Personality Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Personality Disorders?
A psychiatrist usually treats these conditions. That is a doctor who treats mental illness. A psychologist, who gives talk therapy, may also help. A primary care doctor can be part of the care team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are personality disorders?
Your personality is your own way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. Personality disorders are a group of mental disorders. They involve long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors. These are different from what is considered normal in your culture.
These thoughts and behaviors are unhealthy and inflexible. They cause serious problems with relationships, work, and social activities. They can make everyday stresses hard to handle.
Symptoms
The symptoms of each type are different. But each type involves problems and uncertainty with how people see themselves. They also cause problems in relationships with other people.
There are 10 types. They fall into three groups, called clusters:
- Cluster A involves unusual and odd thoughts and behaviors. It includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal types.
- Cluster B involves dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviors that can keep changing. It includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic types.
- Cluster C involves anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviors. It includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive types.
The obsessive-compulsive type is not the same as OCD, which is a different illness. People with these disorders may not see that they have a problem. To them, their thoughts feel normal. They may see others as the problem.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is unknown. However, genes and childhood experiences such as abuse and trauma likely play a role. They usually begin in the teens or early adult years.
Problems can include trouble in relationships and at school or work. Some people also have other mental health problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Others use illegal drugs or alcohol, or attempt suicide.
How doctors diagnose it
A mental health care provider can diagnose these disorders. This is a health professional who treats mental health problems. The provider will look at the person's symptoms, experiences, and family medical history. A thorough medical exam may also be done. It helps rule out other possible causes.
People under age 18 are typically not diagnosed. Their personalities are still developing.
Treatment
Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is the main treatment. These disorders take time to treat, but some kinds of talk therapy help. Common types include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Psychodynamic therapy.
- Group therapy.
No medicine is made just for these disorders. Medicines may help relieve certain symptoms, such as anxiety or mood swings.
Some self-care steps can also help. They include staying away from drugs and alcohol. They also include regular medical care and staying in touch with family and friends. The outlook varies. Some of these disorders improve greatly during middle age without any treatment. Others improve slowly or not at all, even with treatment.
When to see a doctor
See your provider or a mental health professional if you or someone you know has symptoms. People often seek help once their behavior has caused severe problems in relationships or work. Some also seek help for another mental health problem, such as a mood or substance use disorder.
If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. You can also call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room. If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 right away. Do not leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can do a first evaluation and help you find a mental health professional.
Common questions
Can these disorders be treated?
Yes, they can be treated. Talk therapy is the main treatment. Medicines may help relieve certain symptoms, such as anxiety or mood swings.
Why do some people not seek help?
Many people do not see their thoughts and behavior as a problem. To them, their thoughts feel normal. They may see others as the problem. They often seek help once their behavior has caused severe problems in relationships or work.
Is there a medicine for these disorders?
No, no medicine is made just for these disorders. In some cases, medicines may help treat some symptoms. Examples are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicine, and mood-stabilizing medicine.
Do these disorders go away on their own?
It depends. Some improve greatly during middle age without any treatment. Others improve slowly or not at all, even with treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Personality Disorders
- MedlinePlus - Personality disorders
- American Psychiatric Association - What are Personality Disorders?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
