Personality Disorders Flashcards
Define personality
A cluster of relatively predictable patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that is generally consistent across time, space, and context
Personality Trait Vs Disorder
A problematic trait can only be called a disorder if it is pervasive AND causes distress/impairement of functioning in most areas.
What is a personality disorder
Pattern of behaviour that deviated markedly from the normal, not due to brain injury or other psychiatric disorders.
Features of personality disorders
Pervasive and inflexible across a broad range of situations
Clinically significant distress or impairment in 2 or more areas of functioning
Onset can be traced back atleast to adolescence
List the areas in which personality disorders manifest
- cognition - interpretation of self, other people, events
- Affectivity
- Interpersonal functioning
- Impulse control
DSM 5 classification of personality disorders
CLUSTER A: paranoid, schizoid
CLUSTER B: antisocial, borderline, histrionic
CLUSTER C: avoidant, dependant, obsessive-compulsive/Ankanastic
What is paranoid personality disorder?
A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent
Beginning by early adulthood
Present in a variety of contexts
Features of paranoid personality disorder
Suspicious - without sufficient basis that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving
Mistrustful - unwarranted fear that information will be used maliciously against them
Jealous
Sensitive - take offence easily, see criticism where none was intended
Resentful
Bears grudges
Self importance
Aetiology of paranoid personality disorders
Unclear
Suspect genetic influence
Features of Schizoid PD
Emotionally cold
Detached - chooses solitary activities
Aloof
Lacking enjoyment
Introspective
Aetiology of schizoid PD
Unclear
What is antisocial PD?
A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years
Features of antisocial PD
Callous lack of concern for others - may be violent or cruel
Transient relationships
Irresponsible- do not obey rules, often break the law
Impulsive and irritable - do not plan ahead, risk safety of themselves and others
Lacking guilt and remorse
Failure to accept responsibility - blame others, rationalise their own failures
Aetiology of antisocial PD
Genetic
Cerebral pathology and maturation
Abnormal 5-HT transmission
Childhood behaviour and family problems
What is borderline/emotionally unstable (ICD-10) PD?
pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood
Features of borderline PD
Strong and fluctuating emotions - overwhelming
Identity disturbance- markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
Impulsivity in at least 2 areas that are self damaging
Self harm/suicidal ideation
Alcohol and drug abuse
Difficulty controlling anger
Frantic efforts to avoid abandonment (real or imagined)
What is histrionic PD?
excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood
Features of histrionic PD
Self dramatization - emotional blackmail, angry scenes, demonstrative suicide attempts
Inappropriately seductive
Seek attention and excitement
Suggestible - easily influenced by others or circumstances
Over concerned with physical appearance
self centred
Shallow labile effect
Self deception - convinced by their own fabrications
What is avoidant (anxious) PD?
pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood
Features of avoidant PD
Feels socially inferior Preoccupied with rejection Avoids involvement Avoids risk Avoids social activity Restraint in intimate relationships due to fear of being shamed or ridiculed
What is dependent PD?
excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behaviour and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood
Features of dependent PD
Allows others to take responsibility
Difficulty making everyday decisions without advice and reassurance from others
Difficulty initiating projects
Goes to excessive lengths to obtain support
Urgently seeks supportive relationship
Unduly compliant
Feels unable to care for himself or herself
What is obssessive compulsive/anankastic PD
preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood
Features of Obsessive compulsive/anankastic PD
Preoccupied with details/rules etc.
Inhibited by perfectionism
Over conscentious and scrupulous in ethics and morals
Excess concern with work and productivity
Unable to disregard worthless objects
