A Conversation About Personality Disorders

In this episode Trent, Jeremy and Amy are joined by Shara Ruffin. We discuss the idea of personality disorders.  Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behaviour and inner experiences that significantly deviate from what is expected in terms of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These disorders can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including their relationships, emotions, self-image, and behaviour control. There are ten specific types of personality disorders outlined in the DSM-5-TR, categorized into three main groups: Cluster A personality disorders (Odd) Paranoid personality disorder Schizoid personality disorder Schizotypal personality disorder Cluster B personality disorders (Dramatic) Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) Borderline personality disorder (BPD) Histrionic personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder Cluster C personality disorders (Fearful) Dependent personality disorder Avoidant personality disorder Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder Treatment for personality disorders often involves psychotherapy tailored to the specific disorder and individual circumstances. Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy, psychoeducation, along with self-care strategies like physical activity and avoiding substances can be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with these disorders. Shara Ruffin is a licensed clinical social worker and former psychotherapist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in social work from Howard University School of Social Work.Throughout her 20-year social work career, she provided therapeutic support to enhance the lives of others through her specializations in grief, personality disorders, family trauma, compassion fatigue, military counselling, mindfulness meditation, ADHD, and anxiety. Shara has appeared on numerous podcasts, including Black Mental Health, Philly Radio Headspace, and Timing, The Free Retiree Show, and Social Worker Rise, among others. Shara presented her clinical work regarding military families at the Annual Congress: Child Care, Mental Health, Psychology, and Development conference in Toronto, Canada. Shara is also a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider. Shara is currently the CEO and Founder of Journey To Licensure LLC, where she supports social workers through their licensure examinations in combination with wellness coaching. Journey To Licensure LLC was also featured in Business Insider.