Which personality disorder treatment is best for you?

Key Takeaways

Despite being common, personality disorders continue to be highly misunderstood. One of the biggest myths about personality disorders is that they can’t be treated.
Personality disorders can be treated successfully with therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medications.
Seeking help is a brave move toward healing. It’s key to find the right provider, be honest during your assessment, and support your treatment with self-awareness, learning about your condition, and taking care of yourself.

Personality disorders are often misunderstood, and that misunderstanding comes with significant stigma. These complex mental health conditions are quite common — affecting over 9% of American adults — and they can deeply impact relationships, self-image, and daily life.

Unfortunately, outdated myths and misinformation — like the belief that personality disorders can’t be treated — only make it harder for people to get the support they need. But treatment is possible. With the right approach, people with personality disorders can make meaningful progress and build fulfilling and connected lives.

Can personality disorders be treated?

Yes, personality disorders can be treated. There has been a longstanding and harmful myth that they can’t be treated, partly because they last a long time and affect many parts of a person’s life, like their employment, relationships, and education. This idea stuck around because, for a long time, there weren’t proven ways to manage these disorders. However, with the right approach, treatment is possible.

Some of the qualities of personality disorders can make treatment less straightforward. For one, symptoms of personality disorders can be chronic and impact many areas of a person’s life. In addition, many people with personality disorders never seek treatment. Some personality disorders, like narcissistic personality disorder, don’t always cause the same level of internal emotional distress as other mental health conditions, like depression, because the person might not experience or express distress in the same way.

For example, people with narcissistic personality disorder rarely seek treatment because their condition inherently prevents them from acknowledging that anything could be “wrong” with them. People with personality disorders also often drop out of treatment — and if treatment isn’t completed, it isn’t as effective.

However, when people with personality disorders are connected with the right treatment, it can make an enormous difference. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in uncovering effective interventions that can help people with personality disorders manage their symptoms and live with greater ease.

Like many other mental health conditions, personality disorders are chronic, meaning that there’s no cure for them. However, with the right support and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and limit the impact they have on your life and relationships.

What are the treatment options for personality disorders?

Personality disorders are treated with talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Individual therapy

Individual therapy for personality disorders can help you explore patterns of thinking and behavior and learn new coping skills. Many people with personality disorders have gone through childhood traumatic experiences, so individual therapy may also provide a space to process and heal from trauma. Some of the most effective individual therapy interventions for personality disorders include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Group therapy

Group therapy is also often part of personality disorder treatment, especially in DBT. In a group setting, you can practice new tools and skills in real time with others in a supportive environment. Because personality disorders so intimately affect relationships, working in a group allows your therapist to observe your communication and relational patterns and work through them in the moment.

Residential treatment

In more severe cases, residential or inpatient treatment may be most beneficial for personality disorders. For example, suicidal thoughts* and behaviors are common features of borderline personality disorder. If these behaviors cause you to be a danger to yourself, you might benefit from an inpatient setting where you receive around-the-clock care.

*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support through trained crisis counselors. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, self-harm, or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. For life-threatening emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.

Medication

Psychiatric medications are often used to reduce certain symptoms of personality disorders, especially impulsivity and aggression, which are commonly seen in borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder. Medications can also help lessen symptoms of emotional pain, depression, social anxiety, or psychosis that may come along with certain personality disorders. It’s important to work with your provider to determine if medication is the right choice for you, as they can guide you in finding the most appropriate treatment plan.

First steps to finding the best treatment for you

If you think you may have a personality disorder and are considering getting treatment, you’ve already taken a brave first step. Many people with personality disorders never seek support and therefore never get the opportunity to address their condition. Seeking treatment for your personality disorder can feel daunting, but it’s a courageous step toward healing.

If you’re ready to start treatment, here are the steps you can take:

Seek out a provider. Like any mental health condition, the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. If you’re already working with a therapist or other mental health professional, let them know that you suspect you may have a personality disorder. If you’re not, seek out a mental health professional who has experience working with people who have personality disorders.
Be open during your diagnostic assessment. When you get connected to a mental health provider, tell them about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Remember that your provider is not there to judge you — they’re there to help. Being as honest and clear as possible will help them understand your situation and set them up to offer you the best support.
Commit to your treatment plan. Once you’ve matched with a provider and explored a diagnosis, you’ll start treatment. Your provider will recommend methods that are most appropriate for you, including options for residential treatment or medication, if applicable. Remember, treatment may take time, and the journey toward healing is often gradual. Stay committed, work closely with your provider, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns along the way. You don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Self-care strategies for coping with personality disorders

If you live with a personality disorder, it’s essential to get professional mental health treatment. These conditions are incredibly complex and require the support of a qualified professional.

However, there are ways you can take care of yourself alongside treatment:

Learn about your condition. Reading and learning about your personality disorder can go a long way toward helping you understand why you think and behave the way you do. Joining a supportive community of people with your diagnosis can also help you gain more insight.
Practice self-awareness. Because personality disorders can deeply affect your thinking and worldview, practicing self-awareness is essential to understanding the many ways the condition impacts your life and relationships. Try practicing mindfulness around your internal experiences or journaling to get to know yourself on a deeper level.
Practice self-care. When you live with any mental health condition, including personality disorders, it’s essential to take care of yourself holistically. Eat nourishing meals, and make sure to move your body every day. Prioritize restful sleep, and connect with supportive people in your life. These simple things might not sound like much, but they can make a big difference. Remember, while these strategies are beneficial, it’s important to work closely with your mental health provider to make sure they align with your overall treatment plan.

Find care with Rula

Living with a personality disorder can be challenging. But no matter what you’ve heard, they can be treated. Talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both can help reduce the impact that your personality disorder symptoms have on various areas of your life, from your emotional well-being to work and relationships. Ultimately, getting the support you deserve can help you lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Rula’s therapist-matching program makes it easy to quickly find a provider who accepts your insurance and specializes in your unique needs. And thanks to our extensive network, you can meet with a therapist via a secure online appointment as soon as tomorrow.

About the author

Saya Des Marais

Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more. Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online. She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.

Rula's editorial process

Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.