Personality Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

What is personality disorder?

A personality disorder is a deeply ingrained mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate significantly from cultural expectations. These patterns are long-standing and inflexible, often leading to distress, impaired functioning, and troubled relationships. Personality defines who we are, it’s a unique combination of our emotions, behaviors, thinking patterns, and how we relate to others. When aspects of personality become rigid and maladaptive, it can result in a disorder that affects various facets of life, including work, family, friendships, and self-identity.

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Types of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on similar characteristics:

Type A: Odd or Eccentric Behavior

  • Paranoid Personality Disorder: Characterized by chronic mistrust and suspicion of others.
  • Schizoid Personality Disorder: Marked by detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotions.
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Involves discomfort with close relationships, unusual beliefs, and eccentric behavior.

Type B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Includes disregard for others’ rights and violation of social norms.
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Features emotional instability, poor self-image, and impulsivity.
  • Histrionic Personality Disorder: Characterized by excessive emotionality and a need to be the center of attention.
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Marked by grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Type C: Anxious or Fearful Behavior

  • Avoidant Personality Disorder: Involves social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism.
  • Dependent Personality Disorder: Characterized by excessive reliance on others for emotional and physical needs.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Features preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

About TEMA Therapy

TEMA Therapy offers Diagnostics & Testing services for anyone wishing to learn more about their symptoms, find their possible causes, and get guidance on their next steps.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our unique approach to assessment and testing.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Though the exact causes of personality disorders remain unclear, research points to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, such as:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Brain structure and function anomalies
  • Childhood trauma or abuse
  • Verbal or emotional neglect
  • Cultural influences and upbringing

Why Choose Us?

Compassionate, Comprehensive, and Confidential Care

At Tema Therapy we go beyond the diagnosis. We’re committed to providing:

Expert Team of Mental Health Professionals
Licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists with extensive experience in personality disorders.

Personalized Treatment Plans
Tailored care strategies to suit everyone’s unique challenges and goals.

Evidence-Based Therapies
We apply proven therapeutic modalities like DBT, MBT, and CAT to ensure effective outcomes.

Holistic Support Services
From family counseling to peer support groups, we provide resources to nurture recovery at every stage.

Our approach

Signs and Symptoms

Some general indicators of personality disorders include:

  • Unstable or distorted self-image
  • Difficulties in forming or maintaining healthy relationships
  • Chronic emotional instability or impulsiveness
  • Difficulty handling stress or criticism
  • Lack of empathy or regard for others’ feelings
  • Unawareness of how behavior impacts others

Personality disorders often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood and typically require a professional psychological evaluation for diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is based on:

  • A comprehensive psychological assessment
  • Medical and personal history
  • Observations of behavior patterns
  • Evaluation against the criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
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Evidence-Based Treatment Options

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for personality disorders, but a combination of talk therapy, supportive counseling, and in some cases medication, can lead to significant improvements. Treatment options include:

  1. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships through mindfulness and emotional regulation skills.

  1. Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)

Encourages understanding one’s own and others’ mental states to improve social functioning and emotional clarity.

  1. Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Combines elements of cognitive therapy with psychoanalysis to help individuals identify and change harmful patterns.

  1. Structured Clinical Management (SCM)

Offers practical support and problem-solving to improve daily functioning and long-term goals.

  1. Medication

Though not typically first-line treatment, medication such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics may help manage specific symptoms.

  1. Art therapy

Art therapy and other expressive modalities can be beneficial in exploring emotions and enhancing self-awareness.

OUR STAFF

Meet our Therapists

For more online therapist profiles

Dr. Irina Volynsky

Clinical Director

Specialty: Clinical psychologist working with adults, children and families. Testing and Therapy

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

Dr. Emile T. Berk

Psychologist

Specialty: Clinical psychologist working with adults, adolescents and children. Testing.

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English

Irina Bashkirov

Mental Health Counselor

Specialty: Adult and child therapy

License: New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew

Andrew Roetman

Supervised Therapist

Specialty: Therapy and testing perfumed under the supervision of clinical director

Languages: English and Spanish

Natalia Rowe

Language and Feeding Specialist

Specialty: Speech-Language/Disphagia Therapist

Licenses: New York, New Jersey 

Languages: English, Russian

Amaury Hernandez

Behavioral Conditioning Coach

Specialty: Sensory Integration, Emotional Regulation

Certificates: Personal Trainer, Sensory Integration, Parkour

Languages: English, Spanish

Natallia Khamenka

Therapist

Specialty: Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Licenses:  New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian, Belarusian

Zhanna Beyl

Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with teens, adults, couples, and families 

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Katya Chizhova, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with the elderly and people with acute and chronic medical conditions

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Darina Konstorum

Supervised Mental Health Counselor

Speciality: Adult and Child Therapy. Group Therapy

Licenses: New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian

Tamara Kapustina

Health Coach & Personal trainer

Specialty: Personal Trainer. Executing Functioning Trainer.

Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English (Intermediate)

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NEWSLETTER

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Who benefits from our service?

I can't thank Tema Therapy enough for their incredible support in managing my ADHD. The therapists here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. They took the time to truly understand my struggles and provided me with effective coping strategies. The therapy sessions have made a significant positive impact on my life, helping me regain focus, improve productivity, and boost my self-esteem. Tema Therapy is a game-changer for anyone seeking assistance with ADHD.

Emily R

Tema Therapy has been an essential part of my journey in overcoming anxiety disorders. The therapists are empathetic, patient, and highly skilled in providing the right tools to manage anxiety effectively. The sessions were tailored to my specific needs, and the techniques I learned have been instrumental in reducing panic attacks and daily anxiety levels. While there's always room for improvement, I can confidently say that Tema Therapy is a place where anxiety disorders are truly understood and addressed.

Jason L

Tema Therapy has been a ray of hope in my battle against depression. The therapists here create a warm and nurturing environment, allowing for open and honest discussions. Their compassionate approach helped me feel safe while exploring the root causes of my depression. Through their guidance and evidence-based techniques, I've experienced significant progress in my emotional well-being. Tema Therapy is a beacon of light, reminding us that recovery from depression is possible.

Samantha H

Tema Therapy provided me with invaluable support during the most challenging period of my life—grieving the loss of a loved one. The therapists demonstrated exceptional empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for me to express my emotions and navigate the complexities of grief. Their expertise in grief counseling helped me find healthy coping mechanisms, allowing me to gradually heal and honor the memory of my loved one. Tema Therapy is an oasis of compassion during times of profound loss.

Daniel M

Tema Therapy has been instrumental in unlocking my true potential despite learning disabilities. The therapists here possess an in-depth understanding of different learning challenges and provide personalized strategies that cater to individual needs. Their patience, encouragement, and innovative techniques have empowered me to overcome obstacles and succeed academically. Although progress can take time, Tema Therapy has proven to be a transformative resource for individuals with learning disabilities, offering a path towards brighter futures.

Olivia K

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Email us at [email protected] for further queries.

Have more questions?
Email us at [email protected] for further queries.
Do you take insurance? How can I afford therapy?

Tema Therapy Center does not directly work with insurance companies, but our patients who have health insurance with out-of-network benefits usually get reimbursed by insurance providers in amount equal 60 to 70% from the cost of treatment. We are providing all necessary forms for these reimbursements.  The majority of our therapists offer sliding scale sessions for those who are in true financial need. We also have therapists-in-training whose fees are substantially lower and who work under supervision of our highly experienced professionals. In other words, we strive to make therapy affordable for many.

Can personality disorders be cured?

Personality disorders are considered long-term conditions, but with the right treatment and support, many people experience significant improvement and lead fulfilling lives.

What is the difference between a personality disorder and a mental illness like depression?

While both affect mood and functioning, personality disorders involve deep-rooted patterns in behavior and thought, whereas depression typically refers to episodic mood disturbances.

Is medication necessary for treatment?

Medication can be helpful for managing certain symptoms like anxiety or mood swings, but talk therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment.

Can someone has more than one personality disorder?

Yes, it is possible to have traits or symptoms of multiple personality disorders, which is known as a mixed or co-occurring personality disorder.

What should I do if I think someone has a personality disorder?

Encourage them to seek professional help. Avoid diagnosing them yourself and approach the subject with empathy, not judgment.

Are personality disorders genetic?

There is evidence to suggest a genetic component, but environmental factors like childhood trauma also play a significant role.

Can children be diagnosed with personality disorders?

Personality disorders are typically not diagnosed before age 18, though early signs and patterns may emerge in adolescence.

Does personality disorder the same as being shy or introverted?

No. Shyness or introversion is a personality trait, not a disorder. A disorder causes significant distress and dysfunction across multiple areas of life.

Can people with personality disorders have successful relationships and careers?

Yes, with the right therapy and coping strategies, many individuals go on to lead successful, meaningful lives.

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