Personality Disorders
People with personality disorders have long-standing patterns of thinking and acting that differ from what society considers usual or normal. The inflexibility of their personality can cause great distress, and can interfere with many areas of life, including social and work functioning. People with personality disorders generally also have poor coping skills and difficulty forming healthy relationships. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book for recognized mental illnesses, organizes personality disorders into three main categories, with several types of personality disorders in each category.
Maine Resources
If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else, please call the Maine Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112. It's open 24/7.
Some resources on this list are aimed at people with specific personality disorders. All resources targeted towards a specific demographic will be noted in the resource’s description. There are ten personality disorders, which include: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive (different from OCD).
Crossroads | Personality Disorder Treatment - Offers a comprehensive treatment program in Portland, Maine, for individuals with personality disorders and co-occurring substance use issues. Their approach includes a combination of individual and group therapies, holistic healing, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to manage symptoms and promote long-term recovery. Crossroads aims to help clients address trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve overall mental health while overcoming addiction. They emphasize personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs.
Liberty Bay Recovery | Personality Disorders - Provides a holistic approach to treating personality disorders and co-occurring substance abuse, using family therapy, psychotherapy, and medication. They focus on helping individuals with personality disorders like schizoid, paranoid, and borderline disorders, among others. Their mission is to support patients in overcoming destructive behavior patterns and substance abuse, promoting long-term recovery and healthier lifestyles.
MaineHealth | Psychiatric Care - Offers comprehensive psychiatric care for a variety of mental health conditions, including personality disorders. Their services include diagnosis, medication management, and therapy provided by psychiatrists who are trained to treat both the mental and physical aspects of psychological disorders. Treatment options range from individual and group therapy to specialized care in hospital settings. MaineHealth's extensive network ensures accessible, high-quality care across various locations.
Portland Therapy Center - A resource where you can find therapists in the Portland area who specialize in treating personality disorders. It offers a directory of professionals with expertise in various mental health issues, including personality disorders like borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders. You can search for therapists based on their specialties, read about their approaches, and find contact information to seek treatment.
The Maine DBT Center - Offers comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adults, focusing on individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and other emotional regulation issues. The program includes weekly DBT skills group sessions and individual therapy, primarily conducted via telehealth. They require a one-year commitment, with group sessions facilitated by trained clinicians. The center supports clients in developing skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and cope with distress, with flexible scheduling to accommodate various needs.
Wrap-fund - Provides financial assistance to individuals enrolled in or eligible for Adult Mental Health Services under Section 17. Applicants must submit a complete and legible application, demonstrating financial need and providing supporting documents for the requested assistance. The application requires personal and financial details, an eligibility section, and information on other resources tried. The program emphasizes utilizing other available resources before applying, and incomplete applications will be returned for resubmission.
Regional Resources
New England Personality Disorder Association (NEPDA) - Aims to educate and support loved ones of people with personality disorders, especially Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Through expert-led presentations, virtual support group meetings, and partnerships with organizations like McLean Hospital, NEPDA provides a stigma-free space for understanding, companionship, and hope.
Personality Disorders - Massachusetts General Hospital provides information on various personality disorders, including symptoms and treatment options. They offer inpatient psychiatric services for adults needing short-term, secure medical psychiatric care at their facility on Blake 11, located at 55 Fruit Street in Boston, MA. These services focus on acute inpatient treatment.
National Resources
Borderline Personality Disorder | NAMI - Offers a comprehensive online document detailing an overview of BPD, treatment options, and support resources for individuals with the condition and their loved ones.
Cleveland Clinic | Personality Disorder Types - Personality disorders are mental health conditions involving long-lasting, disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, and relationships. The Cleveland Clinic groups them into three clusters: Cluster A (odd/eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic/erratic), and Cluster C (anxious/fearful). Each type, like paranoid or borderline personality disorder, has unique symptoms. Dedicated links are provided on the page for each disorder referenced, which offers a more detailed explanation of the individual conditions and allows you to explore each of these conditions in greater depth. This resource is well laid out and is easy to follow.
Emotions Matter | Peer Support Groups - Dedicated to supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) through peer-led support groups. Their website provides information about their peer support groups, which offer a safe, judgment-free space for socialization, empowerment, and problem-solving based on shared experiences. The groups are facilitated by volunteers with lived experience and emphasize recovery principles, safety, and community support. Additionally, Emotions Matter offers educational resources, events, and advocacy opportunities to further support those affected by BPD.
Histrionic Personality Disorder - HPD is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, a distorted self-image, and a strong need for attention. Individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder often engage in dramatic, inappropriate behaviors to be noticed and may struggle with relationships due to their superficial emotional expression. The condition is typically treated with psychotherapy, though those affected may not recognize their behaviors as problematic. HPD is more commonly diagnosed in women and often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Medline Plus | Personality Disorders - Personality disorders are long-term patterns of unhealthy and inflexible thoughts and behaviors that differ from cultural expectations, causing problems in relationships, work, and social activities. There are ten types, grouped into three clusters: Cluster A (odd/eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic/emotional), and Cluster C (anxious/fearful). Causes are unknown but may involve genetics and childhood experiences. The linked article from Medline Plus details the symptoms, specifics, potential treatments, and additional resources. This is a good resource to begin to familiarize yourself with personality disorders in general.
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) - Dedicated to raising public awareness and understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Their website offers comprehensive resources, including educational materials, treatment options, and support tools for individuals with BPD and their families. They also provide access to webinars, conferences, and research updates to foster community support and advance the understanding and treatment of BPD.