Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?
East Point Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. While we do not specialize in substance use disorders (SUD), we address co-occurring conditions and can connect you with trusted SUD treatment referrals if needed. Our mission is to remove barriers to mental health care by offering immediate intervention and prompt access to treatment. Contact us today to start your journey toward mental wellness!
What Is A Personality Disorder?
Your personality is your unique way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. By adulthood, personality traits are generally well established and remain fairly consistent. A personality disorder develops when these traits become rigid and unhealthy, leading to patterns of thought and behavior that cause significant problems in daily life.
In Massachusetts, more than 1,155,000 adults live with a mental health condition, which is six times the population of Worcester. This number shows just how many people struggle with challenges like personality disorders and are unsure of where to turn for help.
Personality disorders make it difficult to manage relationships, handle responsibilities at work, and cope with everyday stress. Without proper personality disorder therapy treatment, these challenges can affect nearly every part of life, from emotional stability to social interactions.
Types of Personality Disorders
There are 10 types of personality disorders, which are grouped into three different categories called clusters:
- Cluster A personality disorders involve unusual and odd thoughts and behaviors. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.
- Cluster B personality disorders cause intense emotions and impulsive behaviors. This makes it difficult to maintain stable relationships. Cluster B disorders include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
- Cluster C personality disorders cause anxiety and fear, leading to behaviors focused on avoiding social or personal discomfort. Disorders include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).
Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected by Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders can affect people from all walks of life. These disorders typically emerge during adolescence or early adulthood, though they can sometimes be seen in childhood. Personality disorders are relatively common and vary in type and severity. Some people may be at a higher risk for developing these disorders based on their genetics, family history, and environmental and childhood influences. These disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
Fortunately, personality disorders are manageable. With the support from specialized personality disorder treatment centers, you can live an uninterrupted life. Personality disorder therapy treatment at East Point Behavioral Health helps you acquire skills, mechanisms, and strategies to deal with your condition seamlessly.
Symptoms of Personality Disorder
The symptoms of personality disorders vary widely depending on the specific type of disorder, but all personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate from cultural expectations. Some of the general symptoms to be aware of in individuals who may require mental health treatment or behavioral therapy for personality disorders include:
- Inflexible and rigid behavior
- Problems with relationships
- Distorted thinking patterns
- Difficulty with self-image and identity
- Emotional instability
Once you recognize these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, seek help from East Point Behavioral Health – one of the best personality disorder treatment centers. We can help you understand your condition, set goals and expectations, and find the best treatment option for yourself.
What Causes Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are not rooted in a single cause. The causes of personality disorders are rather complex and often involve a mix of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and psychological factors.
Genetics can play a significant role in the development of mental health issues. Individuals with a family history of mental health conditions may be more predisposed to developing similar conditions themselves. Additionally, early negative life experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or even unstable relationships, can impact emotional development and behavioral patterns. Chronic stress or trauma experienced during childhood may alter brain development, which can affect an individual’s ability to regulate emotions and control impulses. Finally, cultural and social factors (e.g., isolation, societal pressures, or dysfunctional family dynamics) can contribute to personality disorder development.
Keep in mind, these causes are risk factors, not certainties. Having a genetic predisposition or an unhappy childhood puts you at risk, but does not guarantee a problem will occur.
East Point Behavioral Health: Co-Occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Treatment
A co-occurrence of two mental health problems (including substance use disorders) is known as dual diagnosis. It is more common than many realize. Studies in the US estimate that dually diagnosed adults represent 17.8% of all adults with either a psychiatric or a substance use disorder. The overlap of mental health problems can intensify symptoms, making both diagnosis and treatment more complex. Two conditions not only coexist, but they also impact and often feed each other. Integrated and well-rounded programs, such as those offered at personality disorder treatment centers, are tailored to address all conditions together rather than one by one.
Depending on the mental health problem happening alongside the personality disorder, your therapist might suggest different combinations of treatments. CBT and DBT can be a good solution if depression or anxiety are co-occurring with personality disorders. Treatments like online therapy for anxiety disorder can easily be implemented into online therapy for personality disorder. Such treatment often results in faster progress and improved daily functioning.
Online trauma therapy can be a good complementary approach to virtual therapy for personality disorders if PTSD accompanies it. Trauma-informed care can help identify some underlying issues that may be impacting personality disorders as well.
Regardless of co-occurring conditions, for long-term and sustainable results, holistic mental health treatment is a must. An integrated approach ensures that every aspect of mental health is supported in a coordinated, effective way.
Treating Personality Disorder in Massachusetts
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT works by helping individuals become aware of rigid, maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors and replacing them with healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and acting. CBT also teaches skills for recognizing and controlling emotions, improving social skills, and teaching constructive ways to deal with stress, disappointment, and challenging situations. Whether in person or through CBT therapy online, this approach provides tools that support lasting change and healthier coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT was specifically designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is widely recognized as an effective approach for this disorder. Additionally, DBT therapy in Massachusetts can be used to treat other mental health conditions requiring targeted therapies. Grounded in the principles of acceptance and change, DBT mixes CBT techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. This approach gives people the skills they need to reduce self-harm, regulate emotions, and develop interpersonal effectiveness. Same as CBT, DBT can be organized as an in-person or online personality disorder treatment.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is an important part of the healing process, as it brings families together to better understand their loved one’s condition and how to best support them. Personality disorders can have a huge impact on relationships, and these connections can be difficult to repair without the right support. In family therapy, you will work on improving communication, setting boundaries, and resolving conflict. The value of online therapy for personality disorder is especially evident when therapy has multiple participants (e.g., family members), as it’s easier to organize everyone connecting remotely rather than having them at the same place.
Medication Management
Medication should always be left to the professionals. Some people attempt to self-medicate to ease their symptoms, but this is a dangerous slope that can lead to substance use disorders. East Point Behavioral Health offers medication management for mental health, where we will monitor the medications you are on. When combined with talk therapy, medication can be helpful in managing symptoms so that you can focus on learning new skills and coping strategies.
Online Treatment for Personality Disorders
Online treatment for personality disorders offers a practical, effective solution for those struggling to fit their health requirements into busy lives and schedules. Virtual setting allows you to connect from anywhere (e.g., the comfort of your home) at a time that works for you. This ensures unparalleled flexibility. Furthermore, it allows accessibility for those who have difficulties moving or leaving their homes. Whether you have a demanding job, caregiving responsibilities, or live in a remote area, online care will offer qualified support wherever you are.
Modern virtual programs provide comprehensive care, combining evidence-based treatments with additional resources, like skills training and psychoeducation. This allows therapy to address various emotional and interpersonal challenges, as well as unhealthy coping patterns, all in one place.
Individualized and customized programs are a cornerstone of effective online treatment at East Point Behavioral Health. We adapt each plan to your unique symptoms, goals, and personal circumstances. We meet you where you are and help you get closer to the future you envisioned for yourself. Both the treatment plan and sessions will be adapted to you: your needs and preferences.
While personality disorder treatment centers remain an important option, virtual treatment expands access to the same high-level support for those unable to attend in-person sessions. Online therapy can foster meaningful progress, as it contributes to higher adherence to the program. With our online personality disorder treatment, you will feel empowered to manage symptoms and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Seek Support for Personality Disorders
Living with a personality disorder is not easy, and it can wreak havoc on your life if you don’t seek help. Find comfort in knowing that personality disorders are treatable, and with the right guidance, you can repair your relationships and lead life with a more balanced mindset. At East Point Behavioral Health, we specialize in providing evidence-based behavioral therapy and mental health treatments to help you take back control of your life. To meet you where you are and ensure we respond to both your needs and preferences, we organize our programs in person and online. To start your journey to recovery, contact us today. No matter what your symptoms are, we can help get them under control so that you can live the life you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can personality disorders ever be cured?
The majority of severe mental health conditions do not have a definite “cure.” The same goes for personality disorders. However, many people experience significant improvement with the right support, both from professionals and their loved ones. Specialized personality disorder treatment centers can help you learn new coping strategies, mechanisms, and techniques to reduce distressing symptoms over time.
Do people with personality disorders know they have a problem?
Awareness varies. Some are aware there’s something “off” and are seeking more information or professional input, while others may not see their behavior as problematic even when it causes serious difficulties. Personality disorder therapy treatment can help people increase their self-awareness and understanding of the problem.
What makes personality disorders worse?
There are quite a few factors that can worsen personality disorders. Untreated symptoms, ongoing stress, trauma, or substance use can intensify difficulties. Furthermore, a lack of supportive relationships or avoidance of necessary treatment can also slow progress. Accessing online personality disorder treatment and building a stronger support system can prevent symptoms from escalating.
What are the three overlooked signs of a personality disorder?
Some personality disorder symptoms are quite obvious, while others may go unnoticed. Some subtle signs include
- Persistent and intense fear of abandonment
- Extreme sensitivity to perceived criticism
- Rapid changes in self-image or goals
These and any other symptoms of personality disorder can be successfully addressed with online therapy for personality disorder.
What happens if a personality disorder is left untreated?
Without proper treatment, personality disorder symptoms can become more severe and have a significant negative impact on work, relationships, and daily functioning. An untreated personality disorder may also increase the risk of other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or self-destructive behaviors. Early professional intervention is key to improving long-term quality of life. Finding personality disorder treatment centers that can support you is, therefore, essential.