Decoding Personality & Personality Disorders PDF

Decoding Personality & Personality Disorders MANJIRI GOKHALE MA – Clinical Psychology Consultant Psychologist – Institute for Psychological Health (Thane) Antecedents/Evolution Derived from Latin wor...

Decoding Personality & Personality Disorders MANJIRI GOKHALE MA – Clinical Psychology Consultant Psychologist – Institute for Psychological Health (Thane) Antecedents/Evolution Derived from Latin word Persona – theatrical mask Later came to refer to the real person’s observable or explicit features Today, it is seen as a complex pattern of deeply embedded psychological characteristics that are expressed in almost every area of functioning  What it is and it is not These terms are often used as synonyms or in the context of personality: Character: characteristics acquired during our upbringing. Conforms to social standards (Nurture).e.g.: self-sacrificing, strong Temperament: basic biological disposition towards certain behaviors. Physically coded influence (Nature). e.g.: unflappable, apathetic Story 6 Blind men and the Elephant  Different Perspectives & Theories Some historical background of the formal study of personality and various perspectives Hippocrates (2500 yrs ago)– 4 bodily humors Freud (1856) – Psychodynamic – Structural model - id, ego, superego Kretschmer (1942)- Body types – thin, muscular, obese Cloninger (1986) – Genetic-neurobiological trait dispositions- novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence Contemporary Perspectives – Interpersonal, Cognitive, 5-factor, Evolutionary  So, What is Personality? An enduring pattern of thoughts, feelings and outward behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, which makes each of us individual We tend to behave in relatively predictable ways, yet our personalities also develop and change in response to changed circumstances Dimension, spectrum approach. Normality and pathology reside on a continuum  Normal vs Pathological Personality Normality and pathology reside on a continuum. One slowly fades into the other Because personality disorders are composed of maladaptive traits, there are two ways that personality pathology becomes more severe when moving along the continuum from health to pathology. First, single traits can become more intense in their expression (assertiveness can give way to aggression, for example, or deference can give way to masochism). Second, the number of maladaptive traits attributed to the given person may increase Personality disorders can be seen as extreme examples of tendencies which are observable in everyone  From Personality to Personality Disorder What makes a personality disorder? A long-lasting, inflexible and limited range of attitudes and behaviors which are expressed in a wide variety of settings These attitudes and behaviors also deviate markedly from the expectations of the person's culture, and cause distress to that person or to others DSM classifies PDs into 10 types  Types of Personality Disorders Cluster A – odd, eccentric, isolated Schizoid, Schizotypal, Paranoid Cluster B – dramatic, erratic, emotionally charged Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Anti-social Cluster C – anxious, inhibited, dependent Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive-compulsive  Decoding PDs from Different Perspectives Schizoid PD 1. No or limited enjoyment of close relationships, including with family. 2. Nearly always chooses solitary activities. 3. Little interest in sexual experiences with others. 4. Takes pleasure in few activities. 5. Limited close friendships/relationships other than first-degree relatives. 6. Indifference to praise and criticism. 7. Displays emotional coldness, detachment, and affective flattening. Biological – Neurobiologically low on reward dependence, harm avoidance, novelty seeking Cognitive – Some beliefs and assumptions like “Life is less complicated without other people”, “people are replaceable objects”  Decoding PDs from Different Perspectives Narcissistic PD 1. A grandiose sense of self-importance 2. A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love 3. A belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high- status people or institutions 4. A need for excessive admiration 5. A sense of entitlement 6. Interpersonally exploitive behavior 7. A lack of empathy 8. Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her 9. A demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes Psychodynamic – exaggerated investment in self, use DMs like rationalization, fantasy Evolutionary – parental overvaluation, failure in parental control, compensation for early deprivations  Decoding PDs from Different Perspectives Dependent PD 1. Trouble making everyday decisions, like what to wear, without constant reassurance and advice from others. 2. Difficulty starting tasks on their own. 3. Intense fear of not being able to take care of themselves. 4. Doing or volunteering for uncomfortable tasks to get support or nurturance from others. 5. Needing others to take responsibility for various aspects of their life. 6. Avoiding expressing disagreement or creating conflict in relationships for fear of losing the relationship. 7. Feeling uncomfortable when alone. 8. Having a fear of abandonment and a sense of helplessness when relationships end. Interpersonal - parental overprotection, over-nurturance, discouragement of autonomy, constantly fret over their comfort  Current View on PDs Technically not disorders, but use the term for ease of understanding and to have a common vocabulary Impact of Personality and Personality Disorders on Individuals and Relationships is where mental health professionals use their expertise “Personalities are like impressionistic paintings. At a distance, each person is 'all of a piece'; up close, each is a bewildering complexity of moods, cognitions, and motives.” - Theodore Millon