Personality disorders

Question 1

What are personality disorders

Answer 1

personality traits are ‘maladaptive’ or ‘dysfunctional’, by which we mean they are a source of suffering for the individual or those around them or prevent them engaging effectively with their life tasks (work and love)

Question 2

3 clusters of personality disorder and examples in each

Answer 2

Cluster A - mad
- paranoid (suspicious)
- schizoid (being alone)
- schizotypical (bizarre views)
Cluster B - bad
- antisocial
- boderline (emotionally unstable)
- histrionic (theratric and over expression drawing attention to self)
- narcissistic (arrogant, lack of empathy, over sense of self)
Cluster C - sad
- avoidant / anxious
- dependent (lack of confidence, constantly needs others)
- obsessive compulsive

Question 3

How to diagnose personality disorders

Answer 3

Clinical diagnosis by psychiatrist
Can’t diagnose those under 18

Question 4

What is borderline bipolar disorder

Answer 4

Emotional dysregulation
- mood changes hour to hour or day to day

Question 5

BPD common presentation

Answer 5

More common in female
Past history of abuse
Overdose / self harm
Suicidal gesture
Pseudo hallucinations
angry outbursts
chronic feelings of emptiness
dissocation
impulsivity - look out for substance abuse / risky behaviours

Question 6

Difference between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder

Answer 6

People with bipolar disorder tend to experience mania and depression, while people with BPD experience intense emotional pain and feelings of emptiness, desperation, anger, hopelessness, and loneliness. Time: In BPD, mood changes are often more short-lived

Question 7

BPD Treatment

Answer 7

Gold standard - psychotherapy - mentalisation based therapy

Cognitive analytic therapy

Question 8

Antisocial personality disorder sx

Answer 8

repeated crimincal acts
ruthless
aggressive