personality disorder Flashcards
how is personality defined?
- refers to character traits that are relatively stable across situations
- helps predict how individual function in various scenarios and helps others in predicting persons behaviour
what are broader factors used to describe personality?
Have dimension for traits with two opposing sides, a high score
-Openness > imagination, feelings and actions < high end = curious, low end= routine + rules
- Conscientiousness > competence, self discipline, thoughtfulness < high end= hardworking organised, low end= disorganised, impulsive
- Extroversion > social ability and assertiveness < high end= outgoing & warm, low end= withdrawn
- Agreeableness > corporative, trustworthy < high end = empathetic, helpful, low end= suspicious, uncooperative
- Neuroticism > tendency toward unstable emotions < high end = anxiety, unhappiness, low end = calm, even tempered
how is personality disorder defined?
- extreme end of personality traits creating problems in social & occupational functioning
- egocentric nature: part of self image > individual not perceive issues with themselves
- inflexible, extreme, persistent patterns of behaviour, & inner experience
what are the three clusters of personality disorder into DSM?
- DSM outlines three clusters of personality disorder:
- Cluster A: odd or eccentric behaviour > paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal PD
- Cluster B: dramatic, emotional or erratic behaviour > antisocial, borderline and narcissistic PD
- Cluster C: anxious or faithful behaviour > avoidant, dependent and obsessive compulsive PD
What is the DSM criteria for Personality Disorder?
- two or more criteria required for diagnosis, enduring pattern perceived since adolescence or childhood
- changes in cognition > how one thinks about oneself, others & world
- changes in effectivity > changes in motion, range, intensity, inappropriateness
- interpersonal functioning > problems with interpersonal relationships
- impulse control > difficulty controlling impulses
what is borderline personality disorder (BPD) & how is it diagnosed?
- pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self image
- marked with impulsivity
- diagnosis: pattern of instability > frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, identity disturbance, impulsivity, suicidal behaviour + paranoia
- anxious attachment style
- comorbidity: high rates w/ mood disorder> anxiety, ED & SUD
What distinguishes Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from Bipolar Disorder?
- main distinction is the rapid & intense mood changes in BPD, often within a day, compared to the longer episodes in Bipolar Disorder
What is the DSM criteria for borderline personality disorder?
- require at least five of the following
- fear of abandonment, unstable, relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity in harmful areas, recurrent, suicidal behaviours, mood, instability, feeling emptiness
what is antisocial personality disorder (APD) & how is it diagnosed?
- pervasive pattern of behaviour disregarding others’ rights & social norms age of, 15 + need 3 of the following
- diagnosis: failure to conform, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggressiveness, reckless disregard for others, lack of remorse
- psychopathy is trait associated > callous, unemotional behaviour = 20-30% of individuals with APD score high
How does antisocial personality differ from borderline personality?
- borderline PD fear abandonment intensely, APD individuals are indifferent to others & fear abandonment less
what are the criticisms of categorical classification of personality disorders?
- Lack of specificity among categories
- Some disorders are extremely rare
- Thresholds for diagnosis are arbitrary
- Proposals for a dimensional model; DSM introduced a section for dimensional traits.
what are key facts about PD?
- prevalence > 3% APD, 2% BPD, PD in general 12%
- comorbidity common in PD >
what are factors predicting personality disorder in later life?
- childhood experiences > stress sensitivity
- stress related factors > low socioeconomic class, childhood abuse, neglect
- genetic mechanisms > mediate sensitivity to stressors
what are biological factors in BPD?
Heritability > BPD = 40-60% > genes related to neurotransmitters (serotnergic & dopaminergic)
- twin studies> 35% & 7% for MZ &DZ twins
- neuroimaging > brain structure > hyperactivity in amygdala
- HPA axis dysregulation & abnormailites in serotergic system
what are environmental factors in borderline personality disorder?
- Invalidating environments > parenting inconsistency, abuse, & neglect = PD
- Lack of warmth, parental inconsistency, high negative affect in the family, & exposure to violence = increase risk.
- Schemas or cognitions > i.e. self-blame, self-punishment, shame, and profound lack of trust
