Personality Disorder Treatment

Personality disorders are a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition, especially in women. These disorders involve patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from societal expectations and cause distress or impairment in daily life. They can also co-occur with other mental health conditions, making it challenging for individuals to receive appropriate treatment. These conditions can have a significant impact on a woman’s life, as well as those around her. A personality disorder treatment program can greatly enhance the quality of life for women with personality disorders.

The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® provides compassionate women’s mental health treatment and personality disorder treatment in North Carolina. Call us at 828.518.6941 to learn more about how we equip women with the tools they need to heal and thrive.

What Is a Personality Disorder?

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work, and school. These disorders are deeply ingrained, enduring patterns of behavior that deviate significantly from the expectations of society.

Personality disorders can be thought of as a pattern of unhealthy and rigid thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates from societal norms. They are often diagnosed in early adulthood but may also become apparent during adolescence.

Stigma and Myth vs. Reality

Sadly, personality disorders are often misunderstood, leading to stigmatization and myths about those who suffer from these conditions. Contrary to popular belief, individuals with personality disorders are not dangerous or incapable of living fulfilling lives. With the proper treatment and support, they can manage their symptoms and lead healthy, productive lives.

Personality Disorders in Women

Personality disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender. However, they often present differently in women compared to men, influenced by:

• Societal expectations – Women are often expected to be nurturing, empathetic, and compliant. As such, women with personality disorders may struggle to meet these expectations and feel intense pressure to conform.
• Gender stereotypes – Our society has rigid standards for how women should look, act, and think. Women with personality disorders may not fit into these narrow definitions of femininity and face judgment and criticism as a result.
• Trauma and abuse – Women are more likely to experience trauma and abuse, which can contribute to the development of personality disorders. Traumatic experiences can also exacerbate existing symptoms and make it challenging to seek help.

Untreated personality disorders can lead to significant distress, impairment in daily life, strained relationships, and even physical health problems. It is crucial for women to receive appropriate treatment and support to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

About Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s not uncommon for individuals with personality disorders to also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. These are known as co-occurring disorders. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we recognize the importance of treating all aspects of our clients’ health and offer comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment.

Personality Disorder Treatment for Women

The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® offers a specialized personality disorder treatment program for young adult women aged 18-30. Our clinician-run center ensures every client receives understanding and compassionate care from experienced professionals. We use evidence-based therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help women develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their relationships. Our program also focuses on healing from trauma and building self-esteem, both crucial components of recovery from personality disorders.