Personality disorders

Question 1

What do cluster A personality disorders have in common?

Answer 1

Cluster A: problems with perceived safety of interpersonal relationships

Question 2

What do cluster B personality disorders have in common?

Answer 2

Cluster B: problems with tolerating feelings without acting on them

Question 3

What do cluster C personality disorders have in common?

Answer 3

Cluster C: problems with (management) of anxiety (in interpersonal relationships)

Question 4

What are the main cluster A personality disorders?

Answer 4

Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder

Question 5

What are the main cluster B personality disorders?

Answer 5

Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder
Narcisisstic personality disorder

Question 6

What are the main cluster C personality disorders?

Answer 6

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Dependent personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder

Question 7

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Paranoid personality disorder

Answer 7

Suspiciousness and distrust of others

Question 8

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Schizoid personality disorder

Answer 8

Detachment from social relationships

Restricted expression of emotions

Question 9

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Schizotypal personality disorder

Answer 9

Deficits in social/interpersonal skills

Low capacity for close relationships

Question 10

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Antisocial personality disorder

Answer 10

Disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others
Irresponsibility
Lack of empathy and remorse

Question 11

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Borderline personality disorder

Answer 11

Instability of personal image, interpersonal relationships, and mood/affect
Impulsivity

Question 12

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer 12

Grandiosity and a need for admiration

Lack of empathy

Question 13

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Histrionic personality disorder

Answer 13

Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviour

Uncomfortable with not being the centre of attention

Question 14

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder

Answer 14

Preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism and control

Question 15

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Dependent personality disorder

Answer 15

Excessive need to be taken care of

Fear of being left to fend for themselves

Question 16

Briefly describe the key feature(s) of Avoidant personality disorder

Answer 16

Social inhibition
Feelings of inadequacy
Hypersensitivity to (and fear of) negative evaluation

Question 17

Give four options for management of personality disorders

Answer 17

Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (talking therapy)
Mentalization-Based Treatment
Symptomatic Prescribing
Treat any co-occurring Mental Illness

Steps and Decider skills