Personality Disorders Flashcards
What is required for a personality to become ‘problematic’
it must be pervasive (around all the time), persistent (present from adolescence to adulthood) and pathological (causes distress and impairs function)
what is the aetiology of personality disorders
moderate heritability
childhood temperament (inate response to emotional situation)
childhood experience (trauma)
neurochemical imbalance
what neurochemical disturbances are linked to personality disorders
serotonin and impulsive/aggressive behaviour is linked
which personality disorder group is most common in primary care
Type C
which personality disorder group is most common in prison
B
What is the ‘cluster’ classification of personality disorders
Cluster A - Mad
Cluster B - Bad
Cluster C - Sad
what are the subtypes of cluster A
schizoid
paranoid
schizotypal
what are the subtypes of cluster B
Antisocial
Histrionic
Borderline/EUPD
Narcissistic
What are the subtypes of cluster C
OCD/Ankastic
anxious/avoidant
dependent
What are the features of paranoid personality disorder
SUSPECT
Sensitive Unforgiving Suspicious Possessive and jealous Excessive self-importance Conspiracy Theories Tenacious sense of rights
What are the features of schizoid personality disorder
ALL ALONE
Anhedonic
Limited emotional range
Little sexual interest
An indifference to praise/critisism Lack of close relationships One player activities Normal social conventions ignored Excessive fantasy world
What are the features of dissocial/antisocial personality disorder
FIGHTS
Forms relationships but can't maintain Irresponsible Guiltless Heartless Temper easily lost Someone elses fault
What are the subclassifications of EUPD
Borderline
Impulsive
What are the features of borderline EUPD
SCARS
Self-image unclear Chronic empty feelings Abandonment fears Relationship intense and unstable Suicide attempts/self-harm
What are the features of impulsive EUPD
LOSE IT
Lack of impulse control
Outbursts/threats of violence
Sensitivity to criticism
Emotional instability
Inability to plan ahead
Thoughtlessness of consequences
What features are common to both types of EUPD
affective instability outbursts explosive behaviour impulsive unable to plan/consider consequences
What are some features of Histrionic personality disorder
ACTORS
Attention seeking Concerned with own appearance Theatrical Open to suggestions Racy and seductive Shallow affect (little emotional range)
What are some features for ankastic personality disorder
DETAIL
Doubtful Excessive detail Tasks not completed Adheres to rules Inflexible Likes own way
What are some features of anxious/avoidant personality disorder
AFRAID
Avoid social contact Fears rejection Restricted lifestyle Apprehensive Inferiority Doesn't get involved until sure of acceptance
What are some features of dependent personality disorder
SUFFER
Subordinate Undemanding Feels helpless when alone Fears abandonment Encourages other to take decisions Reassurance needed
What are some features of Narcissistic personality disorder
Egocentrism Need for attention sensitivity to critisism excessive self love grandiosity exhibitionism arrogance
what are some common comorbidities with personality disorders
anxiety disorder - especially cluster C depression PTSD substance misuse stress reaction/adjustment disorder
what is the short term management of personality disorders
consider risks (self-harm)
consider comorbidities
risk assessment
What is the long term management of personality disorders
mainly outpatient talking therapy - drugs not advised CBT DBT if EUPD CAT group therapy
when is medication advised for personality disorders
antipsychotics if there is a transient psychosis
antidepressents if there is comorbid A+D
mood stabilisers if mood is wildly unstable
what risks are there for starting antidepressants for someone with a personality disorder with comorbid anxiety and depression
increased risk of suicide initially
