Our personalities are what define us as individuals and make us unique. There are those who are shy and quiet, others who are outgoing and boisterous, and some who are ambitious and driven. These personality types aren’t mutually exclusive, and many of us express traits that vary throughout our lives. But sometimes, rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving can become embedded within our personalities, making it difficult to relate to others or function normally. When this happens, it’s known as a personality disorder, a mental health condition that can make day-to-day interactions a challenge.

There are several different types of personality disorders, and while the signs and symptoms vary, they often lead to behaviors that differ from accepted social norms. Those with a personality disorder tend to act one way — either inappropriately or destructively — and struggle to understand why others don’t do the same. Since their behavior seems reasonable to them, they tend to have a different view of the world and fail to see the consequences of their actions, causing friction or distress in social situations. Without treatment, the lasting impact can create significant challenges in their personal or professional lives. It is important to seek treatment early for a faster recovery.

At Alta Loma, we have experience treating residents with a variety of personality disorders. We know that the symptoms can interfere with and limit one’s relationships, social functioning, and performance at work or school, but this impact can be lessened with the right treatment. We employ the latest therapeutic methods and modalities to help individuals manage the symptoms of a personality disorder and achieve a renewed sense of mental wellness. Read on to learn more about our personality disorder treatment near Austin, TX.

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If you or someone you care about is struggling to address your need for mental health, Alta Loma could mean the difference between relapse and long-term recovery

Group therapy session at the Personality Disorder Treatment near Austin, TX

What are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by ways of thinking or behaving that are unhealthy, destructive or maladaptive. Symptoms usually emerge during the teenage years or early adulthood, but vary depending on the specific personality disorder involved. Types of personality disorders are classified into three clusters based on similar characteristics.

  • Cluster A disorders are characterized by eccentric, paranoid or schizoid behaviors
  • Cluster B disorders are characterized by dramatic, attention-seeking, overly emotional or unpredictable habits and behaviors
  • Cluster C disorders are characterized by anxious or obsessive tendencies

Many people exhibit the signs of one or more personality disorders, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. An accurate diagnosis involves looking at long-term patterns of thinking or behaviors that differ from cultural expectations and addressing any co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders or substance abuse.

Types of Personality Disorders

The mental health experts at Alta Loma have experience with a number of personality disorders and can help residents effectively manage their symptoms. We can also help those with a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis that includes autism spectrum disorders, which often appear alongside other mental health issues. A few commonly-known personality disorders that we can treat include the following, but this isn’t exhaustive.

Cluster A Personality Disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder 

Characterized by feelings of suspicion, paranoia or distrust of others; can interfere with the ability to form healthy relationships and lead to conflicts or jealous behavior.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder can cause a lack of interest in other people. A person who has the disorder may not seek intimacy or want to form close relationships. They may be inward-looking and become absorbed in a rich imaginative or fantasy life.

Cluster B Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder 

Characterized by severe emotional instability, a distorted or volatile self-image and impulsive behavior; often causes stormy relationships with others. They have difficulty maintaining stable relationships.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder 

Characterized by an inflated self-image and illusion of superiority; often leads to entitlement and an excessive need for praise and admiration.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Characterized by a lack of empathy or concern for others and manipulative behavior; individuals often struggle to feel guilt or remorse.

Histrionic Personality Disorder 

Characterized by a desire to be noticed and a sense of self-esteem that depends on others; often leads to dramatic or provocative behavior.

Cluster C Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder 

Characterized by feelings of social inhibition or isolation and extreme shyness; individuals will often avoid social situations due to a fear of criticism or rejection.

Dependent Personality Disorder 

Characterized by dependence on others to meet emotional or physical needs; individuals often avoid being alone and doubt their own abilities, seeking constant reassurance.

Young man staring out the window concept image for outpatient programs
Do you know what type of Personality Disorder you have?

If not, Alta Loma is here to help diagnose and treat your Personality Disorder

Personality Disorder Treatment by Alta Loma

Personality disorders are complex conditions that often require specialized care. Left untreated, symptoms can cause emotional distress and negatively impact one’s mental wellness. Some may also turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, with studies showing that between 43 and 77 percent of those with a personality disorder also have a substance abuse problem.

At Alta Loma, we provide transformational services for men diagnosed with personality disorders and other mental illnesses. We provide a safe, structured environment where residents can find stability and hope, tailoring our services to meet the needs of each individual that walks through our doors. By combining the expertise of our psychiatric team with proven modalities and a highly personalized approach to recovery, we’re able to help those with complex diagnoses and co-occurring disorders who may have not found success at other treatment facilities.

Our program consists of supportive housing and three different levels of treatment programming at our clinical office. Some of the techniques we use to help residents achieve a lasting sense of mental wellness include:

  • Psychiatric evaluations and follow ups
  • Primary program at The Ranch
  • Extended care at The Villa
  • Supportive living environment at The Cottage
  • Medication management
  • Behavior analyst sessions
  • Substance use disorder treatment (if needed)
  • Life skills groups
  • Nutritional support and education
  • Chef-crafted meals
  • Community support groups
  • Mentorship

Integrated within our care programs are a range of effective modalities that help residents manage their symptoms and navigate the challenges of living with a personality disorder. By utilizing a multidisciplinary, holistic approach, our goal is to help each individual develop the skills, tools and knowledge they’ll need to heal and improve their overall quality of life.

Personality Disorder FAQ

Our identity is an ever-evolving work in progress made up of our daily thoughts, feelings and actions. Every person’s experience – from how we act to how we cope with everyday life – varies based on their surroundings, friends and other components that can shape us.

But if you find yourself having trouble forming relationships or dealing with day-to-day tasks consistently, then there may be a potential diagnosis for Personality Disorder.

Long-term and committed treatment for individuals with Personality Disorders is key to overcoming their emotional challenges. Many have failed at gaining help due to frustrating clinicians but staying focused on recovery helps overcome these hurdles and can lead many onto a better path.

Unstable relationships are a symptom of the condition, which stems from issues around identity – one minute feeling strongly about something or someone, only for that emotion to shift instantly.

Treatment is effective and beneficial for many people. Seeking a treatment team to discuss your issues may be the best way to assess whether or not Personality Disorder (PD) is an accurate diagnosis. Experienced professionals can work together to help those affected by BPD’s “negative attribution bias” notice that their intentions are not harmful. Empowering them with this knowledge opens up a world of growth potential!

People often struggle to distinguish between the signs of Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar disorder due to their shared symptoms.

However, it is essential to note unique differences in each diagnosis – especially when looking at self-image and relationship considerations. Those with borderline personality typically experience an unstable sense of identity and chronic feelings of emptiness which have been evident for many years (although these can also come and go over time).

Conversely, those with bipolar disorder tend to display more episodic symptoms that come and go.

Those with Schizotypal Personality Disorder usually struggle in their social and personal relationships due to distorted thinking styles and unusual behaviors. Schizophrenia is more serious as it involves psychosis – such as false beliefs or hallucinations – and a lack of emotional expression.

Getting a tailored treatment can help alleviate even the most challenging symptoms of your personality disorder. With a team approach, we’ll ensure all aspects of your life get addressed – in other words, let’s tackle this together and see positive changes!

This may include Psychotherapy, medications and residential treatment programs.