Photo of Palo Alto Wellness, Psychiatrist in 94025, CA
Palo Alto Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE. Dr. Shivani Chmura is an expert in treating patients with an evidence based, compassionate approach. She also has extensive experience with medication management for eating disorders. Dr. Chmura is trained in both Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry from UCSF and Stanford Universities. She uses a warm, holistic approach to treating every individual, couple, and family. Dr. Chmura is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, (CBT, DBT, Supportive). She is an expert on pharmacologic management for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, and post-partum depression and anxiety.
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE. Dr. Shivani Chmura is an expert in treating patients with an evidence based, compassionate approach. She also has extensive experience with medication management for eating disorders. Dr. Chmura is trained in both Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry from UCSF and Stanford Universities. She uses a warm, holistic approach to treating every individual, couple, and family. Dr. Chmura is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, (CBT, DBT, Supportive). She is an expert on pharmacologic management for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, and post-partum depression and anxiety.
(415) 993-4146 View (415) 993-4146
Personality Disorders Psychiatrists

What are the common treatment options for personality disorders?

Personality disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help people with personality disorders develop skills to tolerate difficult emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and solidify their sense of self. Medications can treat symptoms that co-occur with the disorder, such as depression, anger, aggression, and impulsivity.

When to seek treatment for personality disorders?

Even though treatment for personality disorders can be an uphill battle, it’s best to seek help if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with one, because personality disorders can create substantial problems in life. Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, but overall signs of personality disorders include consistent difficulty maintaining close relationships, dramatic variations in self-esteem, and an unstable sense of identity.

How long does therapy take for personality disorders?

The timeline for treating personality disorders isn’t as clear-cut as it is for other disorders. Change can be difficult, taking from around one year to five, 10, or more. The key is finding a therapist who has extensive experience treating the relevant disorder. For example, a psychologist who specializes in narcissistic personality disorder has specific communication strategies that allow them to sustain the relationship and be more effective with narcissistic patients.

Can therapy help people with personality disorders?

Research suggests that for those who are motivated to address concerns or interpersonal conflict related to a personality disorder, therapy is far more effective than no treatment, and that most people in therapy see improvements. However, since personality disorders involve entrenched elements of identity, they are less responsive to treatment than are other mental health conditions. Finding an expert who has extensive experience working with a given personality disorder is one factor that increases the likelihood of successful treatment.