Personality Disorders

Unlike short-term mood changes or stress responses, personality disorders are deeply ingrained traits that usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood. At Mind Scan, we offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore these patterns and work toward lasting change.

Common Types of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are grouped into three main clusters:

Cluster A - Odd or Eccentric Behavior:

• Paranoid Personality Disorder: Distrust and suspicion of others
• Schizoid Personality Disorder: Emotional coldness and social detachment
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric thoughts or behavior

Cluster B – Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Intense emotions and unstable relationships
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Inflated self-image and need for admiration
• Histrionic Personality Disorder: Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for others' rights or feelings

Cluster C – Anxious or Fearful Behavior:

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Fear of rejection, extreme shyness
• Dependent Personality Disorder: Excessive reliance on others
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Perfectionism and need for control

Signs and Symptoms

While symptoms vary depending on the specific disorder, some general signs include:

• Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
• Intense fear of abandonment or criticism
• Frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Rigid patterns of thinking or behavior
• Trouble adapting to change or feedback
• Low self-esteem or an unstable self-image
• Social withdrawal or excessive need for approval
• Manipulative or controlling behavior

These behaviors are often unconscious coping mechanisms, developed in response to past experiences or trauma.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown, but contributing factors may include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Abuse or unstable early relationships
• Family history of mental illness
• Chronic stress or social isolation

Understanding the root cause can be essential in creating an effective treatment plan.

How Mind Scan Can Help

At Mind Scan, we offer personalized and compassionate care for those navigating the challenges of personality disorders. Our goal is not to "change who you are," but to help you build awareness, emotional resilience, and healthier relationships.

Our approach may include:

• Long-term psychotherapy (e.g., DBT, CBT, schema therapy)
• Medication support (if mood or anxiety symptoms are present)
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies
• Support for family and caregivers
• Crisis prevention and self-harm management (if applicable)

We walk with you at your pace-helping you understand your patterns and develop tools to improve your mental well-being.