Personality disorder is a clinical diagnosis usually made by mental health professionals to refer to emotional, physical and behavioral conditions. Patients who present these types of difficulties are not completely cured because a total remission of symptoms is impossible, but they can make improvements in quality of life over time.
Despite the theoretical research carried out on this topic over the years, there are still many doubts about this concept, a consequence of the stereotypes that circulate in social settings and that can lead to confusion. In this Psychology-Online article, we tell you if personality disorder is cured and what happens if it is not treated.
Can a personality disorder be cured?
personality disorders They do not have a definitive cure. Thus, someone who suffers from the symptoms, inhibitions, impulses and/or other types of alterations of a personality disorder, can experience significant improvements but this does not mean that it will disappear completely in the future.
How long does personality disorder last? In severe cases, if an appropriate clinical approach is not carried out, this type of disorder can last a lifetime. However, the duration may vary and decrease depending on each case. There are people who experience unfavorable emotions and thoughts derived from this clinical condition for some months or years.
In general, a personality disorder includes any clinical pathology included within the parameters established by the most important diagnostic manuals. The DSM-V encompasses several categories that respond to the cognitive functioning of human beings and how this affects them in their daily lives.
How to cure a personality disorder
Personality disorders are complex and persistent conditions that require a Comprehensive and long-term approach for the treatment. It is important to note that there is no quick or easy cure for personality disorders, but proper treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of the affected person.
If you want to know how to combat a personality disorder, below we show you the most effective clinical approaches.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a fundamental part of the treatment of personality disorders. Long-term psychotherapeutic therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help people understand and change thinking patterns and dysfunctional behaviors associated with their personality disorder.
These therapies can help people learn coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier relationships.
Psychiatric medication
Although there is no specific medication to treat personality disorders themselves, in some cases medications may be prescribed forto treat specific symptoms associated with disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or impulse control problems.
Mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety medications may be used in certain circumstances. under the supervision of a health professional.
Social support
Having a strong support system can be beneficial in healing a personality disorder. He support from friends, family or support groups can provide an environment of understanding and emotional support, as well as offer opportunities to practice healthy social and relational skills.
What happens if the personality disorder is not treated
The lack of treatment for personality disorders can aggravate the duration and intensity of symptoms that a patient presents and lead to other derived problems manifesting. Here we show you the main drawbacks:
- Deterioration of interpersonal relationships: Behavior patterns can seriously affect the quality of a person’s social, work, and family ties. In turn, the persistence of conflicts in various areas of life could increase.
- Low self-esteem: The unpleasant thoughts that someone with a precise diagnosis of a personality disorder has can increase the development of negative ideas about self-image. In this way, low self-esteem is produced that lasts indefinitely.
- Additional mental health problems: The lack of emotional containment can be a direct cause of the appearance of complex physical, emotional and behavioral manifestations. In short, this could lead to lasting personality crises.
- Substance Abuse and Legal Difficulties: Drug use could be a trigger for health problems. In turn, the lack of emotional regulation causes problems with authorities due to the presence of impulsive behaviors.
- Risk of self-destructive behaviors: Some personality disorders, such as , are associated with an increased risk of self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide attempts. Without treatment, these behaviors can persist and increase the risk of physical harm or even loss of life.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
Bibliography
- Caballo, V., Guillén, JL, Salazar, IC (2009). Personality styles, traits and disorders: interrelationships and differences associated with sex. Psycho Magazine, 40 (3), 319-327.
- Linares, J.L. (2007). Personality and its disorders from a systemic perspective. Clinical and Health Magazine, 18 (3), 381-399.