What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient diagnosed with a personality disorder
Personality is the way of thinking, feeling and behaving that makes a person different from other people. An individual’s personality is influenced by experiences, environment (surroundings, life situations) and inherited characteristics. A person’s personality typically stays the same over time. Show To be classified as a personality disorder, one's way of thinking, feeling and behaving deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time.1 The pattern of experience and behavior usually begins by late adolescence or early adulthood and causes distress or problems in functioning. Without treatment, personality disorders can be long-lasting. There are 10 specific types of personality disorders in the DSM-5-TR. Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behavior and inner experiences that differ significantly from what is expected. They affect at least two of these areas:
Types of Personality Disorders
Diagnosis of a personality disorder requires a mental health professional to evaluate long-term patterns of functioning and symptoms. Diagnosis is only applicable to individuals 18 or older. People under 18 are typically not diagnosed with personality disorders because their personalities are still developing. Some people with personality disorders may not recognize a problem. Also, a person may have more than one personality disorder. An estimated 9 percent of U.S. adults have at least one personality disorder.2 TreatmentCertain types of psychotherapy have shown to be effective for treating personality disorders. Ideally, during psychotherapy, an individual can gain insight and knowledge about their disorder, what is contributing to symptoms, and get to talk about thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help a person understand the effects of their behavior may be having on others and learn to manage or cope with symptoms and to reduce behaviors causing problems with functioning and relationships. The type of treatment will depend on the specific personality disorder, how severe it is, and the individual’s circumstances. Commonly used types of psychotherapy include:
There are no medications specifically used to treat personality disorders. However, in some cases, medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or mood-stabilizing medication, may be helpful in treating some symptoms. More severe or long-lasting symptoms may require a team approach involving a primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker and family members. In addition to actively participating in a treatment plan, some self-care and coping strategies can be helpful for people with personality disorders.
Source: Adapted from Mayo Clinic, Personality Disorders Family members can be important in an individual’s recovery and can work with the individual’s health care provider on the most effective ways to help and support. But having a family member with a personality disorder can also be distressing and stressful. Family members may benefit from talking with a mental health provider who can provide help coping with difficulties. What is the first line treatment for personality disorder?First-line treatment of these disorders is psychotherapy; however, patients with personality disorders may be highly symptomatic and are often prescribed multiple medications in a manner unsupported by evidence.
What is the goal of treatment for a personality disorder?Goals of treatment
to overcome emotional problems (such as depression, anxiety and anger) to find more purpose in life (e.g. by making a positive contribution to their community) to build better relationships. to learn how to understand and live with yourself.
What are interventions for personality disorder?Common interventions for personality disorders include: Life skills training. Psychological therapy (e.g., cognitive and behavioural therapy) Supported education and/or employment.
Which intervention is appropriate for an individual diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder?Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. Therapy may include, for example, anger and violence management, treatment for alcohol or substance misuse, and treatment for other mental health conditions.
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