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Do Personality Disorders Go Away On Their Own?

Do Personality Disorders Go Away On Their Own - Do Personality Disorders Go Away On Their Own?

Personality disorders are often considered as lifelong conditions that require intensive therapy and medication to manage. Many individuals living with a personality disorder often ask whether their disorder will go away on its own. The truth is unfortunately not. It is difficult to overcome a personality disorder without professional help. In this blog post we will dive into personality disorders, explore whether they can go away on their own provide insight into the importance of psychotherapy and offer advice for those struggling with a personality disorder.

What are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are long-term deeply ingrained patterns of behavior and thought that can be difficult to manage and may cause significant distress. They are typically diagnosed by a mental health professional and are classified into three clusters: A, B, and C.

Cluster A disorders are characterized by eccentric thinking or behavior, such as schizoid personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.

Cluster B disorders are characterized by emotional, dramatic, or erratic behavior, such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder.

Cluster C disorders are characterized by anxious or fearful behavior, such as avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Can Personality Disorders Go Away on Their Own?

Personality disorders do not go away on their own. They require professional help, such as psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior and thought that can be challenging to change on your own. Without intervention, personality disorders can worsen over time, which can be detrimental to your daily life and your mental health.

The Importance of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is the preferred approach to treat personality disorders. It provides an opportunity to work with a therapist or counselor to identify the root causes of the disorder and to develop coping strategies to manage it. Psychotherapy is a long-term treatment option and can be highly effective in reducing the severity of personality disorder symptoms. Types of psychotherapy that may help include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, which help reduce the longevity of personality disorders.

Advice for Those Struggling with a Personality Disorder

If you or a loved one is struggling with a personality disorder, it’s essential to seek professional help. The first step is to speak with a mental health professional, who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. It’s essential to stick with therapy, even if it feels uncomfortable or difficult. Remember, psychotherapy is a long-term process, and it can take time to see improvement. Additionally, consider building a support system of trusted friends or family members to help you through the ups and downs of managing a personality disorder.

In conclusion, personality disorders are not something that can go away on their own. Without professional help from a therapist or counselor, personality disorders can worsen over time, causing significant distress in your daily life and mental health. Psychotherapy is the preferred approach to treat personality disorders and can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. Remember, seeking help for a personality disorder is essential and is the first step towards living a more fulfilling life. With the help of a mental health professional, you can develop the tools and strategies to manage your personality disorder and live the life you deserve.

If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Josh Zettel, BA (Hons), MA, RP (Qualifying) CCC, or another Kitchener psychotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!

About the Author

Josh Zettel, MA, RP (Qualifying) is a counsellor at CARESPACE Victoria North. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for Kitchener counselling, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.