A Guide to Effective Treatment Options for Personality Disorders at Avalon Malibu

Personality disorders can have a significant effect on people’s lives. However, finding professional care helps people obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop a plan for life-changing treatment. Exploring treatment options with Avalon Malibu’s compassionate staff members is one option that can lead to profound healing. Avalon Malibu’s expert professionals provide a safe and structured environment with many therapies to help people overcome personality disorders. 

What Is a Personality Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), individuals diagnosed with personality disorders endure a unique pattern of inner experiences and behavior. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), these behavior patterns typically deviate markedly from societal expectations. 

These behavioral patterns can lead to several complications, such as impaired relationships with loved ones and poor work performance. If the condition is left unmanaged, a person may begin to experience worsening dual diagnoses, intense anguish, and overall distress. 

Personality Disorder Statistics

What population tends to have personality disorders? The NIMH reports that ethnicity and gender do not seem to be linked with the prevalence of personality disorders. These fairly common mental health disorders can affect anyone. 

It was found that the prevalence of personality disorders in 2023 was 9.1% for individuals aged 18 and older. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) reported that approximately 84% of individuals with personality disorders endure one or more co-occurring mental illnesses in the same year. 

Types of Personality Disorders

No single personality disorder presents with the exact symptoms, nor are all personality disorders the same. Personality disorders may consist of a multitude of mental health conditions. Each person may experience long-term patterns of unwanted emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. In general, personality disorders make it difficult for a person to effectively adapt well to a wide range of settings. The effects of personality disorders are unique to one’s cultural expectations. 

There is no direct cause of personality disorders, but genetic and environmental factors are determined to play a wide role in the development of these conditions. Different types of personality disorders include but are not limited to the following: 

• Paranoid personality disorder: Individuals experience a pervasive pattern of suspicion and distrust in others
• Schizoid personality disorder: Individuals experience relationship detachment due to little interest in forming relationships with others
• Schizotypal personality disorder: Individuals present irregular thought patterns, social skills, and behavior
• Antisocial personality disorder: Individuals present lack of empathy, often break the law, and disregard the rights of others
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Individuals face challenges with long-term instability due to self-image issues and impulsivity
• Histrionic personality disorder: Individuals present dramatic or attention-seeking behavior
• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD): Individuals exhibit exaggerated self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for their surroundings
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCD): individuals fixate on repetitive thoughts and behaviors that can consume their everyday life
• Dependent personality disorder: Individuals excessively depend on their loved ones for care and lack motivation for independent living
• Avoidant personality disorder: Individuals display chronic patterns of anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of rejection from others

Treatment Options for Personality Disorders

The type of treatment a person needs strongly depends on the type and severity of their personality disorder. Some medicines can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with one’s condition, such as mood swings or co-occurring anxiety. 

Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment option for personality disorders. Individuals can learn helpful coping mechanisms and new strategies to better manage the effects of their condition. Those with a dual diagnosis, process addiction, and poor mental health often benefit from using some type of medication in their approach. Additional treatment options for personality disorders include but are not limited to the following: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Mindfulness therapy
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Educational and therapeutic models

Moving Forward With Avalon Malibu’s Personality Disorder Treatment Program

Many individuals, especially those with personality disorders and co-occurring anxiety, often fear hurtful stigma, stereotypes, and poor judgment from others. As a result, Avalon Malibu believes that no one should be defined by the issues that they face every day. Avalon’s team believes that their client’s symptoms invite them to look at the choices that they make and the realities they create for themselves in their lives. The serene setting of Avalon’s Grand House is nothing like staying at a medical facility. 

Avalon Malibu offers individualized care and a nurturing environment for the treatment of all types of personality disorders. To make each client comfortable, the guest rooms within the Grand House are equipped with modern and luxury amenities, including an undistracted view of the ocean, private fireplaces, the highest quality linens, and five-star, organic meals prepared by our Le Cordon Bleu chef. 

At Avalon Malibu, we understand that people with personality disorders have trouble dealing with everyday situations, stresses, and relationships. Our clients can embrace the time spent away from an overwhelming life and find introspection. Our staff will assist with an accurate diagnosis and provide intense psychotherapy to resolve lifelong issues involving individual illness and family involvement if necessary. Our Sanctuary Model combines the mind, body, and spirit of our clients to bring out potential rather than pathology. We want our clients to embrace their past experiences because we believe that this acceptance leads them to the doorway of freedom. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 to explore evidence-based treatment options that can aid in your recovery.