviors and thoughts truly are.

How are personality disorders diagnosed?

Hawley can diagnose a personality disorder by completing a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. She discusses your emotions, peer relationships, moods, thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle habits. HC Mental Health & Wellness uses GeneSight® testing to determine which medication would likely best suit you based on your genes.

How are personality disorders treated?

Treating a personality disorder may consist of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), social skills training, or other forms of therapy. Hawley tailors a treatment plan based on the specific condition you have and its severity. 

It’s also helpful to adopt healthy habits like staying active, getting enough sleep, minimizing stress, eating healthy foods, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. 

Schedule a virtual personality disorders evaluation with Hawley at HC Mental Health & Wellness by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.