Understanding Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or impairment.
These patterns often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can persist throughout life if left untreated.
Common personality disorders include:
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Symptoms of Personality Disorders
Each personality disorder presents unique challenges, but many share symptoms. These symptoms can lead to self-harm, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and a diminished quality of life.
Emotional Instability:
Individuals may struggle to regulate their emotions, experiencing intense or rapidly shifting feelings. This can lead to frequent mood changes, disproportionate emotional reactions, or difficulty calming down after becoming upset.
Impulsivity:
A tendency to act quickly without considering potential consequences is common. This may manifest as reckless behavior, trouble controlling urges, or making decisions in the heat of the moment that are later regretted.
Mood Swings:
Unpredictable and often dramatic changes in mood are frequently reported. These shifts can occur over hours or days and may not always have an apparent cause, affecting relationships and daily functioning.
Fear of Abandonment:
Many individuals develop a deep-seated concern about being rejected, left alone, or abandoned by others. This fear can drive behaviors to prevent real or perceived abandonment, such as clinging to relationships or extreme efforts to avoid separation.
Difficulties in Interpersonal Relationships:
Frequent misunderstandings, conflicts, or instability in relationships are common. Problems with trust, emotional closeness, or communication can make it challenging to form and maintain healthy connections with others, sometimes resulting in turbulent or short-lived relationships.
Distorted Sense of Self:
Another hallmark symptom is a confused or unstable sense of identity. People may have difficulty understanding who they are, what they value, or how they fit into the world. This can lead to uncertainty about goals, preferences, life direction, and frequent changes in self-image.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Treatment
At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we believe effective treatment for personality disorders must be rooted in evidence-based practices. Our treatment programs are designed to address each guest’s unique needs, utilizing therapies that promote emotional regulation, coping skills, and overall wellness.
We use the following therapies:
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Psychodrama Therapy
- Rapid Resolution Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery’s Treatment Programs
Our Marietta mental health facility offers a range of treatment options to meet the diverse needs of individuals struggling with personality disorders.
Whether you or a loved one requires an intensive outpatient program, the flexibility of Evening IOP, or the support of a partial hospitalization program, Thoroughbred Behavioral Wellness and Recovery provides a level of care tailored to your unique situation.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a step-down level of care that provides structured treatment during the day while allowing guests to return home in the evenings.
PHP is ideal for individuals who require intensive support but do not need round-the-clock supervision. Clients in PHP participate in various therapy sessions, including DBT, CBT, group therapy, and family therapy, all focused on building coping skills and improving emotional regulation.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Thoroughbred offers flexible scheduling for guests who need ongoing support while maintaining their daily responsibilities. IOP includes individual and group therapy, skills training, and support groups designed to help guests manage symptoms, prevent relapse, and achieve long-term wellness.
IOP is an excellent option for those transitioning from higher levels of care or seeking additional support for their mental health condition.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual. Successfully addressing both issues is critical for long-term recovery, as each condition can complicate and intensify the symptoms of the other.
Dual diagnosis treatment provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach, addressing both mental health and substance use challenges at the same time. This often includes a combination of therapy, medication management, and support from a multidisciplinary team familiar with the complexities of co-occurring disorders.
The Role of Family and Loved Ones
Personality disorders can profoundly impact individuals, their family members, and their loved ones. At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we recognize the importance of involving families in the treatment process.
Our family therapy sessions provide education, support, and guidance to help families understand the nature of personality disorders, improve communication, and rebuild trust. Families can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and long-term recovery by working together.
Group Therapy and Support Groups
Group therapy is a vital component of our personality disorder treatment programs. In a safe and supportive setting, guests can share their experiences, learn from others, and practice new coping skills.
Group therapy sessions focus on emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and managing impulsivity. Support groups also provide ongoing encouragement and connection, helping guests maintain their progress and prevent relapse.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every individual is unique, and so is their journey to recovery. At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we develop personalized treatment plans that address each guest’s needs, strengths, and goals.
Our team of mental health professionals conducts thorough assessments to determine the most effective treatment approach, taking into account factors such as co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, family dynamics, and overall health care needs.
Specialized Treatment for Cluster B and Other Personality Disorders
We treat cluster B personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
We also provide care for individuals with avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s unique challenges and strengths, ensuring the most effective treatment and possible outcomes.

Addressing Emotional Instability and Self-Harm
Emotional instability, impulsivity, and self-harm are common challenges for individuals with borderline personality disorder and other cluster B personality disorders.
Our treatment programs emphasize the development of healthy coping mechanisms, emotional regulation skills, and strategies for managing intense feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, and mood swings.
Through evidence-based therapies and compassionate care, guests learn to navigate complex emotions and build a more stable, fulfilling life.
Holistic Approach to Wellness
At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of a mental illness. Our holistic approach to wellness includes mindfulness practices, physical activity, psychotherapy, equine therapy, and creative therapies that support overall well-being.
We help guests achieve lasting recovery and a greater sense of self by addressing the mind, body, and spirit.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is critical for individuals struggling with personality disorders. The sooner a person receives comprehensive treatment, the greater their chances of achieving emotional stability, improving interpersonal relationships, and enhancing their quality of life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as mood swings, impulsivity, self-harm, preoccupation with self-image, or difficulties in relationships, seeking help from a qualified mental health facility in Atlanta can make all the difference.
Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help
Mental health issues, including personality disorders, are often misunderstood and stigmatized. At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we are committed to breaking down barriers to care and providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment for healing.
Our team is dedicated to helping guests and their families overcome the challenges of mental illness and build a brighter future.
Your Path to a Fulfilling Life
Recovery from a personality disorder is possible with the right support, treatment options, and commitment to wellness. Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery is committed to providing the highest quality mental health treatment in Atlanta, Georgia.
Our comprehensive, evidence-based approach ensures that guests receive the care, support, and guidance they need to overcome mental health challenges and achieve lasting well-being. Reach out today at 770-564-4856 and discover how our treatment center can help you or your loved one build a brighter, healthier future.nt program for you!