Clusters A and B Flashcards
The “Odd or Eccentric”
Group of personality disorders
Cluster A personality disorders have similarities with
schizophrenia
Cluster A personality disorders are usually seen in
first degree relatives of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia(10x higher in prevalence than general population)
Paranoid Personality Disorders
Pervasive suspiciousness and distrust of others, Unwillingness to confide in others,
Paranoid Personality Disorders have internal thought process that is devoted to
assuming others are attempting to exploit, use, or deceive them in some way
Paranoid Personality Disorders symptoms:
Beliefs are illogical/irrational in nature, Interpretation of actions is filtered through a sense of mistrust, Seeing simple statements as having “hidden meanings”
Individuals with PPD are often
quarrelsome, stubborn, and rigid in their beliefs
Schizoid Personality Disorders
Pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expressions
Schizoid Personality Disorders present as
aloof, unavailable, and are seen as “loners”, emotionally cold
Individuals with Schizoid PD do not
typically desire close relationships, lack friends/social supports, and seek out solitary activities
Schizoid PD are often
indifferent to the views/opinions of others (do not value praise or criticism from others)
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Pervasive pattern of odd beliefs, odd behaviors, and “magical thinking”
Schizotypal PD includes
several cognitive distortions about reality and inappropriate affect(emotional responses)
Individuals with Schizotypal PD show
patterns of discomfort in social relationships, social anxiety, and suspiciousness others
Strong links to
Schizophrenia
Brain imaging shows same
reduction of gray matter often found in individuals with schizophrenia
Cluster B Personality Disorders
The Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Personality Disorders
Cluster B Personality Disorders are characterized by
impulsive behaviors, emotional volatility, and intense behavioral responses
Cluster B Personality Disorders have significant
overlap among these; however, each has its own unique elements
Antisocial Personality Disorders
Pervasive pattern of committing illegal actions, deceitful behaviors, impulsivity, hostility and aggression towards others, engaging in dangerous activities, and irresponsible behaviors
Individuals with ASPD are
often unremorseful of their actions
Individuals with ASPD typically see others as
means to their own ends(devaluation of others)
ASPD actions are usually a
violation of the rights of others and/ or are committed with disregard for consequences
Psychopathy
A unique presentation of ASPD (not a DSM-5 diagnosis) that includes emotional detachment and a lack of empathy for others
Psychopathy results in
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits
Psychopathy people are
Fearlessness and externalizing vulnerability
Conduct Disorders(CD)
Is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others and/or major social norms are violated
CD can present with
“limited prosocial emotions”
Life-course persistent(LCP) vs.
adolescent limited(AL)
Majority of those with CD do not
display symptoms after adolescence
Borderline Personality Disorder
Pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect
Borderline PD are marked by
impulsivity, frantic efforts to avoid real or image abandonment, recurrent suicidal gestures/threats, and chronic feelings of emptiness
Individuals with BPD often have
intense interpersonal relationships relationships that alternate between the extremes of idealization and devaluation
Significant difficulty regulating
emotional response to situations(eg. frequent displays of temper)
Research suggests that those with BPD have
insecure attachment
Early loss and/or separation from caregivers seems to be
positively correlated with later BPD
People with BPD demonstrate a
fearful preoccupation
Individuals with BPD have a intense need to the
center of attention but a constant fear of rejection and/or abandonment
Individuals with BPD will often
undermine themselves in terms of goal-directed activities(eg, dropping out of school just before they graduate)
In rare cases of BPD,
psychotic symptoms are reported during times of extreme stress
BPD are highly comorbid with
mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, and eating disorders
Histrionic Personality Disorders
Pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking behaviors
Individuals with Histrionic PD are often
Uncomfortable if they are not the center of attention, are often very shallow/superficial in their presentation, and are described as “theatric” when speaking
Histrionic PD may have
Difficulty achieving emotional intimacy in romantic or sexual relationships. Role of “victim” in their interactions, Engage in emotional manipulation behaviors and/or dependency
Narcissistic Personality Disorders
Pervasive pattern of grandiosity(in either fantasy or overt behavior), need for admiration , and lack of empathy
People with Narcissistic PD often
require excessive admiration from others and display a strong sense of entitlement
In interpersonal relationships, narcissistic PD are
often exploitative and cannot connect with the needs of others.
Narcissistic PD are overly
sensitive to “injury” from criticism or defeat
Characteristics of Narcissistic PD:
Over-inflated sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements nd/or talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, or beauty
Believes that they are “special”, unique, and can only be understood by other special or high-status people (or institutions)
Characteristic of Histrionic PD:
Content of speech is lacking in detail, very impressionistic
May consider relationships to be more intimate than they are
May dress and/or act provocatively in order to gain attention from others
