What we treat
Long-term, rigid and unhealthy patterns of thoughts and behaviours that differ from what's considered culturally “normal”.
Your personality is like your unique blueprint—it shapes how you think, feel, behave, and connect with others. Personality disorders are a set of mental health conditions marked by long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviours that differ from what's considered normal in your culture. These patterns are rigid and unhealthy, causing significant challenges in relationships, work, and social activities. Coping with everyday stress becomes difficult.
Cluster A: Involves unusual and odd thoughts and behaviours.
Paranoid Personality Disorder: Extreme fear and distrust of others.
Schizoid Personality Disorder: Prefers solitude and lacks interest in relationships.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Unusual thoughts and behaviours, discomfort in close relationships.
Cluster B: Involves dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviours.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: Manipulative, exploitative, and violates others' rights.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Emotionally unstable, impulsive, and struggles with self-image.
Histrionic Personality Disorder: Dramatic, emotional, and seeks constant attention.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Lacks empathy, desires admiration, believes superiority.
Cluster C: Involves anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviours.
Avoidant Personality Disorder: Shyness, feelings of inadequacy, avoidance due to fear of rejection.
Dependent Personality Disorder: Over-reliance on others, fear of losing relationships.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Need for control and order, perfectionism.
The onset is typically in teens or early adulthood, and the exact cause is unknown. Genes and childhood experiences, like abuse or trauma, likely contribute.
Symptoms vary, but all disorders involve challenges in self-perception and relational difficulties. Individuals with personality disorders may not realise they have a problem, often viewing their thoughts as normal.
Mental health care providers diagnose personality disorders by considering symptoms, experiences, and family medical history. A comprehensive medical exam may be conducted to rule out other potential causes.
Primary treatment involves talk therapy (psychotherapy), tailored to the specific disorder. Medications may help manage certain symptoms like anxiety or mood swings.
Understanding personality and navigating personality disorders can be complex. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or someone you know may be experiencing challenges related to personality, reaching out to a qualified mental health care provider is the first step towards support and healing.
Contemporary approaches to treating personality disorders emphasise a holistic and multidimensional strategy. Some key elements include:
Therapy:
Evidence-based psychotherapies, such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for BPD, can help individuals develop healthier thought patterns, coping mechanisms, and interpersonal skills.
Mindfulness and Coping Strategies:
Integrating mindfulness practices and coping strategies into treatment plans enhances emotional regulation and resilience.
It is important to recognise that effective treatment often involves a collaborative and individualised approach, tailored to the unique needs of each person. Seeking professional guidance ensures a comprehensive assessment and the development of a personalised treatment plan.
At Someone.health, our experienced team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care for individuals with personality disorders. We believe in fostering understanding, empowering individuals to navigate challenges, and supporting their journey toward improved mental well-being. If you or a loved one is seeking guidance on personality disorders, we invite you to connect with us and embark on a path toward positive transformation.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.
