Personality disorders

Question 1

Characteristics

• guarded & distrust
• hostile & violent
• jealousy & controlling
• suspicious of others

Approach
Project neutral effect
- avoid being too nice
- clear, concise, simple communication

Answer 1

Paranoid

Question 2

Characteristics

• withdrawn from interpersonal relationships & detached from social interaction
• uncooperative
• avoidant

Approach
Project neutral effect
- avoid being too nice
- do not try to increase socialization

Answer 2

Schizoid

Question 3

Characteristics

• strong belief in supernatural
• socially ept
• anxious
• paranoia

Approach

• respect need for social isolation
• be aware of patients suspiciousness
• assess for suicidal ideations

Answer 3

Schizotypal

Question 4

Characteristics

• Disregard for others
• Irresponsible & exploitive behaviors
• Manipulative
• Aggressive
• Callous toward others
• Seductive
• Exhibit no anxiety or depression
• Substance abuse problems

Approach 
	Prevent manipulation
	Direct & truthful  
	Clear & concise
	Set limits
	Assign one staff member

Goals:  
	Assess current stressors
	No harm to self or others
	Prevent or reduce manipulation 
	Anger management
	Increase self-awareness
	Gain perspective from others point of view

Answer 4

Antisocial

Question 5

Characteristics:
 Unstable emotions and mood
 Difficulty with interpersonal relationships
 Difficulty with separation anxiety & fear of abandonment
 Identify or self–image distortion
 Ineffective and harmful self-soothing habits
 Engages in splitting

Approach:
	Matter-of-fact 
	Set realistic goals
	Do not dwell on actions
	Beware of manipulative behavior
	Avoid rejecting or rescuing

Goal:
 No self-harm
 Stabilize mood
 Stabilize impulsive behavior

Answer 5

Borderline Personality

Question 6

Characteristics:
	Grandiose view of self
	Needs constant admiration
	Arrogance
	Lack empathy for others
	Feel shame/fear of abandonment
	Afraid of their & others mistakes

Approach:
 Neutral
 No power struggles

Answer 6

Narcissistic

Question 7

Characteristics:
	Attention seeking & Impulsive 
	Melodramatic/Theatrical
	Sexual & flamboyance
	Relationships don’t last 
	Need for immediate gratification
	Depression & suicidal when admiration withdrawal

Approach:
 Understand seductive behavior as a response to distress
 Stay professional
 Teach / Role-Model assertiveness

Answer 7

Histrionic

Question 8

Characteristics:
	Low self-esteem
	Inadequacy 
	Hypersensitive to negative evaluation  & rejection
	Severe anxiety in social situations

Approach:
 Friendly, Accepting
 Do not push into social situations

Answer 8

Avoidant

Question 9

Characteristics:
	Need to be taken care of by others
	Avoid responsibility
	Needy
	Clinging

Approach:
 Identify & help address stresses
 Encourage independence
 Beware of counter-transference

Answer 9

Dependent

Question 10

Characteristics:
	Perfectionism – Orderliness & control
	Detail orientated
	Inflexible & rigid
	Highly critical of self & others

Approach:
• Guard against power struggles

Answer 10

Obsessive compulsive