Chapter 18 Personality Disorders

Question 1

Personality

Answer 1

An ingrained enduring pattern of behaving & relating to self, others, & environment
- Includes perceptions, attitudes, & emotions

Consistent across a broad range of situations and do not change easily

People are not often aware of their personality

Question 2

When are personality disorders diagnosed?

Answer 2

When there is impairment of personality functioning and personality traits that are maladaptive

Person w/ personality disorder may have:
- Problems with empathy or intimacy
- Difficulty recognizing or owning that their difficulties are problems of their personality.
- May truly believe the problems originate outside of themselves.
- May be unaware that their behavior is unusual, and they may not experience any distress

Question 3

Maladaptive/Dysfunctional Personality Traits

Answer 3

Negative behaviors toward others

Anger and/or hostility

Irritable, labile moods

Lack of guilt or remorse, emotionally cold and uncaring

Impulsivity, poor judgment

Irresponsibility, lack of accountability for own actions

Risk-taking, thrill-seeking behaviors

Mistrust

Exhibitionism

Entitlement

Dependency, insecurity

Eccentric perceptions

Question 4

At what age are personality disorders diagnosed and why?

Answer 4

At age 18, when the personality is more completely formed

Question 5

Why are people with personality disorders difficult to treat?

Answer 5

1) Personality characteristics do not change easily.
- Clients with personality disorders continue to behave in the same familiar ways even when these behaviors cause them difficulties or distress.

2) No specific medication alters personality, and therapy designed to help clients make changes is often long-term with slow progress.

3) Some people with personality disorders believe their problems stem from others or the world in general
- They do not recognize their own behavior as the source of difficulty

Question 6

Hybrid Model for Personality Disorders

Answer 6

Personality disorder is a generalized pattern of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that begins in adolescence, remains stable over time, and causes stress or psychological damage.

They are characterized by:
- Impaired personality functioning (areas of identity, self-direction, empathy, and intimacy)
- Pathological personality factors (negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism)

The personality disorders included in this proposed model are antisocial, borderline, avoidant, narcissistic, obsessive–compulsive, and schizotypal

Question 7

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Answer 7

Odd or Eccentric Behaviors

Paranoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Question 8

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Answer 8

Erratic or Dramatic Behaviors

Antisocial Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 9

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Answer 9

Anxious or Fearful Behaviors

Avoidant Personality Disorder
Dependent Personality Disorder
Obsessive Personality Disorder

Question 10

Depressive Behavior

Answer 10

Characterized by a pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions and behaviors in various contexts

Occurs more often in people with relatives who have major depressive disorders

People w/ depressive personality disorders often seek treatment for their distress

Question 11

Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Answer 11

Characterized by a (-) attitude and a pervasive pattern of passive resistance to demands for adequate social and occupational performance.

Clients may appear cooperative, even ingratiating, or sullen and w/drawn, depending on the circumstances.

Their mood may fluctuate rapidly and erratically, and they may be easily upset or offended.