Personality Disorder Flashcards
What is personality?
Personality is a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behavior that makes each of us the individuals that we are
What does “nature vs nurture” refer to?
Nature vs nurture refers to the debate on whether genetics (nature) or environment and upbringing (nurture) play a more significant role in shaping an individual’s behavior and traits.
Is personality flexible?
Yes, personality is flexible; behavior can differ according to the social situation.
What is the Five-Factor Model of Personality?
The Five-Factor Model of Personality, also known as the Big Five, includes five broad domains that define human personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
What does the trait ‘Openness’ refer to in the Five-Factor Model?
‘Openness’ refers to the degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and preference for novelty and variety a person has
What does the trait ‘Conscientiousness’ refer to in the Five-Factor Model?
‘Conscientiousness’ refers to a person’s tendency to be organized, dependable, and show self-discipline, aim for achievement, and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behavior.
What does the trait ‘Extraversion’ refer to in the Five-Factor Model?
‘Extraversion’ refers to the extent to which a person is outgoing, energetic, and enjoys interacting with others.
What does the trait ‘Agreeableness’ refer to in the Five-Factor Model?
‘Agreeableness’ refers to the tendency of a person to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others.
What does the trait ‘Neuroticism’ refer to in the Five-Factor Model?
‘Neuroticism’ refers to the tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, and vulnerability.
What are personality disorders?
Personality disorders are characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are maladaptive, inflexible, and enduring.
When do personality disorders typically become evident?
Personality disorders are typically evident from early life.
What are the characteristics of personality disorders?
Personality disorders are enduring, stable, inflexible, and maladaptive.
How do personality disorders affect a person’s ability to cope with everyday life?
People with personality disorders have a limited range of emotions, attitudes, and behaviors with which to cope with the stresses of everyday life.
How do personality disorders deviate from normal behavior?
Personality disorders deviate from sociocultural norms and expectations.
What impact do personality disorders have on a person’s life?
Personality disorders lead to distress and dysfunction in a person’s life.
Are personality disorders caused by other medical conditions, substances, or mental disorders?
No, personality disorders are not due to another medical condition, substance use, or other mental disorders.
Can personality disorders be diagnosed before age 18?
No, personality disorders are not diagnosed before age 18.
Are personality disorders the same as mental illnesses?
No, personality disorders are not the same as mental illnesses.
What is the categorical approach to personality disorders?
The categorical approach views personality disorders as unique types of abnormal development that are unrelated to “normal” personalities.
What is the dimensional approach to personality disorders?
The dimensional approach suggests that personality traits are shared among the general population, with individuals having excessive dimensions of these traits in personality disorders.
What is a personality disorder according to the DSM-5?
According to the DSM-5, a personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture.
How many areas of functioning must be affected for a diagnosis of a personality disorder according to the DSM-5?
Two or more areas of functioning must be affected.
What are the four areas of functioning that can be affected in personality disorders according to the DSM-5?
The four areas of functioning are:
- Cognition – ways of perceiving and interpreting self, others, and events,
- Affectivity – appropriateness of emotional response,
- Interpersonal functioning,
- Impulse control.
What characteristics define the enduring pattern in personality disorders according to the DSM-5?
The enduring pattern is inflexible, pervasive, and of long duration (at least from adolescence or early adulthood).
What impact do personality disorders have on an individual’s life according to the DSM-5?
Personality disorders lead to significant distress or dysfunction.
Can personality disorders be attributed to substance use, another medical condition, or another mental disorder according to the DSM-5?
No, personality disorders are not due to substance use, another medical condition, or another mental disorder
What percentage of the adult population is affected by personality disorders?
4-12% of the adult population is affected by personality disorders (7% in South Africa).
What are some of the challenges associated with personality disorders?
Personality disorders are associated with distress, stigma, and the need for long-term care which is often challenging
What are common comorbidities with personality disorders
Common comorbidities include depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and suicidality.
How do personality disorders impact healthcare service use and medical morbidity?
Personality disorders are associated with high service use and excess medical morbidity.
What is the heritability percentage range for personality disorders?
The heritability of personality disorders ranges from 30-50%.
What is the heritability percentage range for personality disorders?
The heritability of personality disorders ranges from 30-50%.
What early life experiences are linked to the development of personality disorders?
Early childhood adversity, including abuse, neglect, and bullying, is linked to the development of personality disorders
What are the three clusters of personality disorders in the DSM-5
The three clusters of personality disorders in the DSM-5 are Cluster A (odd and eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, and egocentric), and Cluster C (anxious and fearful)
What personality disorders are included in Cluster A (odd and eccentric)?
Cluster A includes
Paranoid,
Schizoid, and
Schizotypal personality disorders.
What personality disorders are included in Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, and egocentric)?
Cluster B includes Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic personality disorders.
What personality disorders are included in Cluster C (anxious and fearful)?
Cluster C includes Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorders.
What characterizes paranoid personality disorder?
Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of mistrust and suspiciousness of others, where their motives are interpreted as malevolent
When does paranoid personality disorder typically begin?
Paranoid personality disorder typically begins in early adulthood.
In what contexts does paranoid personality disorder present?
Paranoid personality disorder presents in a variety of contexts, impacting personal relationships, social interactions, and work environments.
How does paranoid personality disorder affect interpersonal relationships?
It often leads to difficulties in maintaining relationships due to persistent suspicion and mistrust, causing conflicts and isolation.
What are some common behaviors of individuals with paranoid personality disorder?
Common behaviors include being overly defensive, bearing grudges, and misinterpreting benign comments or actions as hostile or threatening.
What is a key characteristic of schizoid personality disorder?
A key characteristic of schizoid personality disorder is detachment from social relationships.
How does schizoid personality disorder affect emotional expression?
It is marked by a restricted range of emotional expressions.
How does schizoid personality disorder manifest in terms of social interactions?
Individuals with schizoid personality disorder often prefer solitary activities and may have difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships.
What are common behaviors or traits of someone with schizoid personality disorder?
Common traits include a lack of interest in social interactions, emotional coldness, and a preference for solitary activities.
How might schizoid personality disorder affect daily functioning?
It may lead to difficulties in occupational or social functioning due to the individual’s disinterest in forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships
What are key features of schizotypal personality disorder?
Key features include odd or eccentric behavior and thinking.
What cognitive or perceptual distortions are associated with schizotypal personality disorder?
Individuals may experience cognitive or perceptual distortions such as unusual beliefs, magical thinking, or odd perceptions.
What cognitive or perceptual distortions are associated with schizotypal personality disorder?
Individuals may experience cognitive or perceptual distortions such as unusual beliefs, magical thinking, or odd perceptions.
What are common social and interpersonal deficits in schizotypal personality disorder?
Common deficits include difficulty forming close relationships, social anxiety, and odd or inappropriate behavior in social situations.
What is the risk associated with schizotypal personality disorder?
Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are at increased risk for developing schizophrenia
What is the risk associated with schizotypal personality disorder?
Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are at increased risk for developing schizophrenia
How does schizotypal personality disorder manifest in terms of behavior?
It manifests through odd or eccentric behavior, such as unusual dress, peculiar speech patterns, or unconventional beliefs.
What is a defining feature of histrionic personality disorder?
A defining feature is excessive emotionality.
How does attention-seeking behavior manifest in histrionic personality disorder?
It manifests as a need to be the center of attention, which may involve dramatic or exaggerated behavior, and seeking reassurance and approval from others.
What types of emotional expression are common in individuals with histrionic personality disorder?
Emotional expressions are often intense, rapidly shifting, and may appear shallow or exaggerated.
How might histrionic personality disorder affect interpersonal relationships?
It can lead to difficulties in relationships due to the individual’s need for constant attention and validation, which may be perceived as demanding or superficial.
What are typical behaviors of someone with histrionic personality disorder?
Typical behaviors include engaging in dramatic gestures, seeking constant praise, and using their appearance or charm to draw attention.
What is a central feature of narcissistic personality disorder?
A central feature is grandiosity, which includes an inflated sense of self-importance and a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success or power.