Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment in functioning. They usually start to present around adolescence or early adulthood.
The causes of personality disorders aren’t yet fully known, however, both genetic factors and environmental experiences, such as your relationship with family and friends, and events you experienced in your childhood, are believed to play a role.
At Sage Clinics, we take a compassionate and evidence-based approach to treating personality disorders, as we understand that living with a personality disorder can present unique challenges.
There are several types of personality disorders, each with its own specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria. They are typically grouped into three clusters (DSM-IV) based on similar characteristics and symptom patterns, which help in understanding and categorizing these disorders for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Each cluster represents a distinct set of personality traits and behaviors, although there can be overlaps between clusters, and an individual may exhibit traits from more than one cluster.
Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Behavior
Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior
Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behavior
While personality disorders may cause significant distress and impairment, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment typically involves psychological therapy and support groups, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Our services include:
While the signs of a personality disorder can vary depending on the type, you or a loved one might benefit from professional help if you notice a few of the following signs:
It’s important to note that while these signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of a personality disorder, only a qualified mental health professional can make a diagnosis based on a thorough evaluation of an individual’s symptoms, history, and functioning. Additionally, not everyone who exhibits these signs will meet the criteria for a personality disorder, as these behaviors may also be influenced by other factors such as stress, trauma, or cultural norms.
Dr Gurveen Ranger is a Clinical Psychologist from the UK and have over 10 years’ experience working in mental health across a variety of settings.
Dr Bisi Laniyan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience in the mental health and wellbeing sector.
Hiba Salem specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families.
Ana Gomez is a Spanish trained Clinical and Forensic Psychologist specialized in working with adolescent and adults with different mental health issues.
Payal, a 34-year-old teacher, sought treatment at Sage Clinics after noticing symptoms consistent with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), also known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Payal had been experiencing intense emotional highs and lows, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors that were significantly impacting her daily life and relationships.
During her initial assessment with one of our psychologists, Payal explained how she experienced frequent mood swings, ranging from periods of intense sadness, anxiety, and emptiness to moments of intense anger or irritability. She struggled with feelings of chronic emptiness and a profound fear of abandonment, often experiencing intense anxiety and distress when faced with perceived rejection or abandonment by others. Payal also engaged in impulsive behaviors such as overspending, binge eating, and risky sexual behavior, which provided temporary relief from her emotional pain but ultimately exacerbated her distress.
Payal was introduced to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals with EUPD develop skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase mindfulness. During her DBT sessions, Payal learned practical skills and strategies to help her cope with her intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors. She learned mindfulness techniques to increase awareness of her thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, allowing her to observe and accept her experiences without judgment. Payal also practiced emotion regulation skills to identify and label her emotions, understand their triggers, and choose healthier ways of responding to them.
In addition to emotion regulation, Payal worked on developing interpersonal effectiveness skills to improve communication, set boundaries, and navigate challenging relationships more effectively. She learned assertiveness techniques, practiced effective communication strategies, and role-played challenging scenarios to build confidence and assertiveness in her interactions with others.
Though Payal's road to recovery was not without its challenges, she remained committed to her treatment, and as she progressed through her DBT sessions, she felt more empowered to cope with life's challenges and embrace a life worth living.
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At Sage Clinics, we understand the complexities of bipolar disorder and the significant impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.
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We know it’s likely to have been a struggle to get this far, but we are with you every step of the way. Our process is simple – we work with you to develop a unique plan and provide the a level of support according to your needs, whilst ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes.
Book an appointment by calling us on +971 4 575 5684 (or you can book online) and tell us what you are having difficulty with.
We offer availability with highly experienced therapists suited to your needs and book the appointment for you.
Meet the practitioner and begin the road to self-improvement. Have any concerns? Let us know so we can assist.
Our goal is to support individuals, couples, families and groups experiencing challenges with mental, behavioral or emotional wellbeing to overcome these challenges, learn new skills, and thrive at life.