Personality disorders Flashcards
Define personality disorder
A way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from cultural norms, is pervasive and inflexible, present throughout life, and leads to significant distress or impairment
What are some ways of differentiating personality disorder from personality traits?
- Pervasive: affects multiple areas of life
- Persistent: over long period of time
- Pathological: causing impairment/distress
How are personality disorders categorised? Give examples
Cluster A: odd and eccentric
- Schizoid
- Schizotypal
- Paranoid
Cluster B: dramatic, emotional, erratic
- Antisocial
- EUPD/borderline
- Histrionic
- Narcissistic
Cluster C: anxious, fearful
- Avoidant
- Anankastic
- Dependent
Describe some features of paranoid PD
'Suspicious- everyone is out to get me' Tendency to believe conspiracy theories Suspicious of others Perceive others as hostile Hold grudges
Describe some features of schizoid PD
'Loner' Withdrawn Perceived by others as cold Prefer solitary activities, lacks close relationships Decreased capacities to express feelings
Describe some features of schizotypal PD
Withdrawn
Odd and eccentric behaviour
Suspicious, paranoid ideas
Unusual perceptual experiences
Describe some features of antisocial PD
Persistent disregard for social norms and morals Heartless Aggressive tendencies Lack of remorse Frequent offenders
How is schizotypal PD different from paranoid?
They have unusual perceptions and odd behaviours, similar to schizophrenia, whereas paranoid PD is usually just suspicious
Describe some features of EUPD
‘Unstable’
Prone to outbursts
Impulsive
Unpredictable labile mood
Borderline:
Chronic empty feelings
Intense and unstable relationships, lots of conflict
Self-harm and suicide
Impulsive (Chris): impulsive, sensitive to criticism, outbursts
Describe some features of histrionic PD
‘Theatrical’
Attention-seeking behaviour
Self dramatisation
Describe some features of narcissistic PD
'Superiority complex' Perceive self very highly Expect special treatment Lack empathy Demeaning others
Describe some features of avoidant PD
‘Insecure’
Hypersensitive to criticism
Yearning to be liked and accepted
Describe some features of dependent PD
Helpless
Fear of abandonment
Reliance and compliance
Describe some features of anankastic PD
‘OCD’
- Perfectionism
- Preoccupied with details
- Rigid, stubborn
What is the management of personality disorders?
Psychological therapies
- EUPD: DBT, psychotherapy
- Antisocial: group based rehabilitation
