Personality Disorder

Psychiatrist in Silver Spring, MD

Personality Disorder services offered in Silver Spring, MD

Personality disorder refers to personality types that deviate from cultural norms, cause distress, and last a long time. Though challenging to treat, Ivan Walks, MD, at Integrated Health Resources in Silver Spring, Maryland, provides compassionate care for people who want to better understand their condition and improve their symptoms. To schedule a telemedicine consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is a personality disorder?

A personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a rigid and unhealthy way of thinking and acting that differs from social norms.

Everyone has their own unique personality. If you have a personality disorder, you have a pattern of behaving and thinking in a way that’s very different from what others expect.

What are the types of personality disorders?

There are 10 types of personality disorders, including:

Antisocial personality disorder

People with antisocial personality disorder are deceitful and don’t care how they hurt other people to get what they want.

Avoidant personality disorder

Avoidant personality disorder causes extreme shyness and sensitivity to criticism. It can also cause the avoidance of others unless they sense they’ll be liked.

Borderline personality disorder

People with borderline personality disorder have intense emotions and a poor self-image that affects relationships.

Dependent personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder is a person who needs someone else to take care of them and make their decisions.

Histrionic personality disorder

People who have an ongoing pattern of excessive emotion and attention-seeking behavior may have histrionic personality disorder. They feel uncomfortable when they’re not the center of attention.

Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition that causes people to have no empathy for others, and they have a need for admiration.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

A person with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder has an intense need for order, perfection, and control, and is overly concerned with sticking to the plan and schedule.

Paranoid personality disorder

Paranoid personality disorder causes a pattern of suspicion, thinking others are spiteful and out to harm.

Schizoid personality disorder

A person with schizoid personality disorder detaches themselves from social interactions, expresses little emotion, and chooses to be alone.

Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality is a person with an ongoing pattern of relationship problems because of peculiar behaviors and beliefs.

What treatments help with personality disorder?

Dr. Walks takes an individualized approach to treating people with a personality disorder. Treatment may include specific forms of psychotherapy, such as:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Psychoanalytic therapy
Group therapy

There are no medications to treat personality disorder, but Dr. Walks may recommend antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication to manage depression or anxiety symptoms that come with a personality disorder.

To find out more about the treatments for a personality disorder, call Integrated Health Resources or schedule an appointment online today.