Lecture 10

Question 1

What defines a personality disorder?

Answer 1

An enduring pattern of inner experience and behaviour deviating from cultural expectations in ≥2 areas: cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, impulse control.

Question 2

What are the 3 core features of personality disorders?

Answer 2

Functional inflexibility
Self-defeating behaviour patterns
Tenuous stability under stress

Question 3

What are the DSM-5 general diagnostic criteria for PD (A–F)?

Answer 3

A: Pattern deviates in ≥2 domains
B: Inflexible/pervasive
C: Distress/impairment
D: Long-standing (since adolescence)
E: Not another disorder
F: Not due to substance/medical issue

Question 4

Name the three DSM-5 personality disorder clusters.

Answer 4

Cluster A (Odd/Eccentric)
Cluster B (Dramatic/Erratic)
Cluster C (Anxious/Fearful)

Question 5

What are the PDs in Cluster A?

Answer 5

Paranoid
Schizoid
Schizotypal

Question 6

Key feature of Paranoid PD?

Answer 6

Distrust and suspiciousness of others’ motives

Question 7

Key feature of Schizoid PD?

Answer 7

Detachment from social relationships, limited emotional expression

Question 8

Key feature of Schizotypal PD?

Answer 8

Social/interpersonal deficits, cognitive/perceptual distortions, eccentric behaviour

Question 9

What are the PDs in Cluster B?

Answer 9

Antisocial
Borderline
Histrionic
Narcissistic

Question 10

Requirements for Antisocial PD diagnosis?

Answer 10

Age ≥18, evidence of conduct disorder before 15

Question 11

What’s the hallmark of Borderline PD?

Answer 11

Instability in relationships, self-image, and affect, with impulsivity

Question 12

Key features of Histrionic PD?

Answer 12

Attention-seeking, excessive emotionality, inappropriate sexual behaviour

Question 13

Two subtypes of Narcissistic PD?

Answer 13

Grandiose (overt)
Vulnerable (covert)

Question 14

What are the PDs in Cluster C?

Answer 14

Avoidant
Dependent
Obsessive-Compulsive

Question 15

Key feature of Avoidant PD?

Answer 15

Social inhibition, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation

Question 16

Key feature of Dependent PD?

Answer 16

Excessive need to be cared for; submissive/clingy behaviour

Question 17

How does Obsessive-Compulsive PD differ from OCD?

Answer 17

OCPD is a personality style
OCD involves specific compulsions/obsessions

Question 18

What is the general prevalence of PDs in the population?

Answer 18

6.5–13%

Question 19

What’s the Alternative DSM-5 Model for PD (AMPD)?

Answer 19

Criterion A: Personality functioning (self/interpersonal)
Criterion B: Pathological traits (Big 5-based: 5 domains, 25 facets)

Question 20

ICD-11 dimensional model focuses on…?

Answer 20

Severity of impairment (mild, moderate, severe) + trait qualifiers

Question 21

What are Early Maladaptive Schemas? (Beck/Young)

Answer 21

Core beliefs that bias perception and behavior
Grouped into domains like Disconnection, Impaired Autonomy, etc.

Question 22

Three schema perpetuation strategies?

Answer 22

Schema Surrender
Schema Avoidance
Schema Overcompensation

Question 23

DBT model explanation of PDs (esp. BPD)?

Answer 23

Emotion regulation difficulties from high neuroticism + invalidating environments

Question 24

Which PD has strongest evidence base for treatment?

Answer 24

Borderline PD (50–70% remission with DBT)

Question 25

What is a strengths-based approach in PD treatment?

Answer 25

Focus on individual's assets and autonomy, reduces stigma, promotes life satisfaction

Question 26

Name some key controversies in PD diagnosis.

Answer 26

High stigma (esp. for BPD) Cultural/gender biases Limitations of categorical DSM model