Personality Disorder Treatment

Your personality is your particular way of thinking, responding emotionally, and behaving in daily life. Most people have personalities that allow them to function well in their culture or society. However, others have personality traits that interfere with their daily functioning. If your teen exhibits these kinds of traits, they may have a diagnosable personality disorder. To recover from this disorder’s effects, you may need help from a Washington mental health treatment program for adolescents. 

Types of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders form their own category of mental health conditions. There are a total of 10 conditions in this category:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Paranoid personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder

All types of personality disorders produce their own classic symptoms. For example, symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include frequent lying and disregard for other people’s rights. They also include impulsive behavior. 

Diagnosing Personality Disorder in Teenagers

Teenagers’ personalities are relatively fluid. On any given day, their moods and thoughts can vary. The same holds true for their behaviors. For this reason, doctors tend to avoid diagnosing personality disorders in adolescents. Still, some teens show clear signs of these disorders. As a result, they may receive a formal diagnosis. 

Personality Disorder Treatment for Teens

Personality disorder treatment should always begin as soon as possible. This is the best way to avoid serious life disruptions. It’s also the best way to avoid the potentially extreme consequences of certain disorders. 

Similarities Between Teens and Adults 

In some ways, personality disorder treatment for teens resembles treatment for adults. The typical recovery plan does not include medication. Instead, it includes forms of psychotherapy such as:

• Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Psychoeducation

Each therapy can benefit your child in its own way. For example, DBT helps improve the ability to tolerate unpleasant mental states. It also fosters improved emotional control. Psychodynamic therapy helps your child understand their thoughts and emotions. CBT helps your child develop thoughts, emotions and behaviors that promote stable health. In psychoeducation, you and your child learn more about the causes and effects of personality disorders. 

Differences Between Teens and Adults

There are also some important differences between personality disorder treatment for teens and adults. As a rule, teenagers need more structured recovery plans. This is true, in part, because of the demands of attending school while seeking treatment. 

Teens may also have a greater need for family therapy. This therapy allows you and your child to work through any family conflicts. It also helps you develop better communication habits. In turn, family therapy can help you create a more supportive home environment. 

Checking for Additional Mental Health Issues

A teen with a personality disorder may also have other significant mental health concerns. Your child should go through a screening process designed to detect such problems. If they’re found, they must be treated alongside personality disorder.

Find a Personality Disorder Treatment Program in Spokane, WA at Imagine

Do you think your teen may have a personality disorder? Talk to the mental health professionals at Imagine. We can help determine if serious personality issues are present. We can also diagnose the specific condition affecting your child. 

Need a teen personality disorder treatment program in Spokane, WA? Imagine is standing by to help. We specialize in treating teens affected by these disorders. No matter the condition affecting your child, our customized plans support a lasting recovery. Call us today at 888.384.3143 for more information. You can also reach us through our online contact form.