Personality Disorders

Paranoid Personality Disorder

 

This condition is a mental condition in which a person distrusts people and is suspicious of them. The condition tends to last for a long period of time, but it is not considered to be a psychotic disorder.

 

What Are the Symptoms?

 

People with this condition are so suspicious of other people that they go out of their way to avoid interacting with them. They believe that their lives are in danger, and they are always searching for evidence that this belief is real. They don’t know that their beliefs do not reflect reality.

 

Symptoms of paranoid personality disorder include the following:

 

• Hostility

• Detachment

• Social isolation

• The inability to work with other people

• The belief that others will take advantage of them or hurt them

• The belief that people are not honest with them about their motives

 

What Is the Treatment?

 

The main treatment for this condition is psychotherapy. In therapy sessions, the patient learns new coping skills. Then, the patient’s therapist helps him or her engage in social interactions. Patients also learn how to effectively communicate with others and to improve the image that they have of themselves.

 

It can be challenging for a person diagnosed with this condition because therapy requires the patient to trust the therapist. Because they lack trust, they tend not to follow the therapist’s treatment plans. Although medication is not necessarily a part of the treatment protocol, therapists may prescribe antipsychotic, antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications to treat severe symptoms. In some cases, people experiencing symptoms of this condition are also experiencing anxiety or depression.

 

Schizoid Personality Disorder

 

Schizoid personality disorder is a condition in which people avoid interacting with others and avoid engaging in social activities. Their emotions are often very limited. People with this personality type are known as “loners,” and they often refuse to nurture any close relationships. People misunderstand them as being uninterested because they are unable to express emotions.

 

Symptoms of the condition include the following:

 

• Failing to react when criticized or praised

• Appearing not to have any goals or motivation

• Appearing to be emotionally distant

• Being unable to express the appropriate emotion in situations

• Feeling as if they cannot experience pleasure

• Not having the desire to engage in sexual activity

• Not having the desire to be close to anyone

• Choosing to do things alone

Personality Disorder Treatment

 

Psychotherapy also treats this condition. For example, therapists choose a form of cognitive behavioral therapy to change the beliefs and behaviors that are causing issues. Along with individual therapy, group therapy also helps people with this condition. Everyone in the group will have the same condition, and they will practice new skills together. After a while, group therapy becomes a support group where people can continue to improve their social skills.

 

If someone with this condition is also experiencing anxiety or depression, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

 

Antisocial Personality Disorder

 

A psychiatrist may diagnose someone with this condition if he or she has no regard for what is right or wrong. This type of person also disregards other people’s feelings and rights.

 

Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include the following:

 

• Fails to fulfill responsibilities at work or home

• Fails to learn from the negative consequences of behaviors

• Abuses friends and family members

• Takes dangerous risks without regard for himself or other people

• Feels no remorse after hurting others and doesn’t experience empathy

• Expresses violent, aggressive, agitated or irritable behavior

• Doesn’t plan for the future

• Treats others dishonestly and intimidates them to take advantage of them

• Repeatedly has interactions with the law

• Feels superior to others

• Uses a beguiling personality with the purpose of obtaining pleasure or monetary gains

• Disrespectful, cynical and callous in interactions with people

• Lies constantly with the intent to exploit others

• No regard for right or wrong

 

Treatment

 

The treatment for this condition is also psychotherapy and medication. Specifically, people with this condition receive treatment for anger management. If they are addicted to substances, they also receive treatment for substance use disorder.

 

A physician prescribes medications to treat conditions associated with this disorder. They may prescribe medications that treat aggression, but these medicines may lead to abuse.

 

Histrionic Personality Disorder

 

Someone with this personality disorder derives self-esteem from the approval of others. They have an extreme need to be noticed and may act in inappropriate ways to get attention.

 

Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder

 

The symptoms of this disorder include the following:

 

• Feeling uncomfortable unless he or she is the center of attention

• Dressing in a flirtatious manner and acting seductively

• Rapidly changing emotions

• Acting as if he or she is on a stage and not appearing to be sincere

• Spending an inordinate amount of time on his or her appearance

• Feeling uncomfortable unless someone is praising him or her

• Easily following others

• Has difficulties taking criticism

• Acts without thinking

• Has trouble considering possible consequences before making decisions

• Has trouble maintaining close relationships

Treatment

 

In most cases, people diagnosed with this disorder receive treatment with psychotherapy. The therapist helps the patient recognize the fears and motivations that cause his or her behaviors. They also learn how to be in a functional relationship with other people. Medication will only be prescribed if the person is also experiencing anxiety or depression.

 

We’re Here to Help You

 

Sparks Wellness Group is located in Orlando, Florida, and we treat personality disorders along with many other psychiatric disorders. Our psychiatrist has been practicing since 2014, so he has many years of experience treating children and adults. He is also a board-certified psychiatrist. If you or your loved one are experiencing a personality disorder and would like to obtain treatment, contact us today. You are also encouraged to email us to schedule an appointment.