Personality Disorder Specialist

What is a personality disorder? 

Characterized by long-term unhealthy behavior and thought patterns, personality disorders are a group of conditions that impacts the way a person perceives and relates to others. 

Symptoms of a personality disorder often disrupt interpersonal relationships and daily work life. Many patients may be unaware they have a personality disorder because their thought patterns and behavior seem normal to them. 

What forms of personality disorder are there?

There are three main groups of personality disorders:

Cluster A Group

The Cluster A group of personality disorders is most commonly known as the group that includes paranoid personality disorder. Other personality disorders in this group include schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders. Patients who have paranoid personality disorder suffer from irrational paranoia and high levels of mistrust even when there is no reason for it. All of the personality disorders in Cluster A include erratic and odd thought processes and behaviors.

Cluster B Group

The Cluster B group of personality disorders includes narcissistic, borderline, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders. This group of personality disorders is recognized by symptoms such as:

• Dramatic behaviors
• Very emotional reactions
• Unpredictable thoughts and behaviors

Each category’s symptoms will vary, but those in Cluster B generally include erratic, dramatic, and overly emotional reactions that result in relationship problems.

Cluster C Group

The Cluster C personality disorder group includes the personality disorders that cause fearful and anxious behaviors. The personality disorders in this group include:

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

Patients are known to experience the behavioral and thought patterns associated with personality disorder beginning in their late adolescence and early adulthood.

Can multiple personality disorders exist at the same time?

Yes, it's possible for a patient to have more than one personality disorder at the same time. Since each personality disorder has particular symptoms and effects, patients must work closely with Dr. Gonchigar to ensure that they're properly diagnosed and treated.

How are personality disorders treated?

Treatment of personality disorders can vary widely based on the specific condition and the individual patient's symptoms.

For most patients, the most effective approach can be a blend of psychotherapy and carefully chosen prescription medication. For some disorders — for example, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder — patients must learn new ways to manage their behavioral urges.

Therapy can help significantly with this, and medication can also help because it impacts the way the brain works. Every patient is treated on a highly individualized basis by Dr. Gonchigar.

Treatment of personality disorders requires dedication and commitment from both the patient and doctor because personality disorders can cause severe long-term problems for a patient if they aren't treated. Dr. Gonchigar is ready to help.

Schedule your appointment at Capital Area Psychiatric Services today by calling the office or booking online.