Cluster B Personalities - Narcissism, Anti-social personality disorder, Flashcards
What is a personality disorder
A personality disorder is characterized by inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning
Outline ASPD and respective characteristics
ASPD: Guiltlessness, law-breaking, exploitation, irresponsibility and deceit
Characteristics of ASPD: Irritability and aggressiveness, failure to conform to social norms, manipulating, lying or exploitation for personal profit
Predominantly diagnosed in men
Biological and psychological reasons/data behind ASPD
When tested for adrenaline reactions in stressful and non-stressful situations - those who were convicted showed low arousal
PET scans demonstrated reduced activity of frontal lobes (11% less)
Poverty and family instability can trigger ASPD
Outline BPD and respective characteristics
Border-line personality disorder is characterized as emotionally volatile, unstable sense of self, prone to mood swings, fear of abandonment , excessive self-criticism and extreme judgement of others
Diagnosed predominantly in women
Can result because of abuse, trauma and neglect
Outline histrionic disorder and characteristics
Attention-seeking, dramatic, lively, flirtatious in their interactions
Characterized through discomfort when not in the center of attention, rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions, self-dramatization
Outline narcissistic disorder and their characteristics
Narcissism is prone to display exaggerated, unfounded sense of self-importance (grandiosity)
Characteristics: sense of entitlement, unconditional admiration, lack of empathy and arrogance
May occur as a result of over criticism from caregivers, excessive praise or indulgence
How does BPD respond to stress
Impulsivity itself in the context of BPD most often emerges in response to stressful events. BPD subjects spontaneously develop peculiar behaviors, such as self-harm, that are clearly described as stress soothing by the subjects themselves. Thus, acute stress situations are an important source of harm in BPD.
How does ASPD respond to stress
ASPD may respond to stress through substance abuse or pathological gambling
How do narcissists respond to stress
Anorexia may occur under stress or substance abuse
How do histrionic personalities respond to stress
With further attention-seeking behaviors
Define co-morbidity
The condition of having two or more diseases at the same time.
