Dr. Abdur Rahim Khan
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Personality disorder treatment in Islamabad
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Abdur Rahim Khan, PhD Psychology (NUMS) · Last reviewed October 2026
Long-term support for patterns of emotion and behaviour that harm relationships.
Personality disorders involve long-standing patterns in how a person thinks, feels and relates to others. They often bring intense emotions, stormy relationships, anger and impulsive behaviour.
Treatment takes time, but people do improve. At Health Plus, our clinical psychologists lead therapy, and our psychiatrists treat any depression, anxiety or substance use that comes with it.
When family conflict is part of the picture
In joint families, a person with a personality disorder can be at the centre of constant conflict. Others may describe them as stubborn, dramatic or impossible to live with, and the person themselves often feels misunderstood and alone.
Drug and alcohol use is common, often as a way to manage overwhelming feelings. When both are present, we treat them together.
Families are often exhausted by the time they call us. They may have tried everything: shouting, giving in, cutting contact. Our psychologists listen to the whole family's story first. Then they help everyone agree on a few clear, fair rules at home, and on how to respond calmly when things escalate.
Signs to watch for at home
Noticing several of these over weeks, not days, is a reason to get advice.
- Intense, fast-changing emotions
- Unstable or stormy relationships
- Impulsive or self-damaging behaviour
- Strong fear of rejection or being left
- Anger that is hard to control
- Frequent substance use to cope
How personality disorders are treated at Health Plus
A clinical psychologist completes a detailed assessment over several sessions. Labels are used carefully, and the focus stays on what the person wants to change.
Therapy teaches skills for managing strong emotions, handling conflict and tolerating distress without harming themselves or others. Group sessions give a safe place to practise.
Medicine is not the main treatment, but our psychiatrist may prescribe it for depression, anxiety or sleep. Family sessions help the household respond in calmer, more consistent ways.
Self-harm: what families should know
Some people with personality disorders hurt themselves, for example by cutting or taking too many pills, often to cope with overwhelming feelings rather than to die. It must always be taken seriously.
If someone has taken an overdose or has a serious injury, call 1122 or go to an emergency department straight away, even if they say they are fine.
When things are calmer, try to respond with concern rather than anger or panic. Ask what was happening before, and help them get to an appointment. Remove or lock away medicines and sharp objects at home.
In therapy, people learn other ways to manage intense emotions and get through a crisis. Families can learn calm, consistent ways to respond in our family sessions.
How long treatment takes
Treatment is usually long-term and mostly outpatient. A residential stay may help during a crisis or when substance use is heavy.
Many people with these difficulties are also very caring, creative and loyal, and those strengths are part of recovery. Progress in therapy is not always steady. There may be setbacks, especially around family conflict, exams, marriage or work stress. That is normal. What matters is that the person keeps coming back, and that the family stays consistent while change takes hold.
What families can do
- Stay calm and consistent, even when emotions run high.
- Set clear, fair boundaries and keep them.
- Take any self-harm seriously and get help.
- Avoid labels in arguments.
- Look after your own well-being and support.
Who will care for your loved one
Next steps
Personality disorders: questions families ask
Still unsure? Call or WhatsApp us. A first conversation is free and confidential.
Can personality disorders improve?
Yes. With consistent therapy, many people see major improvement in emotions and relationships.
Is medicine used?
Medicine can help with some symptoms, but therapy is the main treatment.
Do you treat this alongside addiction?
Yes, in our dual-diagnosis approach.
How long does therapy take?
Usually many months. Progress is often steady once the person feels safe in therapy.
Is it just bad behaviour?
No. Personality disorders are recognised mental health conditions. The behaviour can be hard to live with, but it usually comes from intense distress the person struggles to manage.
Is a personality disorder for life?
Patterns of personality are long-standing, but they can change. Many people improve a great deal with therapy, especially in emotions and relationships.
Should we tell him the diagnosis?
Our psychologists talk about diagnosis carefully and in plain language. The focus is on what is causing problems and what can be done, not on a label.
Can he be treated if he blames everyone else?
Yes. Many people start therapy feeling others are the problem. A good therapist works with that, and change often begins once the person feels heard.
Related conditions
Call us. The first conversation is free and confidential.
Our admissions team answers 24 hours a day. Tell us what is happening and we will give you honest advice on what would help, with no pressure to admit.