Module Four Flashcards
- What are the key features that define a personality disorder (PD) in the DSM-5?
A personality disorder is characterized by an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from cultural expectations, is inflexible and pervasive, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and causes significant distress or functional impairment.
- How many personality disorders are outlined in the DSM-5, and how are they grouped?
There are ten personality disorders, divided into three clusters: Cluster A (odd or eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, erratic), and Cluster C (anxious or fearful).
- Which PDs fall under Cluster A (odd or eccentric)?
Cluster A includes Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
- How does Paranoid Personality Disorder typically manifest?
It involves pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, interpreting their motives as malevolent, often accompanied by grudges, reading hidden meanings into remarks, and unwarranted doubts about loyalty.
- What is a key difference between Paranoid Personality Disorder and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia?
Paranoid PD lacks the hallmark psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) and the pervasive, fixed psychotic features; instead, it features a chronic pattern of suspiciousness without fully delusional thinking.
- Name two core characteristics of Schizoid Personality Disorder.
(1) A pattern of detachment from social relationships and (2) a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings.
- What distinguishes Schizotypal Personality Disorder from Schizoid?
Schizotypal PD includes eccentric behavior, odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and excessive social anxiety, whereas Schizoid PD is marked primarily by detachment and limited emotional range.
- Which Cluster B disorder is strongly linked to criminal or impulsive behavior?
Antisocial Personality Disorder is often associated with violation of others’ rights, criminality, and impulsive, reckless actions.
- What are the hallmark features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
It involves marked instability in relationships, self-image, and affect, alongside impulsivity (e.g., suicidal gestures), frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, chronic emptiness, and intense, erratic emotions.
- Which PD involves excessive attention-seeking and emotionality?
Histrionic Personality Disorder is defined by pervasive attention-seeking behavior, shallow emotions, and a strong desire to be the center of attention.
- How does Narcissistic Personality Disorder typically present?
It features grandiosity, a need for admiration, lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, exploitative tendencies, and often an underlying fragile self-esteem.
- What is the common theme among Cluster C (anxious/fearful) disorders?
They exhibit chronic anxiety and fearfulness, often manifesting as avoidance of social contact (Avoidant PD), dependency on others (Dependent PD), or rigid perfectionism (Obsessive-Compulsive PD).
- Describe a core feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder.
Marked social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy, leading to avoidance of interpersonal contact due to fear of rejection or criticism.
- What distinguishes Dependent Personality Disorder from Avoidant PD?
Dependent PD involves a pervasive need to be cared for, leading to submissive behavior and fear of separation, whereas Avoidant PD is characterized by social inhibition and fear of embarrassment rather than reliance on others’ decisions.
- How is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder different from OCD?
OCPD is a personality style focusing on perfectionism, orderliness, and control, whereas OCD involves specific obsessions and compulsions that are ego-dystonic. OCPD traits are typically ego-syntonic and pervasive.
- According to general DSM-5 criteria, how are personality disorders differentiated from normal personality traits?
PDs are enduring, pervasive, inflexible patterns causing significant distress or impairment; normal traits are more flexible, context-dependent, and less impairing.
- Why do clinicians need to consider cultural context when diagnosing a personality disorder?
Because behaviors deemed maladaptive in one culture may be acceptable in another, and the DSM-5 explicitly requires that the pattern not be simply a reflection of cultural norms or expectations.
- What prevalence rates are estimated for any personality disorder in the general population?
Prevalence estimates suggest around 9-15% of the general adult population may meet criteria for at least one personality disorder.
- How might comorbidity complicate the diagnosis of a personality disorder?
Many PDs overlap with each other and with other mental disorders (e.g., mood, anxiety, substance use), making it harder to differentiate distinct disorders and isolate the core traits of the PD.
- Which major environmental factor has been linked to increased risk of personality disorders, according to Johnson et al. (2006)?
Problematic or negative parenting behaviors—such as low affection, harsh punishment—are significantly associated with higher risk of offspring developing various personality disorders.
- Give an example of how problematic parenting can increase risk for a Cluster B disorder.
Low parental warmth and harsh punishment are strongly linked to borderline features (e.g., emotional dysregulation) and antisocial traits in adulthood.
- Briefly outline the role of genetics in the etiology of PDs.
While not fully deterministic, genetic predispositions interact with environmental influences, contributing to personality trait development and PD vulnerability.
- What is a ‘maladaptive schema,’ and how does it relate to personality disorders?
Maladaptive schemas are deeply held cognitive frameworks developed from early experiences; they can maintain distorted beliefs about the self/others in PDs (e.g., abandonment fears in borderline PD).
- Which cognitive model is particularly relevant for borderline personality disorder treatment?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which addresses emotional dysregulation and employs mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
