Personality disorders Flashcards
Define personality
the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.
personality disorder
define (ICD-10)
a severe disturbance in the characterological condition and behavioural tendencies of the individual, usually involving several areas of the personality and nearly always associated with considerable personal and social disruption.
Name the 3 Cluster A personality disorders
‘weird’
‘odd and Eccentric’
Paranoid
Schizoid
Schizotypal
Name the 4 Cluster B personality disorders
‘wild’
‘Dramatic, Emotional and Erratic’
Antisocial, or Dissocial
Borderline, or Emotionally Unstable
Histrionic
Narcissistic
Name the 3 Cluster C personality disorders
‘worried’
‘Anxious and Fearful’
Obsessive-Compulsive (aka Anankastic)
Avoidant (aka Anxious/Avoidant)
Dependent
Paranoid personality disorder
Cluster A
-Accusatory- suspicious feel that other people are being nasty to you (even when evidence shows this isn’t true) feel easily rejected tend to hold grudges
Schizoid personality disorder
Cluster A
-Aloof-
emotionally ‘cold’
don’t like contact with other people, prefer your own company
have a rich fantasy world
this is characterised by withdrawal from affectional, social and other contacts. This type of person is isolated and has a limited capacity to experience pleasure and express feelings.
Schizotypal personality disorder
Cluster A
-Awkward-
eccentric behaviour
odd ideas
difficulties with thinking
lack of emotion, or inappropriate emotional reactions
see or hear strange things
sometimes related to schizophrenia, the mental illness
Antisocial, or Dissocial personality disorder
Cluster B
don’t care much about the feelings of others
easily get frustrated
tend to be aggressive
## commit crimes ##
find it difficult to make close relationships
impulsive - do things on the spur of the moment without thinking about them
don’t feel guilty about things you’ve done
don’t learn from unpleasant experiences
there is a tendency to act outside social norms, a disregard for the feelings of others and an inability to modify behaviour in response to adverse events (eg, punishment). A low threshold for violence and a tendency to blame others may be features.
Borderline, or Emotionally Unstable personality disorder
Cluster B
impulsive - do things on the spur of the moment
find it hard to control your emotions
feel bad about yourself
often self-harm, e.g. cutting yourself or making suicide attempts
feel ‘empty’
make relationships quickly, but easily lose them
can feel paranoid or depressed
when stressed, may hear noises or voices
people with this personality disorder tend to be impulsive and unpredictable. They may act without appreciating the consequences. Outbursts of emotion and quarrelsome behaviour may be exhibited. Relationships tend to be unstable and there may be suicidal gestures and attempts.
Histrionic personality disorder
Cluster B
over-dramatise events self-centered have strong emotions which change quickly and don't last long can be suggestible worry a lot about your appearance crave new things and excitement can be seductive
this is characterised by shallow and labile affectivity and theatricality. There is lack of consideration for others and a tendency for egocentricity. People with this type of personality often crave excitement and attention.
Narcissistic
Cluster B
have a strong sense of your own self-importance
dream of unlimited success, power and intellectual brilliance
crave attention from other people, but show few warm feelings in return
take advantage of other people
ask for favours that you do not then return
Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder
aka
Anankastic personality disorder
Cluster C: ‘Anxious and Fearful’
worry and doubt a lot perfectionist - always check things rigid in what you do, stick to routines cautious, preoccupied with detail worry about doing the wrong thing find it hard to adapt to new situations often have high moral standards judgemental sensitive to criticism can have obsessional thoughts and images (although these are not as bad as those in obsessive-compulsive disorder)
this is characterised by feelings of doubt, perfectionism and excessive conscientiousness. There is a compulsion to check and a preoccupation with details. This personality type tends to be stubborn, cautious and rigid. Insistent and unwelcome thoughts may intrude or impulses that do not attain the severity of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Avoidant personality disorder
aka
Anxious personality disorder
Cluster C: ‘Anxious and Fearful’
very anxious and tense worry a lot feel insecure and inferior have to be liked and accepted extremely sensitive to criticism
this is characterised by feelings of tension and apprehension, insecurity and inferiority. People with this type yearn to be liked and accepted, are sensitive to rejection. There is a tendency to exaggerate potential dangers and risks, leading to an avoidance of everyday activities.
Dependent personality disorder
Cluster C: ‘Anxious and Fearful’
passive rely on others to make decisions for you do what other people want you to do find it hard to cope with daily chores feel hopeless and incompetent easily feel abandoned by others
this is characterised by a reliance on others to take decisions and a fear of abandonment. There is an excessive reliance on authority figures and difficulty in acting independently. This can affect the capacity to deal with the intellectual and emotional demands of daily life.
