Lecture 14: Personality Disorders

Question 1

What are the overall criteria for personality disorders?

Answer 1

• A pattern of behavior that deviates a lot from cultural expectations! (at least two areas)
  - Cognition, Affectivity, Impulse control, Interpersonal Functioning
• not flexible in situations
• causing you distress

Symptoms date back from adolescence

Question 2

How is psychopathy typically assessed?

Answer 2

• Low levels of arousability
  
  • low skin-conductive ability
  • low resting heart rate
• Low fear in threatening situations
• Constant stimulation seeking (high reward sensitivity)