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What therapies are effective in treating personality disorders?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother-in-law, whom I have known for five years, seems to have mental health issues, but I am struggling to figure out what personality disorders she might have. Basically, she acts like she cares about others, but she mainly seeks praise and exaggerates her achievements. Additionally, she has been addicted to Methamphetamine for over 25 years, and because her family enables her, it seems unlikely she will quit. She used to use cocaine before switching to Methamphetamine, which makes things even more complicated. I need advice on how to handle her.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From what you have described, it appears to align with a cluster B personality disorder, possibly either histrionic personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder. Histrionic individuals often seek attention in inappropriate ways. They tend to be overly emotional or sexually provocative in their behavior, using dramatic language and emphasizing their expressions. They may also express strong opinions without much evidence to support them and believe that they have closer relationships with others than they actually do.

A person with narcissistic personality disorder may exhibit behavior suggesting they believe they are superior to others. They may react strongly to criticism, view themselves as highly important, focus on grandiose plans and visions of success, seek admiration from others, act entitled, and struggle to empathize with others. Others may feel that they are being used or manipulated by someone with narcissistic personality disorder to benefit the narcissist's own interests.

Treatment options will include:

  1. Attempting to transition her to a drug-free state, as the drug exacerbates the personality disorder issue.
  2. Some form of psychotherapy, such as DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) from a therapist, will be beneficial.
  3. Medication prescribed by a psychiatrist, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants, will also be helpful.

I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

She denies any issues with herself, maintaining a perpetual belief that she is a victim of circumstances. She frequently perceives herself as being wronged by the world and uses these perceptions to rationalize her drug use.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This seems more consistent with a paranoid personality type, which falls under cluster A. It could also indicate a prodrome of schizophrenia rather than necessarily a personality disorder. The medication would likely be beneficial. Paranoia tends to worsen in patients with schizophrenia or paranoid personality disorders when they use drugs. Could you take her to see a psychiatrist? Additionally, I am not sure if this is feasible in your country, but in some places, covert administration of medication is possible for patients who are unwilling to take it. These types of medications, such as Haloperidol dispersible, Olanzapine dispersible, or Risperidone dispersible, can be mixed with food or water. They are colorless, tasteless, and odorless. You could consult a local psychiatrist to prescribe them and give them a try.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

Yes, I will look into that. She is in desperate need of help. It is incredibly challenging to be in the same room with her. While I have limited patience, I am willing to explore the option of medication for her.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This is the best option regarding medication, as individuals like her are often uncooperative with therapy. The medication can be administered discreetly in various foods such as tea, coffee, milk, or plain water, or dissolved in water and mixed with any food. Once her irritability and suspiciousness subside, you can take her to a psychiatrist and begin regular medication.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

I hope that she will not make any unfounded allegations of poisoning against us.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In such circumstances, it is imperative to ensure that any administration of medication remains discreet and unseen, as individuals may become apprehensive if they observe substances being added to their food. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the medications typically exhibit rapid efficacy, with noticeable effects often manifesting within five to seven days of initiation.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

I sincerely appreciate your response and guidance.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In addition to medications, there are also long-acting injections available, which can be administered monthly or bi-monthly once stability is achieved and drug use has ceased. These injections alleviate the need for daily medication reminders. I encourage you to discuss these options with your local psychiatrist, who will select the most suitable course of action based on your individual case.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you so much, doctor.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope that circumstances align favorably for you and that everything unfolds positively.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 3, 2024
Reviewed At June 3, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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