Causes of Personality Disorders

o The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown

o Evidence points to both genetic AND environmental factors such
as history of personality disorders in the family
o Some experts believe that traumatic events occurring in early
childhood exert a crucial influence on behaviour later in life
o Some propose that people are genetically predisposed to
personality disorders or that they have an underlying biological
disturbance (anatomical, electrical, or neurochemical)
Symptoms vary widely depending on the specific type of personality disorder
However, individuals with personality disorders have most of the following in
common:
1. Self-centeredness that manifests itself through a me-first attitude
2. Lack of individual accountability that results in a victim mentality and
blaming others for their problems
3. Lack of empathy or caring
4. Manipulative and exploitive behaviour
5. Unhappiness, suffering from depression, and other mood or anxiety
disorders
6. Vulnerability to other mental disorders
7. Distorted or superficial understanding of self and others perceptions
that result in being unable to see how objectionable, unacceptable,
and disagreeable their behaviour is
8. Self-destructive behaviour
9. Socially maladaptive, changing the rules of the game, or otherwise
influencing the external world to conform to their own needs
Treatment of Personality Disorder
o The first goal of treatment is the relief of anxiety, depression, and
other distressing symptoms (if present)
o Reducing environmental stress can also quickly relieve symptoms
o Personality traits take many years to develop, and treatment of
maladaptive traits may take many years as well.
o No short term treatment can cure a personality disorder, although
some changes may be accomplished faster than others
o Behaviour changes can occur within a year, interpersonal changes can
take longer
o Although treatments differ according to the type of personality
disorder, some general principles apply to all treatments

o Because people with a personality disorder do not see a problem with

their own behaviour, they must be confronted with the harmful
consequences of their maladaptive thoughts and behaviours.
What is the CYWs Role in Treatment?
The CYW to repeatedly point out the undesirable consequences of their
thoughts and behaviour patterns. (How is that working out for you?)
Sometimes the CYW finds it necessary to set limits on behaviour (for
example, adolescents may be told that they cannot raise their voice in
anger).
The involvement of family members is helpful and often essential
because they can act in a way that either reinforces or diminishes the
problematic behaviour or thoughts.
The CYW involved in treatment strategies for personality disorder
clients should have a clear understanding of the clients areas of
emotional sensitivity and usual ways of coping
The CYW must develop a cooperative relationship with their client,
enabling them to begin to understand the source of their distress and
recognize their maladaptive behaviour
Types of Therapy used in Treatment
Psychotherapy
o Psychotherapy can help clients more clearly recognize the attitudes
and behaviours that lead to interpersonal problems, such as
dependency, arrogance and manipulativeness
o This is the main way to treat personality disorders.
o Clients learn healthy ways to manage symptoms and reduce
behaviours that interfere with functioning and relationships
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
o CBT is focused on improving moods and behaviour by examining
confused or distorted patterns of thinking
o The clients learns that thoughts, feelings and moods can influence
their behaviour
For example, if a child has problematic behaviour patterns, the
therapist seeks to identify the underlying thinking that causes them.
The facilities the child`s replacement of this thinking with thoughts
that results in more appropriate feelings and behaviours.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

o DBT is used to treat older adolescents with suicidal thoughts, who

intentionally engage in self-destructive behaviour or who have
borderline personality disorder
o DBT teaches how to take responsibility for one`s problems and how to
deal with conflict and negative feelings
o Teaches problem solving and helps to change unhelpful behaviours
o DBT often involves a combination of group and individual sessions

Family Therapy
o This therapy approach is designed to help the family unit function in more
positive and constructive ways by exploring patterns of communication
and providing support and education.
o Helps family members develop skills to better understand and support a
relative with a personality disorder.
o Family therapy session can include the child or adolescent along with
parents and siblings.
Group Therapy
o Group therapy uses group dynamics and peer interactions to increase
understanding, communication, and improve social skills.
o May help teach people how to interact with others and how to express
themselves effectively
Play Therapy
o Play therapy is directed at helping younger children. It involves the use
of toys, blocks, dolls, puppets, drawings, and games to help the child
recognize, identify, and verbalize feelings
o The therapist observes how the child uses play materials and identifies
themes or patters to understand the childs problems.
o Through a combination of talk and play, the child has an opportunity to
better understand conflicts, feelings and behaviour.