Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterized by changes in a persons mood, behavior, and thinking patterns.

What Are the Three Personality Disorder Clusters?

Personality disorders can skew your personal and social relationships.

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A combination of genetics, environmental and developmental factors may contribute to developing personality disorders.

Genetics

One theory suggests that family history has a significant role to play.

Brain Changes

Scientists have observed differences in brain structure in some people with certain personality disorders.

Cultural Factors

There’s a connection between culture and personality disorders.

Culture plays a vital role in defining who you are.

It dictates many parts of your personality and self-image.

Cultures encouraging emotional sensitivity are less likely to shape people who exhibit impulsive and suicidal behaviors.

For instance, ahistory of abusecan make you more susceptible to developing personality disorders.

Research shows a strong link betweenchildhood sexual trauma and borderline personalitydisorder.

They are typically overly sensitive to negative remarks and tend to avoid interacting with other people as a result.

They are also likely to have low self-esteem and struggle to interact with new people.

A person with a dependent personality disorder will exhibitpeople-pleasing behaviorsand have an unreasonable fear of separation.

People with this condition are perfectionists and react negatively when people or situations threaten their sense of order.

Personality disorders are all characterized by changes to your personality.

Symptoms of Cluster C personality disorders depend on your Cluster C condition.

If you are exhibiting symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The DSM-5-TR provides diagnostic criteria for each personality disorder.

Your physical exam involves an in-depth analysis of your family and medical history.

Your family history is crucial as Cluster C personality disorders can be passed down through families.

Cluster C Personality Disorder Treatment

Treatment for a personality disorder can be challenging.

The severity of your symptoms and any comorbid conditions you may have will typically be considered.

Research shows that people with Cluster C personality disorders are at high risk of developing substance use disorder.

A combination of medication and psychotherapy can be used to manage symptoms.

If you exhibit signs of depression, your healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants.

Mood stabilizers can also help to regulate your mood if youve been experiencing severe mood swings.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapyis a vital treatment tool for many mental health conditions, including personality disorders.

Therapy can equip you with the skills to handle social interactions and healthy coping mechanisms to handle challenging emotions.

In many cases, psychotherapy is the first line of treatment used to manage personality disorders.

Theres currently no cure for personality disorders; however, they are treatable.

Symptoms of personality disorders can be managed with medication and therapy to encourage changed behavior.

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