Personality disorders are identified by rigid or unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors, which interrupt daily functioning. Some diagnosed with a personality disorder may have trouble relating to other people or situations. This can cause more significant issues in relationships, social activities, work, or school.
It’s challenging for someone with this type of disorder to recognize it because the patterns of their thoughts and behaviors seem reasonable. They may blame others for their troubles.
There are numerous personality disorders recognized in the DSM-5, typically developing in adolescence or early adulthood. Because this is a disorder of the personality and not a medical condition, signs may decrease or appear less evident over time.
Cluster A is called the odd, eccentric cluster. It includes Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders. The standard features of the personality disorders in this cluster are social awkwardness and social withdrawal. These disorders are governed by distorted thinking.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterized by distrust and suspiciousness of other people.
● They may think that others are out to harm them, take advantage of them, or humiliate them.
● They keep their distance from others and appear defensive.
● They tend to hold grudges and display pathological jealousy.
● Distorted thinking is evident. Their perception of the situation includes reading malicious intentions into genuinely harmless, innocuous comments or behavior and dwelling on past slights.
○ For these reasons, they do not trust others and do not allow themselves to cultivate close relationships.
● Their emotional life tends to be controlled by a general mistrust and a hostile perspective of others’ intentions.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid Personality Disorder is defined by social aloofness and a restrained range of emotions. For these reasons, somebody with this disorder tends to be socially isolated. They don’t seem to seek out or appreciate intimate relations. Schizoid Personality Disorder is relatively rare.
● They prefer isolated activities and seem to get very little joy in life.
● They may come off as “loners” due to their isolation and little human interaction. ● Appear indifferent towards criticism or appreciation.
● Emotionally, they seem distant, aloof, and unresponsive.
● They may have difficulty processing social cues and norms.
● Their limited emotional range and inability to understand verbal and non-verbal cues (facial expressions, body language).
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Limitations in social and interpersonal relationships characterize persons with Schizotypal Personality Disorder. They may not have an emotional capacity for close relationships and appear distressed in social environments, resulting in isolative, reserved, or distant behaviors.
● Unlike the Schizoid Personality Disorder, they also encounter perceptual and cognitive distortions and unusual behavior.
○ These abnormalities may incorporate noticing things that aren’t there, like flashes of light, shadows, or objects that nobody else can see.
● They may have odd beliefs, like thinking they can read people’s minds or believe that their thoughts have been hacked.
● Schizotypal Personality Disorder tends to be found more frequently in a family history of schizophrenia. Some studies have indicated that both of these disorders share common genetic qualities.
Diagnostic Criteria for Personality Disorders
Each personality disorder has its own set of diagnostic criteria. However, according to the DSM-5, a long term separation from cultural expectations and norms that cause significant distress is the common denominator. Impairment should be found in at least two of the following areas:
● Perception and interpretation of yourself, other people, and events.
● Appropriateness of emotional responses
● How well you perform when talking with others and maintaining relationships ● Impulse control
Sometimes it can be challenging to discover personality disorders. As many personality disorders experience comparable symptoms, more than one type can be present.
Other disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse may further complicate diagnosis. But the time and effort to get a proper diagnosis may be worth your while so that you get suitable treatment.
Treatment
The best treatment for you depends on your particular personality disorder, severity, and life situation. A team approach is often needed to ensure any psychiatric, medical, and social needs are acquired.
Personality disorders are long-standing; treatment may require months or years. Your treatment team may include your primary doctor or another primary care provider as well as a therapist, or other mental health professionals. If possible, find someone who specializes in treating personality disorders.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary way to treat personality disorders. With a mental health professional, you can better understand your condition, as well as your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Techniques for coping with stress are also taught, which ultimately help manage the disorder. You may also learn interpersonal effectiveness skills, which include ways to manage any symptoms that interfere with having a successful relationship and disruptive thoughts and behaviors.
Therapy can take place in a group or individual setting and can involve family members and friends. Family therapy can provide education and understanding to the families of someone with a personality disorder.
Talking to a mental health professional can help determine which type of treatment is best for you.
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
