PERSONALITY DISORDERS
What are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are characterized by long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly deviate from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), these patterns are pervasive, inflexible, and can impact various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and daily functioning.
How can Dr. DeSantis & Associates help?
At Dr. DeSantis & Associates, we specialize in assessing and treating individuals experiencing challenges related to personality disorders. Our team of skilled clinicians is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. We understand that personality disorders can affect the way a person perceives and relates to the world, often leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, professional settings, and emotional regulation.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms consistent with a personality disorder, psychological testing may be a valuable step. A thorough evaluation can provide clarity, guide treatment recommendations, and connect individuals with the necessary resources to enhance their quality of life.
Personality Testing
The psychological evaluation process with virtual personality testing involves a comprehensive assessment designed to gain insight into an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This process typically includes the following steps:
Initial Consultation and Clinical Interview: The evaluation begins with a virtual intake session, where the clinician gathers background information, discusses concerns, and outlines the testing process. The clinician explores the individual’s personal history, symptom presentation, and relevant life experiences to contextualize assessment results. During the virtual session, the clinician takes note of communication style, affect, cognitive processing, and other behavioral indicators that may contribute to diagnostic impressions.
Standardized Assessments: The individual completes a series of validated personality and psychological assessments online. These assessments, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), or Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), measure various psychological traits, emotional functioning, and personality characteristics.
Interpretation and Analysis: The clinician integrates data from the assessments, interview, and behavioral observations to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual's psychological profile.
Feedback Session: A follow-up virtual meeting is scheduled to discuss the findings, clarify diagnostic impressions, and provide recommendations for treatment or accommodations.
Comprehensive Report: A formal written report is provided, summarizing the assessment results, clinical impressions, and personalized recommendations for therapy, workplace, or academic accommodations.
Virtual psychological evaluations maintain the same rigor and reliability as in-person assessments while offering convenience and accessibility. These evaluations can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking diagnostic clarity and treatment planning without geographic limitations.
Some facts about Personality Disorders:
Based on diagnostic interview data from the National Comorbidity Study Replication (NCS-R) in the past year, the prevalence of U.S. adults aged 18 and older with personality disorders include the following:
The prevalence of any personality disorder was 9.1% and borderline personality disorder was 1.4%
Sex and race were not found to be associated with the prevalence of personality disorders
Request Personality Disorder Support
Note: Pricing for services can vary depending on insurance coverage or our self pay option. Dr. DeSantis & Associates will work with you to provide the options that best fit your individual circumstances.