A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder that can significantly affect a person’s social functioning and overall quality of life. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a personality disorder, it is essential to seek professional help. If you want to know more about these personality disorders, here are five of the most common personality disorders in the country.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that manifests as instability in moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. People with BPD often have strong and unstable emotions, making everyday tasks and interactions difficult. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1.6% of adults in the United States suffer from BPD. These individuals often have problems with their interpersonal relationships. Additionally, people with BPD often engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning themselves.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental illness characterized by perfectionism, rigidity, and excessive control. People with OCPD often have difficulty relaxing or enjoying activities because they need to control every aspect of their lives. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 1% of adults in the United States suffer from OCPD. As a result, these people often struggle with their daily tasks, making it hard for them to work or even have meaningful relationships.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a mental illness characterized by paranoia and mistrust of others. People with PPD often suspect others are trying to harm them without evidence or justification. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others. People with PPD often have difficulty trusting others, making it hard for them to maintain relationships. They may also develop hallucinations and distorted thinking.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is a mental illness characterized by oddities in thinking, behavior, and appearance. People with SPD often have trouble understanding what others are saying or feeling and may seem to lack empathy for others.
Often, this disorder is confused with schizophrenia, but there are some key differences. People with SPD may have eccentric behavior, such as dressing oddly or talking to themselves. However, they typically do not have hallucinations or delusions like those with schizophrenia.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental illness characterized by attention-seeking behavior and an excessive need for approval from others. People with HPD often crave attention and may feel they are not receiving enough attention from those around them.
These people are often found on social media and usually have many friends, but most aren’t meaningful relationships. They may also change their appearance frequently to get attention. People with HPD often have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships because they tend to manipulate others to achieve their goals.
Personality disorders are pretty problematic for people who have them. It can also affect their social relationships. Thankfully, there are new ways to treat these disorders. Here are some of them.
Ketamine
This aesthetic was discovered to have therapeutic benefits for treating depression. It is also being studied for its potential in treating personality disorders.
Ketamine works by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. This is a protein that plays a role in how we process emotions. When this receptor is blocked, it can help to reduce symptoms of depression.
Ketamine has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
A few small studies have looked at ketamine as a treatment for personality disorders. Often, ketamine is used to deal with the disorder’s symptoms, such as the depression that comes with BPD. People who need treatment can visit a ketamine clinic near them. The clinic can offer intravenous (IV) or intranasal (IN) therapy. They can also test whether you are a responder to this treatment.
DBS
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure in which a device is implanted into the brain to deliver electrical impulses. This device is known as a “brain pacemaker.” It treats various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and dystonia.
DBS is sometimes used to treat people with personality disorders who have not responded to other treatments. For example, a small study found that DBS may be an effective treatment for people with borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The study found that those who received DBS decreased impulsivity and aggression.
TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. It is used to treat various conditions, including depression and migraines.
TMS is being studied as a potential treatment for personality disorders. A small study found that TMS may help improve symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). In addition, the study found that people who received TMS decreased cognitive distortions and social anxiety.
Personality disorders are often problematic. Thankfully, they can be treated with various methods, such as ketamine, DBS, and TMS. If you or someone you know has a personality disorder, talk to a doctor to see what treatment options are available.
