exams 1-4 Flashcards
personality traits
behaviors and patterns of perceiving or relating to others; and of thinking about self and others in environment
personality traits may be
adaptive or maladaptive
maladaptive traits are
inflexible;significant functional impairment and subjective distress
persistent maladaptive traits =
personality disorder
personality disorders are
long standing, believed to rise from very beginnings of personality developent
what to look for in personality disorders
connections to Erickson’s developmental task completion, trust issues, autonomy issues are very common themes
enduring personality disorders
a “cure” is unlikely
personality disorders are
not responsive to short-term psychotherapy or drug therapy
which axis are personality disorders identified
axis 2
increased stress in patients with personality disorders
causes exacerbation of symptoms
Cluster A
(secretive, suspicious)Cognitive = unable to trust, indecisive, poverty of thoughtAffective = Quick anger, social anxiety, blunted affectBehavioral = eccentric, craves solitude, argumentative, odd speechSociocultural = impaired or nonexistent relationships, occupational difficulties
Cluster B
(flamboyant, dramatic, attention-seeking)Cognitive = considers self special, unique, egocentric, no long range plans, often identity disturbancesaffective = intense, labile, no sense of guilt, anxious, depressedbehavioral= dramatic, craves excitement, wants immediate gratification, self mutilationsociocultural = manipulates and exploits others, stormy relationships, no amount of attention is enough
Custer C
(fearful, indecisive)Cognitive = moralistic, low self esteem, low self confidenceAffective = anxious, fearful, depressedBehavioral = Tense, rigid routines, submissive, inflexible, passive-aggressiveSociocultural = Dependent on others, avoids overt conflict, seeks constant unconditional love
Cluster A disorders
( Eccentric, isolative with major lack of trust)Paranoid personality disorderschizoid personality disorderschizotypal personality disorder
paranoid personality disorder
increased risk in malessubstance abuse commonincreased risk if family history suspiciousdifficulty adjusting to changesensitive, argumentativefeels irreversible injury by others - often without evidence unwilling to forgive even minor eventsanxiety, difficulty relaxingshort temperdifficulty problem solvinglack of tender feelings toward othersjealous of significant other - often without evidence
schizoid personality disorder
lack of desire to socialize ; likes solitudelacks strong emotionsdetached, self absorbedlacks trustmay have brief psychotic episodes when stresseddifficulty expressing anger passive reaction to crisis
schizotypal personality disorder
often seek help for anxiety or depression30-50% also have major depressionincorrectly interprets external events - believes all events refer to selfsuperstitious, preoccupied with paranormal phenomenabelieves in magical control of othersconstricted or inappropriate affectanxious in social situationsgenerally seeks therapy for depression, anxiety, dissociative D/O
Communication strategies for Cluster A
reinforce reality limit discussion to concrete familiar topicsclear, simple messages to avoid misinterpretation of words/phrasesresist using logic to counteract clients inappropriate statements- client may engage in power struggle to defend selfdon’t use humoracknowledge pain, fearoffer gentle reassurance when perceptions are frighteningdon’t touch the client - may be misinterpreted
Cluster A pharmacological therapy
usually treated for axis 1 problemantidepressants, anxiolytics, low dose antipsychotics
Cluster B Disorders
(dramatic, self centered)antisocial personality disorderborderline personality disorderHistrionic personality disorderNarcissistic personality disorder
antisocial personality disorder
Usually diagnosed by age 18 H/O conduct D/O High % in prison or h/o legal trouble High % with substance abuseincreased incidence in malesIrresponsible –Fail to honor financial obligations including child careLack guiltDifficulty learning from mistakesInitial charm becomes coldness, manipulation, blaming othersLacks empathyIrritable affect
borderline personality disorder
75% female H/O physical, sexual abuse, neglect, hostile conflicts Often early parental loss/separationIntense, stormy relationshipsDichotomous thinking – all good or all badImpulsive – often engages in reckless behavior - e.g. binging, spending money, reckless driving, unsafe sexual activitySelf-mutilatesDifficulty identifying selfNegative/angry affectFeels empty, boredDifficulty being alone, feelings of abandonment
dichotomous thinking
all good or all bad
characteristics of borderline personality disorder
Usually above average intelligenceOften initially very charming, ingratiatingTend to be very demanding - demand others meet their needsNo sense of boundaries - others’ assertion of boundaries feels like rejection or punishmentNot all traits may be present Don’t focus on analysis of condition but on behavior and your response to itBPD overlaps with many other disorders especially PTSDPeople with BPD suffer a lot of emotional pain and they don’t know what to do to feel betterMost of behaviors come from unconscious motivations - little insight into “why” they feel and act as they doThe best thing we can do for ourselves and people with BPD is set boundaries