personality disorders Flashcards
are personality disorders treatable?
usually - up to 60% drop in symptoms after 15 months for some disorders
what are the categories of personality disorders?
cluster A
cluster B
cluster C
what is cluster A defined as?
odd and eccentric
what is cluster B defined as?
dramatic and turbulent
what is cluster C defined as?
anxious and fearful
what is the defining trait of paranoid PD?
highly suspicious without cause
what are some secondary symptoms of paranoid PD?
aggressive, violent, suicidal, stubborn, sensitive
what are the theorized causes of paranoid PD?
psychodynamic - interactions with demanding parents
cognitive - maladaptive assumptions
biological - genetics
how is paranoid PD treated?
cbt - challenge paranoid assumptions
what is the defining trait of schizoid PD?
detachment from relationships
what are secondary symptoms of schizoid PD?
social deficiencies, limited emotional expression
what are some potential causes of schizoid PD?
neglect, abuse, extreme childhood shyness, low density dopamine receptors
how is schizoid PD treated?
social skills training (role play)
what is the defining trait of schizotypal PD?
cognitive impairments and socially isolated
what are some secondary symtpoms of schizotypal PD?
paranoia, strange perceptual experiences, and magical thinking
what are some potential causes of schizotypal PD?
genetics, left hemisphere damage, abnormalities in semantic association
how is schizotypal PD treated?
antipsychotics, cbt, social skills training
what is the defining trait of antisocial PD?
aggressive criminals with no empathy or remorse
what are the neurological symptoms of antisocial PD?
low baseline skin conductance (fearless) and no neurological response to upsetting images
what are some potential causes/risk factors for antisocial PD?
boys with ADHD and conduct disorder
low SES
harsh discipline
abuse
lack of affection
what are some theorized causes of antisocial PD?
abnormal levels of cortical arousal
fear deficit
weak inhibition/strong reward system
underdeveloped cortices
deficient MAOA
what is the defining trait of BPD?
impulsive and unstable people with very little sense of self
what are some secondary symptoms of BPD?
self harm, reactivity, pscyhosis
what are theorized causes of BPD?
cultural upheaval, childhood abuse/neglect, genetics
what is Linehan’s diathesis-stress model?
an overly emotional child combined with invalidating and dismissive caregivers creates BPD
how is BPD treated?
antipsychotics and antidepressants (controversial in outpatient) and DBT
what is the defining trait of histrionic PD?
dramatic attention seekers who need to be the center of attention
what are some secondary symptoms of histrionic PD?
superficiality, impulsiveness, reassurance seeking, dichotomous thinking
what are the potential causes of histrionic PD?
feeling unloved and not given attention in childhood
how is histrionic PD treated?
cbt, focuses on teaching wants vs needs, improving relationships, and challenging beliefs of helplessness
what is the defining trait of narcissistic PD?
grandiose and egotistical view of oneself
what are secondary symptoms of narcissistic PD?
depression, lack of empathy, arrogance
what are the theorized causes of narcissistic PD?
psychodynamic - cold unfeeling abusive parents
cognitive-behavioural - parents who idolize children
sociocultural - “eras of narcissism”
how is narcissistic PD treated?
cbt to teach coping skills, guide empathy, treat depression
what is the defining trait of avoidant PD?
extreme social anxiety
what are the secondary symptoms of avoidant PD?
pessimistic about future, fear of taking risks/rejection, overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity
what are potential causes of avoidant PD?
genetics, parental rejection, social trauma
how is avoidant PD treated?
social skills training, desensitization, rehearsal
what is the defining trait of dependent PD?
interpersonal dependency with a lack of autonomy
what are secondary symptoms of dependent PD?
fear of separation, over-sensitivity to criticism, reassurance seeking
what are theorised causes of dependent PD?
behaviourist - parents rewarded clinginess and punished independence
cognitive - childhood rejection and criticism
object-relations - early parental loss
how is dependent PD treated?
cbt to increase confidence and responsibility
what is the defining trait of OCPD?
preoccupation with control and dichotomous thinking
what are secondary symptoms of OCPD?
low self-awareness, perfectionism, overly critical, stubborn, sensitive to critiscism
