What are Personality Disorders?

If you or someone you know suffers from a personality disorder and is seeking the help of a psychologist in Huntington, NY, contact the office of Joel Kuppersmith today for more information! 

Personality Disorders Defined

Personality disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause unhealthy thoughts and behavior patterns. The “personality” in the term personality disorder refers to a set of traits, patterns, and social behaviors that characterize a person. Those who struggle with personality disorders have difficulty socializing with others and are unable to adjust to life changes. Each personality disorder is different, but sometimes personality disorders share similar symptoms. Some types of disorders become harder to distinguish as you get older, which is why it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis so that you have proper treatments available to you. If you or a loved one is having trouble because of a personality disorder, contact Dr.Joel Kuppersmith. Dr. Kuppersmith is a certified psychologist in Huntington, NY who has more than 25 years of experience. 

Causes of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are caused by several social and genetic reasons. Certain personality traits can be passed down from generation to generation. There’s no guarantee that genes passed on from a relative can cause personality disorders, it just increases the chances. The environment you grow up in can also cause personality disorders. The events that occurred and the relationships you have can alter your mental health and influence personality disorders. Some important risk factors to be aware of include:

• Abusive or unstable relationships with family members. 
• Family history of personality disorders.
• Traumatic life event or experience.

Symptoms of Personality Disorders 

People who suffer from personality disorders may feel like their negative thoughts and behaviors are normal. They begin to justify and rationalize their experiences and future actions. Some signs may include highly impulsive behavior, mood swings, and inappropriate emotional reactions. Other potential warning signs may include the following:

• Unstable relationships.
• Difficulty maintaining a job or school grades.
• Acting overly sensitive and emotional.

Types of Disorders

Personality disorders are grouped into three different types of groups. These groups categorize disorders based on certain behaviors. Group A identifies people with unusual or odd behavior, Group B with dramatic behavior, and Group C with anxious behavior. Some of these disorders include the following:

• Schizoid Personality Disorder.
• Paranoid Personality Disorder.
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder.
• Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder. 
• Avoidant Personality Disorder.
• Dependent Personality Disorder.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.

Treatments

Living with a personality disorder or knowing someone with a personality disorder can be stressful, but certain treatments can help. The earlier you get treatment, the more you have room for improvement. Mental healthcare professionals can get you feeling better. Since personality disorders are complicated, it’s better to find a professional who has experience in treating this condition.  

Psychologist in Huntington, NY

People who ignored the symptoms of personality disorders can cause serious life-altering problems and can become worse without treatment. If you or a loved one is showing signs of personality disorder, contact Dr. Joel Kuppersmith today. Dr. Kuppersmith is an experienced psychologist in Huntington, NY who offers his patients psychoanalytic therapy and other psychological services.