Personality refers to the unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that define an individual. It is shaped by genetics, environment, and life experiences. While personality typically remains consistent over time, personality disorders involve deeply ingrained, unhealthy behavior patterns that cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Mental health professionals classify 10 types of personality disorders, grouped by similar characteristics. Below are the key types:

Schizoid Personality Disorder – Social detachment and limited emotional expression.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Eccentric behavior, unusual beliefs, and difficulty forming close relationships.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Inflated self-importance and lack of empathy.

Avoidant Personality Disorder – Social anxiety, fear of rejection, and avoidance of relationships.

Dependent Personality Disorder – Over-reliance on others and fear of being alone.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) – Perfectionism, orderliness, and a need for control.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Unstable emotions, relationships, and self-image.

Histrionic Personality Disorder – Intense attention-seeking and emotional exaggeration.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) – Disregard for others’ rights, impulsivity, and lack of empathy.

Therapy is a powerful tool used to enhance mental and emotional well-being. For individuals with personality disorders, psychotherapy—commonly referred to as talk therapy—is the most effective and widely used approach.

At our center, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. While medication can be helpful in some cases, it is not a substitute for understanding the root causes of emotional distress. Our skilled therapists work closely with patients, creating a safe space to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and patterns that may be affecting their lives.

Effective Therapies for Personality Disorders

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Especially helpful for managing intense emotions and improving relationships through mindfulness and emotional regulation.

3. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Focuses on improving communication and strengthening interpersonal relationships.

4. Family-Focused Therapy – Involves family members in the healing process to build support, improve dynamics, and encourage understanding.

Feeling anxious occasionally is normal, especially in stressful situations. However, anxiety disorders involve persistent, intense fear or worry about everyday life that can interfere with normal functioning.

People with anxiety may also experience panic attacks or avoid situations that trigger these feelings. These symptoms often begin in adolescence and can continue into adulthood, making it difficult to feel in control or stay connected to reality.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant, excessive worry about daily life, often with restlessness or tension.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being judged in social settings, leading to avoidance.

Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, like heights or flying.

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Overwhelming fear of being apart from loved ones—seen in both children and adults.

It’s possible to have multiple anxiety disorders, and in some cases, symptoms may stem from an underlying health issue.

Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person, and no one situation will be the same. Each individual’s journey and obstacles will vary. However, the body typically reacts in a very specific way to anxiety.

When you experience anxiousness, your body goes on high alert, looking for possible danger and activating your fight or flight responses.

Common symptoms of anxiety typically include:

Nervousness, restlessness, or feelings of tension

Feelings of danger, panic, or dread

Rapid heart rate

Hyperventilation

Weakness

Difficulty concentrating

Insomnia

Obsessions about certain ideas, a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Repetitive (often toxic) behavior

Anxiety surrounding a particular life event or experience that has occurred in the past, especially indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PANIC ATTACKS

A panic attack is a common side effect of anxiety. It is also referred to as an anxiety attack. It can be described as a sudden onset of fear or distress that peaks in minutes.

It generally involves experiencing at least four of the following symptoms:

Palpitations

Sweating

Trembling

Feeling hot or cold

Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia)

Feeling detached from oneself or reality, known as depersonalization and derealization

Fear of “going crazy” or losing control

Fear of death

Shortness of breath

Tightness in the chest

Feeling faint

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. Your mental well-being is important and must be taken care of.

There is no shortage of resources when it comes to treatment for anxiety. At Radiant Recovery and Counseling, we offer a variety of different therapies and medical care that can help individuals manage their anxiety effectively without turning to drugs or alcohol.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known method in psychotherapy. Through CBT, individuals can learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. This form of psychotherapy helps people understand how their thoughts and behaviors connect.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy generally focuses on identifying symptoms of anxiety through detailed assessment and providing therapy. The main role of an occupational therapist is to correct the behavior by providing different approaches and activities.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be defined by extreme shifts in mood. Bipolar disorder is also referred to as bipolar disease or manic depression. People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes.

“Manic” describes an increasingly restless, energetic, talkative, reckless, powerful, euphoric period. Then, at some point, this euphoric state can spiral into something darker – irritation, confusion, anger, feeling trapped. “Depression” describes the opposite mood – sadness, crying, sense of worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure, as well as insomnia.

There are three types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I Disorder – Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least one week, often accompanied by depressive episodes, and can include psychotic features.

Bipolar II Disorder – Involves recurrent depressive and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full-blown mania) but no full manic episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder – Marked by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms over at least 

Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression, each with distinct symptoms that can significantly affect daily life.

Manic or Hypomanic Episodes

These episodes share similar symptoms, though mania is more intense and may impair functioning more severely. Common signs include:

Unusually high energy or activity levels

Euphoria or an overly elevated mood

Decreased need for sleep

Rapid speech or talkativeness

Racing thoughts

Easily distracted

Impulsive or risky behavior

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

Depressive Episodes

These episodes bring a noticeable drop in energy and mood, often affecting work, relationships, and social life. Symptoms may include:

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

Irritability or anger

Loss of interest in usual activities

Changes in appetite or weight

Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)

Fatigue or lack of energy

Difficulty focusing or making decisions

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, professional support can make a crucial difference.

Depression

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious and common mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. While occasional sadness is part of life, depression is a persistent state of emotional pain—marked by feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and disinterest in life.

It can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and work, often leading to both emotional and physical struggles. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting help.

Ongoing sadness, emptiness, or anxiety

Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities (including sex)

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or shame

Irritability or restlessness

Changes in appetite or weight

Sleep issues—insomnia or oversleeping

Pessimism or hopeless outlook

Thoughts of death or suicide

Fatigue or low energy

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, reaching out for support can be life-changing—and even life-saving.

Depression Treatment in Minnesota

Depression is a treatable condition, yet many people worldwide go without the support they need.  Radiant Recovery and Counseling offers compassionate, holistic care to help individuals manage and overcome depression.

Our approach combines therapy, lifestyle changes, and—when needed—medication. Through talk therapy, you’ll learn to reframe negative thoughts, understand emotional patterns, and develop healthier behaviors.

Our Program Helps You:

Build strong, healthy relationships with the right communication tools

Set clear boundaries to protect your time and energy

Handle life’s challenges with more control and confidence

Your healing starts with a conversation—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.