Personality Disorders

Question 1

Define personality

Answer 1

Unique pattern of inner experience and outward behavior

Question 2

Define personality disorder

Answer 2

Long and rigid pattern of inner experience and outward behavior that impairs sense of self and emotional experience

Question 3

What features characterize PDs? (4)

Answer 3

• usually causes psychological pain to self and others
• recognizable in adolescence or early adulthood
• one of the most difficult disorders to treat
• many sufferers aren’t even aware of their disorder

Question 4

3 clusters of personality disorders

Answer 4

Cluster A: odd and eccentric - MAD
Cluster B: dramatic and erratic - BAD
Cluster C: anxious and timid - SAD

Question 5

Cluster A disorders

Answer 5

Schizoid, schizotypal, paranoid

Question 6

Cluster B disorders

Answer 6

Histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, borderline

Question 7

Cluster C disorders

Answer 7

Obsessive-compulsive, avoidant, dependent

Question 8

2 main features of paranoid PD

Answer 8

1. deep distrust and suspicion of others

2. suspicion is not bizarre enough to remove the individual from reality

Question 9

5 main features of schizoid PD

Answer 9

1. avoidance of social relationships
2. limited social expression
3. withdrawn and reclusive
4. prefer to be alone
5. flat / cold / dull

Question 10

4 main features of schizotypal PD

Answer 10

1. extreme discomfort in close relationships
2. bizarre thinking
3. magical thinking
4. peculiar beliefs

Question 11

5 main features of antisocial PD

Answer 11

1. disregard/violate others’ rights
2. most linked PD to criminal behavior
3. impulsive
4. lie repeatedly
5. cruel and sadistic and violent

Question 12

4 main features of borderline PD

Answer 12

1. very unstable self image and relationships
2. major mood swings
3. bouts of anger that can lead them to hurt themselves
4. self-destructive behavior (drug abuse, unprotected sex, suicidal threats)

Question 13

3 main features of histrionic PD

Answer 13

1. seek to be center of attention
2. need approval and praise to feel good
3. manipulative; suicide attempts

Question 14

5 main features of narcissistic PD

Answer 14

1. lack empathy for others
2. grandiose beliefs about themselves
3. need admiration
4. appear arrogant
5. take advantage of others to succeed

Question 15

4.5 main features of avoidant PD

Answer 15

1. feelings of inadequacy
2. think they’re unappealing
3. little or no friends
4. fear close social relationships
   4b. not social anxiety disorder (fear of social circumstances)

Question 16

4 main features of dependent PD

Answer 16

1. excessive need to be taken care of
2. clingy and obedient to loved ones
3. often dislike themselves
4. at risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders

Question 17

5 main features of obsessive-compulsive PD

Answer 17

1. preoccupied with order, symmetry, and perfection
2. no flexibility or openness
3. fear making mistakes/ making wrong decisions
4. rigid and stubborn
5. difficulty expressing affection, superficial relationships