Personality Disorders Flashcards
What is the definition of personality?
The totality of emotional and behavioral characteristics that are particular to a specific person and that remain somewhat stable and predictable over time.
What are the factors influencing personality disorder development?
- Heredity
- Temperament
- Experiential learning
- Social interaction
What is a personality disorder?
An enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or judgement.
List the personality disorders in Cluster A.
- Paranoid
- Schizoid
- Schizotypal
What are the characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
- Constantly on guard
- Hypervigilant
- Trusts no one
- Tests the honesty of others
What are the predisposing factors for Paranoid Personality Disorder?
- Possible hereditary link
- Early parental antagonism and harassment
Describe the clinical picture of Schizoid Personality Disorder.
- Aloof and indifferent to others
- Emotionally cold
- No close friends; prefers to be alone
- Appears shy, anxious, or uneasy in the presence of others
What are the predisposing factors for Schizoid Personality Disorder?
- Possible hereditary factor
- Childhood characterized as bleak, cold, unempathetic, and lacking in nurturing
What symptoms are associated with Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
- Magical thinking
- Ideas of reference
- Illusions
- Depersonalization
- Withdrawal into self
What are the predisposing factors for Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
- Possible hereditary factor
- Early family dynamics characterized by indifference, impassivity, and formality
What personality disorders are included in Cluster B?
- Antisocial
- Borderline
- Histrionic
- Narcissistic
What is a key characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Pervasive disregard for the law and the rights of others.
List behaviors associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
- Fails to sustain consistent employment
- Exploits and manipulates others
- Impulsive and reckless
- Lacks remorse
What are the predisposing factors for Antisocial Personality Disorder?
- Possible genetic influence
- History of severe physical abuse
- Absent or inconsistent parental discipline
What are common behaviors seen in Borderline Personality Disorder?
- Instability of interpersonal relationships
- Clinging and distancing behaviors
- Splitting
- Impulsivity
What are the predisposing factors for Borderline Personality Disorder?
- Biological influences
- Childhood trauma and abuse
- Developmental factors
What are the clinical features of Histrionic Personality Disorder?
- Attention-seeking
- Self-dramatizing
- Seductive behaviors
- Manipulative
What are the predisposing factors for Histrionic Personality Disorder?
- Possible hereditary factor
- Learned behavior patterns
What defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Lack of humility, overly self-centered, and exploits others to fulfill own desires.
What are the predisposing factors for Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
- Criticism, disdain, or neglect in childhood
- Parents often narcissistic themselves
List the personality disorders in Cluster C.
- Avoidant
- Dependent
- Obsessive-Compulsive
What are the characteristics of Avoidant Personality Disorder?
- Awkward in social situations
- Desire close relationships but avoids them
- Perceived as timid or cold
What are the predisposing factors for Avoidant Personality Disorder?
May be a combination of biological, genetic, and psychosocial influences.
Describe the clinical picture of Dependent Personality Disorder.
- Overly generous and thoughtful
- Low self-worth
- Avoids positions of responsibility
