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Norman
In Borderline Personality Disorder

Why Are Personality Disorders Seen As Distinct From Other Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder, also referred to as a psychiatric disorder or a mental illness, is characterized by a “clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior… [and] it is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.” In general terms, a mental disorder can be defined as an illness of the human mind. The World Health Organization (WHO) describe personality disorders as “deeply ingrained and enduring behavior patterns, manifesting themselves as inflexible responses to a broad range of personal and social situations’; they represent ‘either extreme or significant deviations from the way the average individual in a given culture perceives, thinks, feels, and particularly relates to others’ and are ‘developmental conditions, which appear in childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood.” Data provided by the Cambridge University Press indicates that the global pooled prevalence of any personality disorder is 7.8%.

Types Of Personality Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list ten standalone personality disorders. Based on similar symptoms and overlapping characteristics, each personality disorder is categorized into one of three clusters (cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C). The ten types of personality disorders and their associated clusters, as provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), include:

  • Cluster A: characterized as odd or eccentric personalities.
    • Paranoid: mistrust and suspicion
    • Schizoid: disinterest in others
    • Schizotypal: eccentric ideas and behavior
  • Cluster B: characterized as dramatic, emotional, or erratic personalities.
    • Antisocial: disregard for others, manipulation of others for personal gain, social irresponsibility
    • Borderline: intolerance of being alone and emotional dysregulation
    • Histrionic: attention seeking
    • Narcissistic: fragile self-esteem, underlying dysregulation, overt grandiosity
  • Cluster C: characterized as anxious or fearful personalities.
    • Avoidant: avoidance of interpersonal contact due to rejection sensitivity
    • Dependent: submissive and a need to be taken care of
    • Obsessive-compulsive: rigidity, obstinacy, and perfectionism

Although historically, personality disorders have been viewed as fundamentally different from mental disorders, clinical and genetic evidence have come to recognize personality disorders as a sub-group of mental illness.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Borderline Personality Disorder

How To Deal With A BPD Diagnosis?

BPD

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, mental disorder. The Merck Manual explains that BPD is “characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations, and impulsivity.” Emotional dysregulation is a term used within the mental health field to denote irrational, poorly modulated emotional responses, which is a core feature of borderline personality disorder. The symptoms that manifest because of BPD often mimic those of other mental health disorders (e.g., histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar personality disorder, etc.), making it one of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions. Still, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) estimates that 1.4% of the adult population in America experience BPD. Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that requires long-term treatment.

Formal Treatment

Every individual is unique, and each will require a customized treatment plan that is directly informed by his or her nuanced mental health needs. These plans are typically comprised of a combination of different treatment approaches, and often include long-term participation in psychodynamic models of psychotherapy such as:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to treat individuals with BPD. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that places greater emphasis on the psychosocial aspect of treatment. DBT focuses on how one’s thoughts and beliefs can lead to actions and behaviors. This skills-based approach teaches how to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships through group and individual therapy sessions.
  • Schema-focused therapy incorporates aspects of CBT and psychoanalytic theories. It helps to identify unmet needs that have led to unhealthy ways of thinking about the world. Conducted in an individual setting or group setting, schema-focused therapy challenges maladaptive beliefs and behaviors and focuses on promoting positive life patterns.
  • Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) emphasizes thinking before reacting. This is accomplished through helping an individual identify his or her own thoughts and feelings and creating an alternate perspective on the situation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve a medication explicitly designed to treat borderline personality disorder. There are, however, certain medications that can help to alleviate and/ or reduce some of the symptoms arising from BPD or co-occurring disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.). Common examples of types of medication prescribed as a component of one’s BPD treatment plan include:

  • Antidepressants: Celexa (citalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Anticonvulsants/ mood stabilizers: Topamax (topiramate), Lamictal (lamotrigine)
  • Anti-anxiety medications/ anxiolytics: Lexapro (escitalopram), Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Antipsychotics: Rexulti (brexpiprazole)

The most effective way to deal with BPD is through learning to accept the condition, understanding the implications of treatment, and adhere to one’s recovery plan.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Borderline Personality Disorder

Can You Work With A Personality Disorder?

Personality Disorder

The World Health Organization describe personality disorders as “deeply ingrained and enduring behavior patterns, manifesting themselves as inflexible responses to a broad range of personal and social situations’; they represent ‘either extreme or significant deviations from the way the average individual in a given culture perceives, thinks, feels, and particularly relates to others’ and are ‘developmental conditions, which appear in childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list ten standalone personality disorders and based on similar characteristics, each personality disorder is grouped into one of three categories (cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C). According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) cluster A personality disorders are characterized by eccentric, odd thinking, or behavior; cluster B personality disorders are characterized by overly emotional, dramatic, or unpredictable thinking or behavior; and cluster C personality disorders are characterized by fearful, anxious thinking or behavior. An estimated 9% of U.S. adults have at least one personality disorder.

Untreated personality disorders can adversely affect every facet of an individual’s life (e.g., occupationally, professionally, personally, etc.). For example, it can be very difficult for an individual with an untreated personality disorder to maintain steady employment. Participating in some type of formal treatment is required to minimize the effects a personality disorder can have on one’s professional life. The first step in the treatment process is to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental healthcare provider. According to the Mayo Clinic, a personality disorder diagnosis will be determined by a physical exam, a psychiatric evaluation, and diagnostic criteria provided in the DSM-5. The diagnosis of a personality disorder, according to the DSM-5 and explicitly outlined by the Mayo Clinic generally include “long-term marked deviation from cultural expectations that lead to significant distress or impairment” in a minimum of two of the following areas:

  • The way you perceive and interpret yourself, other people, and events.
  • The appropriateness of your emotional responses.
  • How well you function when dealing with other people and in relationships.
  • Whether you can control your impulses.

It is possible for a person to present with symptoms associated with more than one personality disorder. There are a variety of mental health treatment options, and the path of recovery will not be the same for everyone. An individual struggling with a personality disorder will benefit most from a customized treatment plan. For some, integrating a combination of one or more psychotherapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), and more, along with medication into one’s treatment plan may provide optimum chances for a successful outcome. Treatment plans may also include refining one’s daily habits (e.g., practicing mindfulness techniques, exercising regularly, developing healthy sleeping habits, eating nutritiously, etc.) to further improve one’s overall health and wellbeing. While some mental health conditions are curable, meaning after medical treatment, the person no longer has that condition, personality disorders are chronic mental health conditions. The purpose of treatment for personality disorders is not to reverse a diagnosis, rather treatment aims to help an individual learn to manage its symptoms, decrease distressing emotions and behaviors, reduce harmful actions, and meaningfully improve his or her ability to function in all aspects of his or her life.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Borderline Personality Disorder

How Do You Work With BPD?

BPD

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list ten standalone personality disorders and based on similar characteristics, each personality disorder is grouped into one of three categories (cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C). Borderline personality disorder (BPD) belongs to cluster B, which according to the Mayo Clinic are “characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior.” More specifically, BPD is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), as “an illness characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, behavior, and self-image.” The signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder are highlighted in the diagnostic criteria that is outlined in the DSM-5. Due to the illusive nature of its symptoms paired with the fact that many symptoms overlap with other mental health ailments, BPD is notoriously known as one of the most difficult mental health illnesses to both diagnose and treat.

Tips For Working With Clients With BPD

BPD directly impacts the way individuals interpret information, primarily as it relates to others’ intentions. Thus, it is highly common for people with BPD to feel rejected, abandoned, misunderstood, judged, inferior, and isolated. An individual with BPD experiences profound perceptual shifts and disordered reactions to those perceptions, which causes them to constantly precieve events and personal interactions differently than those around them. This can make treating someone with borderline personality disorder complicated. Nevertheless, there are several key principles that have been established and are important to bear in mind when working with an individual diagnosed with BPD. To guide your treatment protocol, experts suggest considering the following strategies:

  • Be compassionate.
  • Demonstrate empathy.
  • Listen to the person’s current experience.
  • Validate the person’s current emotional state.
  • Take the person’s experience seriously, noting verbal and non-verbal communications.
  • Maintain a non-judgmental approach.
  • Remain calm.
  • Remain respectful.
  • Remain caring.
  • Engage in open communication.
  • Be open and prepared to acknowledge both the serious and comical side of life, where appropriate.
  • Foster trust to allow strong emotions to be freely expressed.
  • Be clear, consistent, and reliable.
  • Convey encouragement and hope about their capacity for change.

Treatment for BPD aims to help an individual learn strategies, techniques, and tools to reduce the severity of symptoms while simultaneously cultivating an enhanced ability to effectively manage its associated symptoms.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Anxiety

Why Is Controlling Anxiety Difficult?

anxiety

The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, and according to the Mayo Clinic, having occasional feelings of anxiety is a typical and unavoidable part of life. Further, psychologists have established that moderate amounts of anxiety can yield significant advantages. Researchers have found that anxiety can help you avoid danger because its presence elicits a heightened state of alertness which in turn can help to detect and attend to potential threats. Situational anxiety can contribute to boosting your motivation and increasing performance levels. Anxiety can enhance empathy. Nevertheless, the symptoms of anxiety can be unpleasant and difficult to control.

The Fight-Or-Flight Response

There is an evolutionary reason why controlling anxiety is not easy. Psychology Today asserts that “anxiety is built into our primate origins as a warning system.” Anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response. This response refers to the automatic physiological reaction that occurs when in the presence of something mentally or physically terrifying and activates the sympathetic nervous system that prepares the body to fight or flee. It causes the brain to send a surge of adrenaline (which amplifies energy output by expanding the airways, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and redistributing blood to muscles) and cortisol (which rapidly increases blood glucose, providing a prolonged burst of energy to cope with acute stresses more effectively) throughout the body. Verywell Mind breaks down the three stages of fight-or-flight as follows:

  • The alarm stage: During this stage, the central nervous system is ramped up, preparing your body to fight or flee.
  • The resistance stage: This is the stage in which the body attempts to normalize and recover from the initial elevated fight-or-flight response.
  • The exhaustion stage: If the first two stages occur repeatedly over time, such as when under chronic stress, this can cause the body to feel exhausted and begin to break down.

Psychology Today explains, “Through the process of evolution, our brains became hard-wired to be on the lookout for threat and mobilize our bodies to deal with a potential predator by fighting or running away.” Hence, controlling anxiety is not intended to be easy.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In DBT

What Are Some Examples Of DBT Therapy?

DBT Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is founded on the principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rooted in mindfulness practices based on Zen Buddhist teachings. Psychologist Marsha M. Linehan developed DBT in the late 1980s as a means to more effectively treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The primary goal of DBT, according to Psychology Today, is to “transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes.” While it was originally developed and remains the gold standard method of treatment for individuals diagnosed with BPD, evidence has shown it to be a successful treatment method for individuals struggling with other mental health conditions.

DBT: A Closer Look

Dialectical behavior therapy is made up of three distinct therapeutic settings, which include weekly individual psychotherapy (one-on-one therapy) sessions, weekly DBT skills training group therapy sessions, and as-needed phone coaching to provide additional support between the weekly individual and group sessions. One-on-one therapy sessions are intended to provide personalized support for individuals with processing experiences, addressing issues, navigating challenges, and identifying successes that occurred in the previous week. The DBT skills training group therapy sessions are focused on enhancing the capabilities of each participant by teaching behavioral skills related to the four modules that make up the pillars of DBT. They include the following, provided by the Linehan Institute:

  1. Core Mindfulness (focusing skills): the practice of being fully aware and entirely present in the current moment.
  2. Distress Tolerance (crisis survival skills): learning tools and techniques to accept, find meaning through, and tolerate distress.
  3. Interpersonal Effectiveness (social skills): learning assertive communication methods that enable an individual to engage with others in a way that maintains self-respect and simultaneously strengthens relationships.
  4. Emotion Regulation (de-escalation skills): learning to recognize, label, and adjust emotions to assist in regulating emotions and subsequently changing reactions to events.

In DBT skills training group therapy sessions the clinician running the session will follow the lessons provided in the DBT curriculum, teach the pertinent skills, and facilitate activities to allow the participants to practice implementing the newly learned DBT skills. These group sessions offer participants an emotionally safe environment to begin to adopt the DBT skills alongside others working on similar issues. Group members are encouraged to share their experiences and provide mutual support, which can be invaluable to the therapeutic process. The work that occurs during the DBT skills training group therapy sessions continues, as homework assignments that correspond to the DBT skills taught or visited during each DBT skills training group therapy session are regularly assigned. DBT relies on supportive resources (e.g., handouts, diary cards, worksheets, workbooks, etc.) to help reinforce the skills taught in each DBT skills training group therapy session and to provide additional opportunities for participants to continue to practice applying the learned skills in daily life.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In ADHD

ADHD Vs. Anxiety: How To Tell The Difference

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, neurological disorder. ADHD is characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further describes attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as an inability to control impulsive behaviors, difficulty focusing and/ or paying attention, and/ or being overly active. ADHD symptoms may appear in children as young as five years old. The Mayo Clinic provides the following examples of some of the common symptoms that an individual with ADHD could exhibit:

  • Inattention to detail
  • Unable to engage in activities that require prolonged attention
  • Failure to meet deadlines
  • Mind constantly wandering/ does not listen when directly spoken to
  • Organizational difficulties
  • Misplaces belongings frequently
  • Easily distractible
  • Excessive talking
  • Regularly and mindlessly fidgeting
  • Restlessness
  • Little or no patience

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will exhibit at least five of the above symptoms, lasting for a minimum of six months long or longer, and present in multiple settings. Symptoms will often range in severity and can differ depending on a variety of contributing factors. ADHD and anxiety share a complicated relationship.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. These can include, but are not limited to, the following examples provided by the Mayo Clinic:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Overwhelming worry and fear
  • Isolation
  • Low self-esteem/ low self-worth
  • Tension
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Muscle tension
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Dysphoria

Like the symptoms of ADHD, the symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder can present in any combination with varying levels of severity. ADHD symptoms mainly involve issues with focus and concentration, whereas symptoms of anxiety generally involve issues with nervousness and fear.

Although, on the surface ADHD and anxiety can appear similar, as they have many overlapping symptoms, they are distinct and can co-occur. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD is estimated to be around 2.2% in children and 2.8% in adults. In America, nearly two-thirds of those living with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition, and approximately 25% of them have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Although each condition has unique symptoms, sometimes the two conditions mirror each other which can cause diagnostic confusion. Accurately distinguishing whether an individual is struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or both, requires the expertise of a qualified mental health professional.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Anxiety,

My Holiday Anxiety Around Eating and Body Issues

Holiday-Anxiety

The holiday season is meant to be full of joy, family, friends, laughter, and fun, but for many the holidays can add layers of anxiety and stress. Most holiday gatherings revolve around food, which be highly triggering for someone struggling with body image issues. An individual’s body image refers to how a person perceives, thinks, and feels about his or her own body. The stressors of holiday gatherings may be compounded by comments regarding one’s weight or appearance, the amount of food one eats, or other sensitive subjects. While some may be unaffected by such remarks, others may compensate for their discomforts by changing their eating patterns. Studies in adults and teenagers imply that experiencing more social stressors (e.g., feeling lonely, having conflict, etc.) can influence short-term eating behaviors. To avoid letting your holiday anxiety around eating get the best of you, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry suggests implementing the following strategies:

  • Arrive prepared: One day or two days prior to the holiday gathering, think about what and when you will eat, and work out a strategy that both helps you feel in control and aligns with your comfort level. 
  • Eat regularly beforehand: Do not fast all day in preparation for an anticipated big meal at the event because it can cause you to feel hungrier, more food-focused, and irritable at the holiday gathering. 
  • Have a previously established ally: Rather than facing it all alone, reach out to someone with whom you can confide and have them check in on you. This can help alleviate some of your in-the-moment stress and allow you to adhere to your eating plans. 
  • Do not catastrophize indulging a little: If you gain weight during the holidays, it is highly unlikely it will be a significant amount. A recently published study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the average holiday weight gain in adults was just under a pound.     

Although the holiday season is supposed to be a time of celebration and happiness, it can also be a time that illuminates underlying feelings that a person may have been trying to ignore, hide, or bury. Be kind to yourself during these times and set yourself up for healthy holiday eating success.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options. 

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Anxiety

What Is Narcissistic Gaslighting?

Narcissistic-Gaslighting

Narcissism, according to Psychology Today, “is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, a need for excessive admiration, and the belief that one is unique and deserving of special treatment.” An estimated 5% of the U.S population may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which is equal to over 16 million people. Narcissistic personality disorder is one of ten different types of personality disorders that is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by a long-term pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance. Most often beneath the grandiose façade, individuals diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder are hiding and avoiding deep feelings of insecurity. Gaslighting is one of the many abusive tactics people with NPD may use to protect their egos.

Narcissistic Gaslighting Basics

Gaslighting is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as the “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.” Psychology Today provides the following examples of common traits of a narcissistic gaslighter: 

  • They refuse to hear your thoughts or concerns about anything
  • They reframe, deny, or scoff at your recollection of certain events and blame you for them
  • They insist that you did something that you know you did not
  • They derail the topic when you try to explain your point of view
  • They tell your loved one about how you are wrong in your actions
  • They often tell you and others how you are being overly sensitive 

There are some common signs that you might be getting gaslighted by someone with NPD, including but not limited to the following examples, provided by Healthline:

  • Constantly have the urge to apologize
  • Believing you are incapable of doing anything right
  • Frequent feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or worry
  • A loss of confidence
  • Persistently wondering if you are too sensitive
  • Feeling disconnected from your sense of self, as if you are losing your identity
  • Believing you are to blame when things go wrong
  • A nagging sense that something is not right, though you are unable to pinpoint exactly what is wrong
  • A lingering sense of hopelessness, frustration, or emotional numbness

Gaslighting can have several harmful physiological effects on the victim. Some of the most common effects a victim of narcissistic gaslighting may develop include the following, provided by Medical News Today:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Insomnia
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Memory loss
  • Social isolation
  • Substance abuse
  • Self-harm
  • Suicide

Although narcissistic gaslighting does not differ from normal gaslighting, it may be used by someone with NPD for slightly different manipulative purposes.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options. 

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman
In Anxiety

Ask a Therapist: Is it Re-entry Anxiety? Learn How to Handle Re-Entry Anxiety from a Therapist

Re-Entry Anxiety

The novel coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, traveled rampantly through the world, affecting millions of individuals in a variety of ways. In efforts to slow the spread of the virus, states all across America instituted social distancing guidelines, implemented sporadic stay-at-home orders for all non-essential workers, prohibited in-restaurant dining, closed schools, theaters, exercise studios, museums, public libraries, and more. As the guidelines have evolved to support a new norm, and we continue to move toward a pre-pandemic lifestyle, people are left with the mental and emotional fallout from surviving these social distance mandates for extended periods of time. The anxiety and fear surrounding contracting COVID-19, including the extensive list of severe short-term effects as well as the unknown long-term effects remain deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. 

What Is Re-Entry Anxiety?

As its name indicates, re-entry anxiety is a specific form of stress related to the fear of being unable to adapt to previously established routines. The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics further explains that “re-entry anxiety refers to fear that can accompany letting go of the safeguards that protected us during the COVID-19 pandemic and our re-entry into a world that has been changed by the virus.” This is not an uncommon phenomenon, as results from a 2021 American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that nearly half of Americans reported feeling uncomfortable about readjusting to in-person interactions, and a similar number claimed to experience adverse emotional reactions, including anxiety, when questioned about returning to a pre-pandemic lifestyle. 

How To Handle Re-Entry Anxiety

Fortunately, there are ways to help diminish the natural discomforts associated with adjusting to a more public life. To overcome your re-entry anxiety, consider the following suggestions, provided by leading experts:

  • Start small: to build your confidence and set yourself up for success, start with a small achievable goal that allows you to re-engage with the world and as your comfort level increases, gradually work your way up to more challenging and immersive experiences. 
  • Cultivate a robust supply of relaxation tools and techniques: try out as many different relaxation methods (e.g., meditation, yoga, reading, listening to music, journaling, etc.) as you can to figure out what resonates with you best. Research has found that meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve insomnia, and more. 
  • Be kind to yourself: avoid self-criticism, treat yourself with respect, and be patient—remember that change takes time.
  • Take care of your body: practicing healthy habits can improve your mental health. Make sure to:
    • Eat nutritious meals
    • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and other drugs
    • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
    • Get enough sleep
    • Exercise regularly
  • Breathe: ground yourself by focusing on slowing down your breath. This will help pull your focus away from your symptoms and onto your breath.
  • Acknowledge your feelings: instead of trying to avoid them, by acknowledging and naming your feelings, you can help diffuse and let go of your angst. 

It is helpful to bear in mind that re-entry anxiety is not only normal and to be expected, but in the current post-pandemic climate, it serves as an evolutionarily protective. Still, although some level of anxiety is typical when facing significant life changes, it is important to distinguish between reasonable levels of anxiety and those that may signal a more significant issue. When re-entry anxiety becomes excessive or begins to interfere with daily functioning, it may be advantageous to pursue guidance from a mental health professional. 

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options. 

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

contact us

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wallach with any questions you may have.

Offices:
450 N Bedford Dr, Suites 304 & 211, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
9615 Brighton Way, Suites 410 & 412, Beverly Hills CA 90210
23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 207, Calabasas CA 91302

Phone: 310.927.4307
Email: suzannewallachmft@gmail.com


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