Personality Disorders Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is required to diagnose a personality disorder according to the DSM-5 alternative model?

No relationship issues

Significant pathological personality traits (correct)

Extreme impairment in personality functioning

At least moderate impairment in functioning (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a pathological personality trait according to the DSM-5 alternative model?

Detachment

Empathy (correct)

Compulsiveness

Negative affectivity

What distinguishes the personality disorder - trait specified diagnosis?

Only extreme impairment occurs

No pathological traits are present

No specific disorder criteria are met (correct)

Presence of two specific disorders

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) typically exhibit which of the following traits?

Emotional detachment Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the steps involved in diagnosing a personality disorder in the DSM-5's alternative model?

Determine the level of identity and relationship impairment Signup and view all the answers

What key feature do the six specific personality disorders in the alternative model share?

They have distinct diagnostic criteria Signup and view all the answers

How does the DSM-5 alternative model classify personality disorders?

Hybrid of categorical and dimensional Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in treating patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Their emotional detachment and negative reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of grandiose narcissism?

Engaging in grandiose fantasies Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might indicate a vulnerable narcissist?

Claiming overqualification after rejection Signup and view all the answers

How does NPD commonly affect the therapeutic process?

Makes it difficult to form therapy alliances Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of avoidant personality disorder?

Fear of social interactions only when they are certain of being liked Signup and view all the answers

What personality trait is shared by both types of narcissism?

Interpersonal antagonism Signup and view all the answers

Which childhood experience is associated with the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Excessive parental affection Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of narcissistic personality traits in therapy?

Inability to recognize personal weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the emotional experience of someone with avoidant personality disorder?

They experience intense fear of rejection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Entitlement and demanding behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic has the highest prevalence rate of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Young adults Signup and view all the answers

How does Narcissistic Personality Disorder commonly manifest in professional settings?

Difficulty in teamwork due to arrogance Signup and view all the answers

What underlying issue often contributes to the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Childhood experiences with cold and rejecting parents Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable difference between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder?

NPD individuals possess a sense of grandiosity Signup and view all the answers

Which mental health issues are often associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Substance abuse and mood disorders Signup and view all the answers

What type of strategies do individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder typically rely on to manage their emotions?

Maladaptive strategies and domination of others Signup and view all the answers

Why might people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder seek treatment?

Because of trouble adjusting to life stressors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Definition of Personality Disorders

Stable enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior
Emerge in adolescence or early adulthood
Deviate from cultural norms
Pervasive and inflexible across many life aspects
Cause distress or impairment
To diagnose someone under 18, patterns must be present for at least one year (except antisocial PD)

DSM-5 Personality Disorder Clusters

Cluster A (Odd-eccentric): Similar to schizophrenia spectrum
Cluster B (Dramatic-emotional): Manipulative, volatile, and uncaring behavior; impulsive, sometimes violent, disregard for self/others
Cluster C (Anxious-fearful): Extremely concerned about criticism or abandonment; dysfunctional relationships

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others
Believe others are trying to deceive or exploit them
Preoccupied with concerns about victimization
Hypervigilant for evidence confirming suspicions
Resistant to arguments against suspicions
May be secretive or withdraw to protect self, or become hostile/argumentative
Comorbidities: Major depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychotic episodes
Heritability: Around 0.50
Cognitive theories: Believe others are malevolent, lack of self-confidence
Risk factors: Discrimination, prejudice, childhood trauma, low SES
Treatment is difficult; patients often seek treatment for other issues during a crisis; therapist needs to be calm, respectful, and straightforward

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Extreme detachment from social relationships
Disinterest in family, friendships, and sexual relationships
Emotionally detached; express no affection, indifferent to praise/criticism
View relationships as unrewarding, messy, and intrusive

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Detachment from social relationships, plus
Extreme discomfort in relationships
Odd thinking and eccentric behaviors
Highly superstitious or fascinated with the paranormal
Bizarre perceptual experiences
Odd beliefs or magical thinking
Speech patterns may be circumstantial, vague, or overelaborate
Easily distracted, lost in thought or fantasy
Heritability (from twin studies): 0.81
Commonly comorbid with paranoid and avoidant PD
Associated with higher dopamine levels in some brain areas (less severe than schizophrenia)
More frequent history of childhood adversities

Borderline Personality Disorder

Extreme instability in self-image and relationships
Extreme impulsivity
Intense, unstable love/hate relationships
Preoccupation with abandonment
Impulsive behaviors (drug abuse, binging, self-harming)
Mood swings, lack of personal identity or purpose
Dissociative states; feelings of unreality or losing track of time
Misinterpret everyday actions as abandonment or rejection

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Exaggerated display of emotions; excessive attention-seeking
Intense need to be the center of attention
Uncomfortable when not the center of attention
Use of physical appearance to draw attention
Dramatic and exaggerated display of emotions
Shallow and volatile emotions
Easily influenced by others; consider casual acquaintances close relationships

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Disregard and violation of others' rights
Deceitful, exploiting others for personal gain
Aggressive, irresponsible, impulsive, and reckless
Feel no remorse for harm caused to others

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Consider themselves superior; deserve admiration
Entitled to special treatment
Shallow emotional expressions in relationships
Lack of concern for others' needs
Exploit others, arrogant & condescending
Experience high rates of substance abuse and mood/anxiety disorders

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Social inhibition, shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and oversensitivity to negative evaluation
Strong fears of criticism, disapproval, and rejection; highly restricted social interaction.
Unwilling to participate socially unless certain of being liked.
Avoid work activities involving interpersonal contact

Dependent Personality Disorder

Excessive need to be taken care of
Submissive, clinging behavior; fear of separation
Need others to make everyday decisions; lack confidence to undertake projects independently
Willing to sacrifice to maintain others’ support/nurturance
Unable to take care of self when alone

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and control
Preoccupation with details; difficulty with completing tasks
Difficulty delegating tasks
Focus on work above relationships
Stubborn and inflexible; may hoard money or objects

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Description

Explore the key concepts surrounding personality disorders, including their definitions, classifications, and specific examples like Paranoid Personality Disorder. This quiz covers the DSM-5 clusters and their characteristics. Enhance your understanding of mental health and its complexities.