Personality disorders

Question 1

Which one of the following adverse effects is most characteristically associated with antipsychotics?

Answer 1

Reduced seizure threshold

Question 2

a young man is seen with his mother. She is concerned that he is socially withdrawn. He is bright and is doing well in his job as a engineer. During the consultation he seems emotionally cold and has little interest in either praise or criticism

Answer 2

Schizoid personality disorder

Question 3

a middle-aged male manager comes in for review after having trouble at work. His colleagues find him arrogant, ‘cut-throat’ and lacking empathy. He seems to exaggerate his own importance to the company and seems preoccupied with success

Answer 3

Narcissistic personality disorder

Question 4

cluster A personality disorders? (3) ‘Odd or Eccentric’

think paddy

Answer 4

Paranoid - sensitive, questions loyalty of friends
Schizoid - doesn’t care about criticism/praise, emotionally cold, doesn’t care about relationships/companionship
Schizotypal - ideas of reference, odd beliefs, suspicious, odd speech, inappropriate affect

Question 5

Cluster B: ‘Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic’? (4)

think dee from always sunny

Answer 5

Antisocial - don’t conform to social norms, deception/lying/conning, impulsive, irresponsible, lack of remorse
Borderline (Emotionally Unstable) - suicidal, efforts to avoid abandonment, impulsive, temper
Histrionic - inappropriate sexual seductiveness, centre of attention
Narcissistic - grandiose, takes advantage of others, pre-occupied by success/power/beauty, need for admiration

Question 6

Cluster C: ‘Anxious and Fearful’ (3)

think Trish

Answer 6

Obsessive-Compulsive
Avoidant - pre-occupied by ideas of being critisized or ridiculed (e.g. won’t have a relationship), social isolation (but wants)
Dependent - needs reassurance to make decisions, searches for relationship

Question 7

Psychological therapy?

Answer 7

Dialectical behavioural therapy