PERSONALITY

(definition)

By what age is an individual's personality generally considered to be "set" (developed)?

By the end of ADOLESCENCE

What are some of the features (criteria) of personality disorders as described in the DSM?

1. Patterns of experience and behavior that deviates from the expectations of one's culture
2. Patterns are inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of social situations
3. Pattern can be traced back to adolescence
4. Patters manifested in two of four categories (cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, impulse control)
5. Work, social functioning impaired

According to the DSM, a person with a personality disorder displays patterns of behavior manifested in at least two of what four areas?

Cognition (thinking)

Affectivity

Interpersonal functioning

Impulse control

Personality Disorders are grouped into 3 distinct "clusters". Can you briefly describe them?

A) The "social avoiders": paranoid, schizoid, schizoidtypal

B) The "act out-ers": Histrionic, Narcissistic, Anti-Social, Borderline

C) Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personalty Disorder

What is the cluster category and some of the features associated with PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Paranoid Personality Disorder is a Cluster "A" disorder

• Pervasive suspiciousness, distrust
• BLAMES OTHERS FOR THEIR OWN MISTAKES
• Expects trickery
• Reads threats into ordinary comments directed at them

In what cluster is SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER categorized?

What are some of the features of this disorder?

SCHIZOID PERS. DISORDER is in Cluster "A"

• Inability to form interpersonal relationships
• No interest in activities
• No friends
• Cannot express feelings
• "Cold", "distant"

What are some of the reasons that personality disorders are difficult to diagnose?

Diagnostic criteria less defined

Diagnostic categories not mutually exclusive (there is no pigeonholing or exclusive one type of diagnosis)

Defining characteristics are dimensional in nature

In what cluster is Schizotypal Personality Disorder located?

What are some features of this personality disorder?

SCHIZOTYPAL is a cluster "A" disorder

"Schizoid Light": less severe than Schizoid Personality

Persons with this disorder:

Introverted;socially & interpersonally deficient
Distorted cognition, perception
Superstitious, and "magical" thinking (believe they possess superpowers)

In what cluster is HISTRIONIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?

What are some of the features of this disorder?

Histrionic Personality Disorder is in cluster "B"

Features:

Seeks attention

Emotional

Desire to be center of attention

Theatrical

Sexually provocative appearance, dress, behavior

In what cluster is NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER categorized?

What are some of the features of this disorder?

Cluster "B" category

Sense of self-importance

Pre-occupied with being admired

Overestimates ability

Lack of empathy for others

Feeds off recognition of power, beauty, brilliance

Unable to see others point of view

Identify the cluster category and some features of

ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

CLUSTER "B" category

Disregard for the rights of others

Deceitful, aggressive, no remorse

Impulsive, irresponsible

CONDUCT DISORDER develops prior to age 15

Identify the cluster category and some of the features associated with

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

CLUSTER "B"

Impulsive, unstable interpersonal relationships, self-mage and moods

Fear abandonment

Threaten suicide over minor disapointments

SELF-MUTILATION ("CUTTING")

Outbursts, anger

Risky behavior (drugs, sex)

In what cluster is AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER?

What are some of the features of this disorder?

CLUSTER "C"

In what cluster is DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER?

What are some of the features of this disorder?

Cluster "C" categorization

Features of Dependent Personality Disorder:

Extreme dependency toward (on) others

Need to be taken care of

Need to remain in relationship even if abusive

Exhibits an anxiety disorder

What distinguishes a PSYCHOPATH from someone with ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

A PSYCHOPATH, in addition to diplaying the behaviors of someone having ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER:

Has little empathy for others

Displays glib, superficial charm

Inflated/arrogant self-appraisal

In what cluster is OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Is it the same thing as OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER aka "OCD"?

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER is a CLUSTER "C" disorder

No, they are not the same. "OCD" involves repetetive behaviors. OCPD involves a lifety pre-occupied with order, rules, and perfection

What are the two dimensions of PSYCHOPATHY?

TRUE or FALSE:

TRUE

What are some of the clinical features of PSYCHOPATHY?

Psychopaths are at first likeable but are revealed to be manipulative and deceitful.

They have an easy ability to exploit others

They live in the present and have trouble making relations to the past or future.

They are impulsive and irresponsible.

They have inadequate conscience development.

What are some of the issues and results associated with treating psychopathic personalities?

Psycopaths rarely if ever seek treatment on their own (usually referred as a result of a court/prison order)

Treatments in rehabilitation programs often yield few results

Cognitive-Behavioral therapy has shown some success.

What are some of the reasons why persons suffering from BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER engage in self-mutilation ("CUTTING")?

1. As a stress-relief mechanism

2. To communicate their stress to other people