It can be extremely challenging and frustrating for those struggling with a mental health disorder to try and help themselves or a loved one. Identifying and treating mental health issues like personality disorders is of the utmost importance. Like many conditions, personality disorders take different forms, and the symptoms in one person could look different than those of another person. Symptoms range from mild to extreme, and it is possible to show signs of more than one condition. Individuals with personality disorders tend to have difficulty coping with changes in routine or anything unpredictable. The way they express themselves in response to this can be viewed as odd, erratic, or dramatic even though they do not themselves. Contact Crossroads today at 877.978.1667 for more information about what causes personality disorders.

Causes of Personality Disorders

There are a variety of factors that can lead to a personality disorder. Among them, genetics and abuse may contribute to obsessive, compulsive, and narcissistic behaviors typical of personality disorders. Personality disorders have been misunderstood in the past by medical and psychiatric professionals. For too long, many believed that the characteristics they displayed were just signs of laziness or bad upbringing.

The main causes of personality disorders include:

Genetics – Researchers are able to tie specific genetic factors to certain personality disorders.
Trauma – Studies show that people with borderline personality disorders have especially high rates of childhood trauma – especially sexual trauma.
Verbal abuse – A high rate of children who experience verbal abuse from parents or caregivers end up with personality disorders as adults.
Sensitivity to stimuli – Children who have a high sensitivity to things like textures, light, and noise have been shown to be more prone to having severely shy or anxious personalities.

Personality Disorder Treatment

Personality disorder treatment at Crossroads is offered as part of co-occurring disorders care. Both a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP are available. As part of our comprehensive addiction treatment programs, we can help address past trauma. We also work with residents to meet challenges head-on while developing the tools they need for a healthy and lifelong recovery. Those in treatment learn about the correlation between substance use and personality disorders. They also have the opportunity to take part in a variety of therapeutic activities that help them to achieve sobriety and a healthier way of life.

Therapeutic modalities include individual and group therapies as well as educational workshops, holistic healing, and recreational activities on our Maine campus. It’s the combination of different approaches that work together to help clients build a life where they can manage their mental health issues and any co-occurring substance use disorders.

Crossroads utilizes dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as a way to treat borderline personality disorders. It can also address substance use disorders. DBT focuses on mindfulness and awareness as tools to manage stress, mood swings, and relationships.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI), roughly 9% of adults in the United States are battling a personality disorder. In addition, 33% percent of them are also in treatment for a mental health disorder or substance use disorder. For this reason, more and more treatment facilities are offering dual diagnosis treatment options. Treatment for co-occurring disorders can occur alongside each other for a more successful recover.

Get Help for a Personality Disorder at Crossroads

When an individual is struggling with a personality disorder, it can be more difficult to form relationships. The personality disorder treatment program helps clients work through these challenges in a safe and comforting environment.

If you experience any of these signs, you could be battling a borderline personality disorder: