Personality Disorders Flashcards
What is a personality trait?
A stable, recurring pattern of human behaviour.
What defines a personality type?
A constellation of personality traits recognizable as a frequent and familiar combination.
How is a personality disorder characterized?
A constellation of personality traits that are inflexible and maladaptive, leading to difficulties in work or interpersonal relations, subjective distress, or both.
What does the biosocial model of personality suggest?
Personality traits derive from interactions between temperament and social learning.
What are the two main influences on personality traits according to the biosocial model?
- Genetic factors * Environmental influences
What are some biological influences on personality disorders?
- Evolution * Individual genes * Brain structure and chemistry
What are the four areas where personality disorders show enduring patterns?
- Cognition * Affectivity * Behaviour * Interpersonal difficulties
What are the characteristics of personality disorders?
- Stable & long lasting * Pervasive * Dysfunction * Deviation from social/cultural norms * Cannot be explained by drugs, medication, or medical condition
What are the three clusters of personality disorders?
- Cluster A: Odd/Eccentric/Bizarre * Cluster B: Emotional/Dramatic/Erratic * Cluster C: Anxious/Fearful
What is a common feature of Paranoid Personality Disorder?
Chronically suspicious and distrusting of others.
What are treatment considerations for Paranoid Personality Disorder?
- Importance of developing trust * Cognitive therapy to counter negative beliefs * No evidence that therapy is successful
What characterizes Schizoid Personality Disorder?
Emotionally cold and distant with great difficulty forming relationships.
What treatment considerations are recommended for Schizoid Personality Disorder?
- Modelling healthy relationship skills * Empathy training * Social skills training * Building a support network
What does Schizotypal Personality Disorder involve?
Social impairment, odd beliefs, unusual perceptions, and eccentric behaviour.
What are treatment considerations for Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
- Cognitive/social skills training * Pharmacotherapy – antipsychotics
What are common traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder?
- Aggressiveness * Manipulative * Lack of remorse/empathy * Criminal behaviour
What are treatment challenges for Antisocial Personality Disorder?
- Poor evidence for treatment * Issues of treatment adherence * Risks of misuse or overdose
What is a defining characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Pattern of grandiosity and lack of empathy for others.
What are treatment considerations for Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
- Some psychotherapy * No evidence for pharmacological intervention
What characterizes Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Flamboyant expression and need for high levels of attention from others.
What are treatment considerations for Histrionic Personality Disorder?
- Some psychotherapy * No evidence for pharmacological intervention
What are common symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
- Intense mood changes * Unstable interpersonal relationships * Impulsivity * Recurrent self-harm
What treatment is often used for Borderline Personality Disorder?
Dialectical behaviour therapy.
What characterizes Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Feeling inadequate and avoiding situations where criticism may occur.
What are treatment considerations for Avoidant Personality Disorder?
- Behavioral interventions * Social skills training * Assertiveness training
What are key features of Dependent Personality Disorder?
- Submissive and clingy * Desperation in relationship-seeking * Relying on others for everything
What are treatment considerations for Dependent Personality Disorder?
- Psychotherapy * Replace unhealthy dependency with adaptive dependency
What are characteristics of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?
- Perfectionism * Controlling * Rigid rules and routines
What are treatment considerations for Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?
- Psychotherapy * Treat accompanying mood difficulties
What is the estimated prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder in the general population?
Around 1-2%.
In clinical settings, what is the estimated prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder?
10% to 20%.
Which personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in women?
Borderline Personality Disorder.
Which personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in men?
Antisocial Personality Disorder.
What complicates the diagnosis of personality disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients?
Cultural variations in the concept of ‘self.’
What challenges arise in diagnosing personality disorders in traumatized refugees?
Potential mental comorbidity and PTSD factors.
What should be prioritized in medical settings when treating patients with personality disorders?
- Identify and treat acute symptoms * Tailor management plans to personality style
