Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by long-standing patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment in various areas of life. These patterns are rigid and pervasive, typically developing during adolescence or early adulthood and persisting over time.
There are several types of personality disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely used diagnostic manual in the field of psychiatry. The DSM-% organizes personality disorders into three clusters based on similar characteristics:
Characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, interpreting their motives as malevolent.
Marked by a lack of interest or desire for close relationships, emotional detachment, and limited range of emotional expression.
Involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs or magical thinking, social anxiety, and perceptual distortions.
Associated with a disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and a pattern of impulsive and irresponsible behavior.
Characterized by unstable moods, self-image, and relationships, as well as impulsive and self-destructive behaviors.
Involves excessive attention-seeking, emotional overreactive, and a need for validation and approval from others.
Marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Characterized by pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Involves excessive reliance on others, submissiveness, and fear of separation.
Associated with perfectionism, excessive concern with orderliness and control, and rigid adherence to rules and procedures.
Personality disorders can vary in severity. Individuals may exhibit traits from multiple disorders. Diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders typically involve psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), aimed at addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior and improving overall functioning and well-being.
The treatment of personality disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication (in some cases), and support from a healthcare team. Here are some common approaches to treating personality disorder:
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for personality disorders. Different types of therapy may be used, depending on the specific personality disorder and individual needs. Some common therapeutic approaches include:
Medication is not typically the primary treatment for personality disorders, but it may be used to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or impulsivity. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications may be prescribed by a psychiatrist, depending on the individual’s needs.
Group therapy can provide individuals with a supportive environment to share experiences, learn from others, and practice interpersonal skills. Support groups specifically for individuals with personality disorders can also offer a sense of community and understanding.
In severe cases where individuals are at risk of self-harm, suicide, or significant impairment, hospitalization, partial-hospitalization, or intensive outpatient programs may be necessary to ensure safety and provide structured treatment.
It is important to note that treatment for personality disorders can be challenging and may require long-term commitment. The therapeutic relationship, motivation, and willingness to engage in treatment play significant roles in the effectiveness of interventions. It’s recommended to work closely with mental health professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan.
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Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Sean Leonard works primarily with adult populations but has been trained across the lifespan, from children/adolescents to geriatric. He offers medication management, crisis management, and psychotherapy with extensive experience in anxiety/OCD, depression, mood disorders, attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He believes that “everyone can benefit from therapy and that many may find great benefit from medicine. Therapy is cornerstone to my practice, medicine or not.”
Dr. Andrea M. Wagner, Psy.D., is the backbone of Redeemed Mental Health. With a wealth of experience across various settings, Dr. Wagner brings a unique perspective to mental health treatment. She is passionate about making complex therapeutic issues easily understandable and provides a roadmap to mental well-being that is tailored to each individual’s unique journey.
Dr. Wagner strives to provide an easily understandable approach to difficult and complex therapeutic issues. She will translate complicated concepts related to mental health concerns into basic and simplistic strategies aimed to achieve the results you desire based on your individual needs.
She currently practices at Department of State Hospitals (California in-patient forensic psychiatric hospital) as an active member on multiple committees. She earned a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has experience in various settings including the United States Army, UCI Medical Center (Partial Hospitalization Program; Adolescent), Juvenile Recovery Court (Substance and Behavioral Treatment), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She specializes in a broad range of psychiatric arenas in evaluations and treatment of multiple major mental illnesses.
Dr. Wagner specializes in treating adults struggling with the more severe ramifications their major mental health issue causes in their daily lives. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment to include personality, intelligence, developmental, and assessment of learning disabilities. She has the ability to treat an array of mental health issues ranging from Schizophrenia to codependency and coaching through life difficulties. She has specialty with psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.
Kaylee brings a gentle approach to Redeemed Mental Health. She incorporates kindness and a soft approach to those suffering in the grips of mental illness. She acknowledges that, for most people, they are coping in the most difficult period of their lives and should be treated with respect.
Kaylee Crafton earned a Master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California. She achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University where she trained with social, emotional needs, and justice involved clients.
As the Director of Admissions and Marketing for Redeemed Mental Health, she oversees social media content and marketing strategies to provide a seamless experience for clients and their families from visibility to initial communications.
Lee Breitenbach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys providing interventions in a warm, relatable manner to others. He will breakdown the goals of therapy through education while building rapport and engaging individuals in the present moment.
He currently practices at the Department of State Hospitals as the program assistant to the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) program. He is heavily involved in culturally based committees/workgroups, program development, intervention implementation, and trauma research. He attended California State University, Fullerton to earn a BA in Psychology followed by a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. He individually possesses over 20 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health. His skills range from his experience providing therapy in Group home settings, substance abuse programs, trauma groups for Veteran’s Affairs, Long Beach, hospice settings, and currently in-patient mental health care. He specializes in trauma recovery and group dynamics.
Dr. Habermehl (“Dr. Dee”) earned her medical degree at New York University. She then completed an internship at Brown University, followed by a residency at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. She also earned her MBA with a Healthcare Focus at Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Habermehl is a specialist in Addiction Medicine and is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
