Which type of mental illness is most resistant to change?a)Personality...
Personality disorders are the most resistant to change compared to other types of psychological disorders because they are disorders of people’s basic character – so there is no normal functioning to return to. Psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments are available to treat eating disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and affective disorders.
Which type of mental illness is most resistant to change?a)Personality...
Personality disorders are the type of mental illness that is most resistant to change. Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by long-standing patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. These disorders typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood and continue throughout life.
Below are the reasons why personality disorders are most resistant to change:
1. Deep-rooted patterns: Personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that have developed over a long period of time. These patterns become an integral part of an individual's identity and are difficult to change.
2. Lack of awareness: People with personality disorders often lack insight into their own behaviors and how they impact others. They may not recognize the need for change or perceive their behavior as problematic, making it challenging to initiate any meaningful change.
3. Defensiveness and resistance: Individuals with personality disorders frequently exhibit defensive and resistant behaviors when confronted with the need for change. They may deny or minimize their difficulties, blame others, or become hostile when confronted with their maladaptive behaviors.
4. Challenges in therapy: Personality disorders can be challenging to treat in therapy due to the resistance to change and the complexity of the underlying issues. Therapeutic approaches for personality disorders often involve long-term treatment and require a strong therapeutic alliance to foster change.
5. Reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms: Individuals with personality disorders often rely on maladaptive coping mechanisms to deal with stress and emotional pain. These coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief but hinder personal growth and change in the long run.
6. Co-occurring disorders: Personality disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These co-occurring disorders can further complicate treatment and make it more challenging to address the underlying personality issues.
In conclusion, personality disorders are the most resistant to change due to their deep-rooted nature, lack of awareness, defensiveness, challenges in therapy, reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms, and the presence of co-occurring disorders. Treatment for personality disorders requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach, including therapy, medication, and support from a healthcare team.