At Milestones Ranch Malibu, we understand how difficult life can for be for those individuals who struggle with a personality disorder, as well how hard it may be for those that love them. Our expert medical staff works closely with our experienced and caring clinicians to provide the best treatment possible for borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and dependent personality disorder. Additionally, we provide support and education to their family members. While personality disorders are inherently difficult to treat and progress can be slow, over time we have seen significant improvement with our clients, and we focus on teaching interpersonal skills that clients can take with them and put into practice in their everyday lives. For more information on the treatment of borderline personality disorders and others, please read on:

What is a personality disorder?

Personality disorders are a class of mental disorders characterized by rigid and ongoing patterns of thought and action, often described in negative terms: dramatic, clingy, antisocial or obsessive. People with personality disorders commonly experience conflict and instability in many aspects of their lives, and frequently believe others are responsible for their problems. Various types of personality disorders are: borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

The personality traits remain the same across the board. The narcissist, for example, thinks only of himself, and not others, at work, school, or at the family dinner table.

Personality disorders range from mild to severe. While many personality-disordered clients live a fairly normal life, during times of increased stress or external pressures, the symptoms of the personality disorder will gain strength and begin to seriously interfere with their emotional and psychological functioning.

What are some common symptoms of personality disorders?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) lists ten personality disorders, separated into three clusters as follows:

     Cluster A (odd or eccentric disorders)

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder

     Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders)

• Antisocial personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder

     Cluster C (anxious or fearful disorders)

• Avoidant personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

What are the causes of a personality disorder?

There are as many potential causes of personality disorders as there are people who suffer from them. They may be caused by a combination of parental upbringing, social development, genetic and biological factors, and innate (inborn) character traits. Research has not yet narrowed down the cause to any factor at this time.

Child abuse (physical and/or sexual) and neglect consistently turn up as factors in the development of personality disorders in adulthood. It is estimated that as many as 15 percent of U.S. adults have one or more personality disorders.

Treatment of borderline and other personality disorders:

Many mental health clinicians will tell you that the personality-disordered client is perhaps the most difficult client to treat. Personality disorders may, however, improve over time, primarily with therapy, but also medication and the aging process.
Treatment often focuses on increasing the client’s coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills. The most commonly used modalities are cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy (particularly for Borderline Personality Disorder), and interpersonal-oriented therapy.

We hope the information contained in this article has been of help to you. Please feel free to contact us at Milestones Ranch Malibu with any questions or comments you may have. Call: (800) 791-6859 for assistance.