13. Personality disorders

Question 1

What is the definition of a personality disorder according to the DSM-5? A) An individual’s habitual way of behaving. B) Enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself. C) Temporary changes in behavior. D) Only related to mood swings.

Answer 1

B) Enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Cluster A personality disorders? A) Odd or eccentric traits. B) Dramatic, emotional, or erratic traits. C) Paranoid personality disorder. D) Schizoid personality disorder.

Answer 2

B) Dramatic, emotional, or erratic traits.

Question 3

What percentage of the general population is estimated to have a personality disorder? A) 1-2%. B) 5-10%. C) 13%. D) 25-40%.

Answer 3

C) 13%.

Question 4

Which personality disorder is most associated with a high level of disability and poor psychosocial functioning? A) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Paranoid personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 4

B) Borderline personality disorder.

Question 5

Which of the following treatments is often used for borderline personality disorder? A) Electroconvulsive therapy. B) Mentalisation-based treatment. C) Insulin shock therapy. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 5

B) Mentalisation-based treatment.

Question 6

What is a major environmental factor implicated in the development of personality disorders? A) High socioeconomic status. B) Stable family environment. C) Disrupted attachment experiences in childhood. D) Frequent travel.

Answer 6

C) Disrupted attachment experiences in childhood.

Question 7

Which therapy focuses on improving the patient’s capacity to think about their own mental state and that of others? A) Cognitive behavioral therapy. B) Dialectical behavior therapy. C) Mentalisation-based therapy. D) Psychoanalysis.

Answer 7

C) Mentalisation-based therapy.

Question 8

According to the text, what is the most common personality disorder found among the biological relatives of individuals with schizophrenia? A) Borderline personality disorder. B) Antisocial personality disorder. C) Schizotypal personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 8

C) Schizotypal personality disorder.

Question 9

What is the prevalence of borderline personality disorder in outpatient services? A) About 2%. B) About 5%. C) About 10%. D) About 20%.

Answer 9

C) About 10%.

Question 10

Which personality disorder is described by having an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Narcissistic personality disorder. D) Avoidant personality disorder.

Answer 10

C) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Question 11

What percentage of people with borderline personality disorder engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior? A) 20-30%. B) 30-50%. C) 50-70%. D) 70-80%.

Answer 11

D) 70-80%.

Question 12

Which personality disorder is characterized by an intense need for attention and approval, often achieved through dramatic or seductive behavior? A) Borderline personality disorder. B) Narcissistic personality disorder. C) Histrionic personality disorder. D) Antisocial personality disorder.

Answer 12

C) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 13

What is the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder in certain cultures, such as Japan and Taiwan? A) High due to social cohesion. B) Low due to social cohesion. C) High due to individualism. D) Low due to individualism.

Answer 13

B) Low due to social cohesion.

Question 14

Which of the following personality disorders has the highest prevalence in community samples in Australia? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizoid personality disorder. C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. D) Dependent personality disorder.

Answer 14

C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Question 15

What type of therapy is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? A) Cognitive-behavioral. B) Psychoanalytic. C) Humanistic. D) Biological.

Answer 15

A) Cognitive-behavioral.

Question 16

According to the text, which neurotransmitter system is associated with impulse control issues in borderline personality disorder? A) Dopamine. B) Serotonin. C) GABA. D) Glutamate.

Answer 16

B) Serotonin.

Question 17

What is the term used to describe the probability that both members of a twin pair will develop the same disorder? A) Incidence rate. B) Prevalence rate. C) Concordance rate. D) Heritability rate.

Answer 17

C) Concordance rate.

Question 18

Which personality disorder is described as having a pervasive pattern of inhibited or inappropriate emotion and social behavior, as well as aberrant cognitions and disorganized speech? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizotypal personality disorder. C) Schizoid personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 18

B) Schizotypal personality disorder.

Question 19

What is the most effective line of treatment for borderline personality disorder according to the Australian Clinical Practice Guideline? A) Pharmacotherapy. B) Psychological interventions. C) Electroconvulsive therapy. D) Surgical interventions.

Answer 19

B) Psychological interventions.

Question 20

Which Cluster B personality disorder is associated with unstable mood, impulsivity, and a tendency to engage in risk-taking behaviors? A) Histrionic personality disorder. B) Narcissistic personality disorder. C) Antisocial personality disorder. D) Borderline personality disorder.

Answer 20

D) Borderline personality disorder.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of antisocial personality disorder? A) Disregard for the rights of others. B) Frequent law-breaking. C) Persistent lying or deceit. D) Social withdrawal and isolation.

Answer 21

D) Social withdrawal and isolation.

Question 22

What is the main focus of treatment for individuals with antisocial personality disorder? A) Medication management. B) Social skills training. C) Hypnosis. D) Electroconvulsive therapy.

Answer 22

B) Social skills training.

Question 23

What is the significance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the context of personality disorders? A) It regulates social interactions. B) It is associated with stress responses. C) It influences cognitive abilities. D) It controls motor functions.

Answer 23

B) It is associated with stress responses.

Question 24

Which personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation? A) Dependent personality disorder. B) Avoidant personality disorder. C) Borderline personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 24

B) Avoidant personality disorder.

Question 25

What is the estimated concordance rate for borderline personality disorder among monozygotic twins? A) 10%. B) 25%. C) 35%. D) 50%.

Answer 25

C) 35%.

Question 26

Which therapy for borderline personality disorder includes components of both individual and group therapy? A) Dialectical behavior therapy. B) Cognitive-behavioral therapy. C) Schema therapy. D) Psychoanalysis.

Answer 26

A) Dialectical behavior therapy.

Question 27

What is a common issue in diagnosing personality disorders in individuals younger than 18? A) Lack of symptoms. B) Inconsistent behavior. C) Reluctance to make these diagnoses. D) Rapid improvement without treatment.

Answer 27

C) Reluctance to make these diagnoses.

Question 28

Which personality disorder is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizoid personality disorder. C) Schizotypal personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 28

A) Paranoid personality disorder.

Question 29

What percentage of individuals with borderline personality disorder are estimated to have a suicide rate? A) 2-4%. B) 4-6%. C) 6-8%. D) 8-10%.

Answer 29

D) 8-10%.

Question 30

Which personality disorder is associated with a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking? A) Histrionic personality disorder. B) Narcissistic personality disorder. C) Borderline personality disorder. D) Antisocial personality disorder.

Answer 30

A) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 31

What is the role of culture in the development of personality disorders according to the text? A) It has no impact. B) It supports the expression or suppression of temperamental factors. C) It only affects genetic predispositions. D) It prevents the development of personality disorders.

Answer 31

B) It supports the expression or suppression of temperamental factors.

Question 32

Which personality disorder is most prevalent during adolescence and early adulthood? A) Narcissistic personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Schizoid personality disorder. D) Avoidant personality disorder.

Answer 32

B) Borderline personality disorder.

Question 33

What is the focus of early intervention programs for borderline personality disorder? A) Reducing borderline symptoms. B) Promoting more adaptive developmental pathways. C) Increasing medication adherence. D) Providing long-term hospitalization.

Answer 33

B) Promoting more adaptive developmental pathways.

Question 34

What does the 'ecological niche' model suggest about personality disorders? A) They are equally prevalent across all cultures. B) Certain personality styles fit certain cultures or occupations. C) Personality disorders do not change over time. D) They are primarily caused by genetics.

Answer 34

B) Certain personality styles fit certain cultures or occupations.

Question 35

What is the main goal of mentalisation-based treatment for borderline personality disorder? A) To cure the disorder completely. B) To stabilise the person's sense of self and enhance mentalising capacity. C) To reduce medication dependence. D) To increase social isolation.

Answer 35

B) To stabilise the person's sense of self and enhance mentalising capacity.

Question 36

Which of the following is a component of the five factor model of personality? A) Conscientiousness. B) Neuroticism. C) Extroversion. D) All of the above.

Answer 36

D) All of the above.

Question 37

What is the primary characteristic of schizoid personality disorder? A) Excessive emotionality. B) Lack of interest in social relationships. C) Suspiciousness of others. D) Manipulativeness.

Answer 37

B) Lack of interest in social relationships.

Question 38

According to the text, what is the prevalence rate of personality disorders in clinical settings? A) 5-10%. B) 15-20%. C) 25-40%. D) 50-60%.

Answer 38

C) 25-40%.

Question 39

What is the impact of personality disorders on social and vocational functioning? A) Generally positive. B) No impact. C) Often negative and disabling. D) Enhances performance.

Answer 39

C) Often negative and disabling.

Question 40

Which personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy? A) Histrionic personality disorder. B) Antisocial personality disorder. C) Narcissistic personality disorder. D) Borderline personality disorder.

Answer 40

C) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Question 41

What is the focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder? A) Medication management. B) Cognitive and behavioral techniques. C) Psychoanalytic interpretations. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 41

B) Cognitive and behavioral techniques.

Question 42

According to the text, what is the most common comorbidity with borderline personality disorder? A) Schizophrenia. B) Depressive disorders. C) Obsessive-compulsive disorder. D) Autism spectrum disorder.

Answer 42

B) Depressive disorders.

Question 43

What is the primary focus of schema therapy? A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas. B) Medication management. C) Reducing substance use. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 43

A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas.

Question 44

Which personality disorder is associated with feelings of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation? A) Avoidant personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Narcissistic personality disorder. D) Schizotypal personality disorder.

Answer 44

A) Avoidant personality disorder.

Question 45

What is the prevalence of borderline personality disorder in inpatient services? A) About 5%. B) About 10%. C) About 15%. D) Up to 24%.

Answer 45

D) Up to 24%.

Question 46

Which therapy focuses on the present moment and the relationship between therapist and client to help patients understand their own and others' mental states? A) Psychoanalysis. B) Mentalisation-based therapy. C) Cognitive-behavioral therapy. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 46

B) Mentalisation-based therapy.

Question 47

What is the definition of neuroticism in the five factor model? A) Tendency to experience negative emotions. B) Tendency to be sociable and outgoing. C) Tendency to be organized and disciplined. D) Tendency to be open to new experiences.

Answer 47

A) Tendency to experience negative emotions.

Question 48

Which personality disorder is characterised by excessive emotionality and attention seeking? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizoid personality disorder. C) Histrionic personality disorder. D) Avoidant personality disorder.

Answer 48

C) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 49

What is a common trait of individuals with antisocial personality disorder? A) High level of empathy. B) Frequent law-breaking. C) Avoidance of social interactions. D) Consistent adherence to social norms.

Answer 49

B) Frequent law-breaking.

Question 50

According to the text, what is the estimated prevalence rate of personality disorders in the community? A) 2-4%. B) 6-8%. C) 10-12%. D) 13-15%.

Answer 50

D) 13-15%.

Question 51

What is the main therapeutic approach for treating personality disorders mentioned in the text? A) Hypnosis. B) Medication. C) Psychological interventions. D) Surgical procedures.

Answer 51

C) Psychological interventions.

Question 52

Which personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizotypal personality disorder. C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 52

C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Question 53

What is the primary focus of treatment for narcissistic personality disorder? A) Building empathy and reducing grandiosity. B) Medication management. C) Hypnosis. D) Surgical interventions.

Answer 53

A) Building empathy and reducing grandiosity.

Question 54

Which personality disorder is associated with frequent feelings of emptiness and fear of abandonment? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Schizoid personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 54

B) Borderline personality disorder.

Question 55

What is a common challenge in treating individuals with borderline personality disorder? A) High treatment costs. B) Lack of available treatments. C) Interpersonal difficulties and unstable mood. D) High levels of cognitive functioning.

Answer 55

C) Interpersonal difficulties and unstable mood.

Question 56

What is the prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder in community samples according to the text? A) Less than 1%. B) 1-2%. C) 2-3%. D) 3-4%.

Answer 56

B) 1-2%.

Question 57

Which therapy is considered effective for reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors in borderline personality disorder? A) Psychoanalysis. B) Electroconvulsive therapy. C) Dialectical behavior therapy. D) Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Answer 57

C) Dialectical behavior therapy.

Question 58

Which factor is NOT part of the five factor model of personality? A) Neuroticism. B) Extroversion. C) Openness. D) Empathy.

Answer 58

D) Empathy.

Question 59

Which personality disorder is associated with a lack of interest in social relationships and a preference for solitary activities? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Antisocial personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 59

A) Schizoid personality disorder.

Question 60

What is the main focus of schema therapy for personality disorders? A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas. B) Increasing medication adherence. C) Reducing physical symptoms. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 60

A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas.

Question 61

Which personality disorder is characterized by excessive need for attention and approval? A) Borderline personality disorder. B) Narcissistic personality disorder. C) Histrionic personality disorder. D) Schizoid personality disorder.

Answer 61

C) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 62

What is the role of the HPA axis in the context of personality disorders? A) It regulates mood swings. B) It influences the stress response. C) It controls social interactions. D) It affects cognitive abilities.

Answer 62

B) It influences the stress response.

Question 63

Which personality disorder is described as having a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Avoidant personality disorder. C) Borderline personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 63

B) Avoidant personality disorder.

Question 64

What is the focus of early-intervention programs for borderline personality disorder? A) Reducing borderline symptoms. B) Promoting adaptive developmental pathways. C) Increasing medication adherence. D) Long-term hospitalization.

Answer 64

B) Promoting adaptive developmental pathways.

Question 65

What is a common comorbidity with borderline personality disorder? A) Anxiety disorders. B) Schizophrenia. C) Autism spectrum disorder. D) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Answer 65

A) Anxiety disorders.

Question 66

Which personality disorder is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Paranoid personality disorder. C) Schizotypal personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 66

B) Paranoid personality disorder.

Question 67

What is the prevalence rate of personality disorders in clinical settings? A) 10-20%. B) 25-40%. C) 50-60%. D) 60-75%.

Answer 67

B) 25-40%.

Question 68

What is the primary focus of mentalisation-based treatment for borderline personality disorder? A) Medication management. B) Enhancing mentalising capacity. C) Hypnosis. D) Long-term hospitalization.

Answer 68

B) Enhancing mentalising capacity.

Question 69

What is the definition of conscientiousness in the five factor model? A) Tendency to be sociable and outgoing. B) Tendency to be organized and disciplined. C) Tendency to experience negative emotions. D) Tendency to be open to new experiences.

Answer 69

B) Tendency to be organized and disciplined.

Question 70

Which personality disorder is described as having a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Histrionic personality disorder. C) Borderline personality disorder. D) Antisocial personality disorder.

Answer 70

B) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 71

What is a common trait of individuals with antisocial personality disorder? A) High level of empathy. B) Frequent law-breaking. C) Avoidance of social interactions. D) Consistent adherence to social norms.

Answer 71

B) Frequent law-breaking.

Question 72

According to the text, what is the estimated prevalence rate of personality disorders in the community? A) 2-4%. B) 6-8%. C) 10-12%. D) 13-15%.

Answer 72

D) 13-15%.

Question 73

What is the main therapeutic approach for treating personality disorders mentioned in the text? A) Hypnosis. B) Medication. C) Psychological interventions. D) Surgical procedures.

Answer 73

C) Psychological interventions.

Question 74

Which personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Schizotypal personality disorder. C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 74

C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Question 75

What is the primary focus of treatment for narcissistic personality disorder? A) Building empathy and reducing grandiosity. B) Medication management. C) Hypnosis. D) Surgical interventions.

Answer 75

A) Building empathy and reducing grandiosity.

Question 76

Which personality disorder is associated with frequent feelings of emptiness and fear of abandonment? A) Paranoid personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Schizoid personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 76

B) Borderline personality disorder.

Question 77

What is a common challenge in treating individuals with borderline personality disorder? A) High treatment costs. B) Lack of available treatments. C) Interpersonal difficulties and unstable mood. D) High levels of cognitive functioning.

Answer 77

C) Interpersonal difficulties and unstable mood.

Question 78

What is the prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder in community samples according to the text? A) Less than 1%. B) 1-2%. C) 2-3%. D) 3-4%.

Answer 78

B) 1-2%.

Question 79

Which therapy is considered effective for reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors in borderline personality disorder? A) Psychoanalysis. B) Electroconvulsive therapy. C) Dialectical behavior therapy. D) Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Answer 79

C) Dialectical behavior therapy.

Question 80

Which factor is NOT part of the five factor model of personality? A) Neuroticism. B) Extroversion. C) Openness. D) Empathy.

Answer 80

D) Empathy.

Question 81

Which personality disorder is associated with a lack of interest in social relationships and a preference for solitary activities? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Borderline personality disorder. C) Antisocial personality disorder. D) Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer 81

A) Schizoid personality disorder.

Question 82

What is the main focus of schema therapy for personality disorders? A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas. B) Increasing medication adherence. C) Reducing physical symptoms. D) Hypnosis.

Answer 82

A) Identifying and changing maladaptive schemas.

Question 83

Which personality disorder is characterized by excessive need for attention and approval? A) Borderline personality disorder. B) Narcissistic personality disorder. C) Histrionic personality disorder. D) Schizoid personality disorder.

Answer 83

C) Histrionic personality disorder.

Question 84

What is the role of the HPA axis in the context of personality disorders? A) It regulates mood swings. B) It influences the stress response. C) It controls social interactions. D) It affects cognitive abilities.

Answer 84

B) It influences the stress response.

Question 85

Which personality disorder is described as having a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation? A) Schizoid personality disorder. B) Avoidant personality disorder. C) Borderline personality disorder. D) Histrionic personality disorder.

Answer 85

B) Avoidant personality disorder.

Question 86

What is the focus of early-intervention programs for borderline personality disorder? A) Reducing borderline symptoms. B) Promoting adaptive developmental pathways. C) Increasing medication adherence. D) Long-term hospitalization.

Answer 86

B) Promoting adaptive developmental pathways.