Personality Disorders Flashcards
What is personality?
The (mainly) stable internal factors that keep a person’b behaviour consistent from one moment to another AND different from the behaviour of others
What is personality disorder as defined by ICD-10?
Lifelong, persistent, deeply ingrained maladaptive behaviour that
- characterises an individual
- deviates from culturally expected ‘normal’ range
- onset in late childhood/early adolescence
What is abnormal personality an issue?
When it is maladaptive, causing suffering to either the patient or their associates.
Can’t be explained by other mental health or organic disorders
Deviation from the normal personality manifests in which areas?
Congition - thinking about self and others Affectivity - emotional response Occupational and social performance Impulse control and need gratification Interpersonal function
What are the three clusters of personality disorder?
Cluster A - odd/eccentric behaviour (the mad)
Cluster B - dramatic or emotional behaviour (the bad)
Cluster C - anxious/avoidant behaviour (the sad)
What are the subtypes of personality disorder found in cluster A?
Paranoid
Schizoid
Schizotypal
What are the subtypes of personality disorder found in cluster B?
Antisocial
Histrionic
Narcissistic
Emotionally unstable (includes borderline)
What are the subtypes of personality disorder found in cluster C?
Avoidant
Dependent
Obsessive-Compulsive
Describe paranoid personality disorder
Excessive sensitivity
Unforgiving
Suspicious of/misconstrues the actions of others
Combative - strong sense of personal rights
Tends to not respond to treatment because the patient’s don’t frequently present
Describe schizoid personality disorder
Solitary and introspective
Little interest in sex
Limited capacity for pleasure or emotional expression
Flattened affect
Indifferent to praise or criticism
Managed with psychodynamic or group therapy
Describe schizotypal personality disorder
Eccentric behaviour
Bizarre ideas and interpretation or the world, magical thinking
Perceptual disturbance
Thought disorder
No real treatment - disciplined environment
Describe antisocial personality disorder
Disregard for social obligations
Unconcern for others
Behaviour outside social norms
- not modified by experiences or punishments
- blames others
Low tolerance for frustration and aggression
Can’t experience guilt
This type of personality disorder has an unremitting course and often leads to early death
Describe histrionic personality disorder
Shallow and labile affect
Dramatic
Preoccupied with physical attraction
Exaggerated expression and emotions
Self-indulgence and lack of consideration for others
Approval, attention and excitement seeking
Managed with CBT/psychodynamic therapy/group therapy
Describe narcissistic personality disorder
Lack of empathy
Very sensitive
Feel they are special and unique, required excessive admiration
Sense of entitlement, yet envious of others
Describe emotionally unstable personality disorder (includes borderline)
Act without regard for consequences Quarrelsome and outbreaks of anger Unstable and intense relationships Unstable and capricious mood Self harm Feels empty Avoids potential abandonment Managed with DBT (dialectical behavioural therapy)
Describe avoidant personality disorder
Tense and apprehensive
Inferiority complex
Preoccupied by feeling rejected /criticised
Needs security (avoids potential dangers)
Managed with psychodynamic/CBT/group therapy
Describe dependent personality disorder
Reliance on others to make decisions Feels helpless/incompetent Follows what others do Fear of abandonment Scared to make demands Managed with assertiveness training/CBT
Describe obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Perfectionist, pre-occupied with details
Stubborn and rigid
Excessive doubt and conscientiousness
Managed with psychotherapy (insight-orientated techniques)/CBT
What is borderline personality disorder?
There is unstable affect regulation, poor impulse control, poor interpersonal relationships and self-image
e.g. repeated self-harm, suicide and a difficult life trajectory
How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?
At least 3 of - impulsive - quarrelsome - angry outbursts - limited perseverance - emotional instability And at least 2 of - disturbed identity - intense relationships - sensitive to rejection - self-harm - emptiness
How is borderline personality disorder managed?
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Inpatient programmes
Anti-depressants, anti-psychotics and mood stabilisers as appropriate
Supportive interpersonal dyads can be achieved
What medications can be used in the management of personality disorders?
Anti-psychotics - for cognitive symptoms, impulse trouble or angry affect
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors - BPD only to alleviate abnormal mood
Lithium - episodic behavioural dyscontrol and agression
