Psychosocial Interventions, Personality Disorders and Trauma

Question 1

Define the recovery model

Answer 1

Non pharmacological, psychosocial approach to treatment e.g. supporting housing, living, money, social inclusion, therapy, counselling

Question 2

Define formulation

Answer 2

Meaningful narrative ->Summarising a Pt’s background

Question 3

What are examples of psychosocial therapy?

Answer 3

1) Psychotherapy
2) CBT
3) Counselling
4) Cognitive Analytic Therapy
5) Interpersonal therapy
6) Dialectic behaviour therapy
7) Family therapy

Question 4

What is personality disorder?

Answer 4

Long-lasting, rigid patterns of thought and behaviour. Behaviour that differs from ‘normal’. Present in a range of situations and causes considerable distress. Tends to begin in adolescence.

Question 5

What are the essential diagnostic features of a personality disorder?

Answer 5

1) Impairments in personality functioning
2) Impairments in self/interpersonal functioning
3) Impairments that are relatively stable across time and consistent across situations

Question 6

What daily life tasks might someone with a personality disorder struggle with?

Answer 6

1) Struggling with friendships/relationships
2) Struggle to control feelings and behaviours
3) Struggle to trust others

Question 7

What is the main type of Personality Disorder?

Answer 7

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

Question 8

What are the main symptoms of a BPD?

Answer 8

Emotional instability.
Difficult, intense relationships.
Feelings of emptiness.
Impulsive.
Self injurious behaviour.
Fear of abandonment/ rejection.

Question 9

Why might someone with a borderline personality disorder self-harm?

Answer 9

Relieve psychic pain.
Express anger.
Reduce anxiety.
Feel in control.
Feel something when numb.
Communicate how they feel.

Question 10

How would you treat/manage someone with a personality disorder?

Answer 10

1) Psychological therapies - dialectical behavioural therapy.
2) Structured clinical management.
Medication is not mainstay.

Question 11

A 27 year old man has a long history of interpersonal difficulties. He has feelings of doubt and caution, is preoccupied with detail and is pedantic. These features cause him considerable distress and dysfunction. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer 11

Anankastic Personality Disorder (Obsessive).