Personality disorders

Personality Disorders: Navigating the Self and Others

A personality disorder is a persistent way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates significantly from cultural expectations and causes distress or impairment in functioning. Unlike temporary mood shifts, these patterns are deeply ingrained and often emerge in late childhood or adolescence. At our Southfield clinic, we provide a safe, high-end sanctuary for patients ages 6 and older to explore these complexities and build healthier ways of relating to the world.

Understanding the Clusters of Personality

Personality disorders are typically grouped into three “clusters” based on similar characteristics. We provide expert diagnostic evaluations to identify where your challenges may lie:

Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric): Characterized by social withdrawal and distorted thinking, such as Paranoid or Schizoid personality traits.

Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic): Involving intense emotional swings and impulsive behavior. This includes Borderline, Narcissistic, and Histrionic patterns.

Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful): Driven largely by anxiety and a need for control or approval, such as Avoidant, Dependent, or Obsessive-Compulsive personality traits.

How Personality Disorders Impact the Body and Mind

Because these disorders affect the core of “who you are,” they impact every aspect of your well-being:

Chronic Tension: A constant state of "fight-or-flight" leading to muscle stiffness and fatigue.

Sleep Irregularity: Insomnia caused by racing thoughts or the inability to "switch off" emotional intensity at night.

Somatic Symptoms: Physical manifestations of emotional pain, such as frequent headaches or digestive distress.

Identity Confusion: A blurred sense of self, often leading to shifting goals, values, and career paths.

Our Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Evaluation

Medication Management

Ongoing Supportive Care

Why Choose Us

We don’t believe in “masking” symptoms. Our goal is to provide you with the clinical tools and biological support needed to regain control. At our Southfield clinic, we treat personality disorders as deeply rooted patterns that require a specialized, precision-based approach.

Expert Medication Management

Psychotherapy & Cognitive Support

Child & Adolescent Support (Ages 6+)

Safe and Secure Environment

Frequently asked questions

(01) How does medication help with a personality?

Medication helps by calming the biological systems that drive the symptoms. For example, if someone struggles with intense impulsivity or mood swings, medication can "lower the volume" of those urges, making it easier to use the tools learned in therapy.

(02) What causes a personality disorder?

There is rarely a single cause. It is usually a combination of genetics (the biological temperament you were born with) and environmental factors (such as childhood experiences or trauma). Our Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation looks at both factors to understand how your unique "blueprint" was formed.

(03) How do I get started?

The first step is a diagnostic evaluation at our Southfield location. We will work together to map out your emotional patterns and create a personalized plan to help you feel more in control of your life.