Personality disorders Flashcards
What is a personality disorder?
- Problems in functioning of aspects of the self and/or interpersonal dysfunction
- The disturbance has persisted over an extended period of time (> 2 years).
- The disturbance is manifest in patterns of cognition, emotional experience, emotional expression, and behaviour that are maladaptive (e.g., inflexible or poorly regulated).
- The disturbance is manifest across a range of personal and social situations
- The disturbance is associated with substantial distress or significant impairment in psychosocial function
What are key points of emotionally unstable personality disorder
- Emotional instability/affective dysregulation – very intense, changeable and uncontrollable emotions
- Disturbed patterns of thinking or perception – cognitive distortions or perceptual distortions
- Impulsive behaviour
- Intense but unstable relationships with others
What are neurological considerations in EUPD?
- Evidence of neurodevelopmental changes (influenced by early life adversity) – such in the as orbitofrontal cortex (planning, decision making), amygdala (intensity and reactivity of emotions), hippocampus (behavioural regulation)
- Neurotransmitter abnormalities (especially serotonin)
What are comorbidities associated with EUPD?
- Substance misuse
- Depression and Anxiety
- Complex PTSD/trauma
- Psychotic illnesses
- Eating Disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
Explain Complex PTSD and its’ associated symptoms?
- Disorder that may develop following exposure to an event or series of events of an extremely threatening or horrific nature (e.g. torture, slavery, prolonged domestic violence, repeated childhood sexual or physical abuse).
- All diagnostic requirements for PTSD are met.
- Severe and persistent:
- Problems in affect regulation
- Beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, feelings of shame + guilt
- Difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others.
- These symptoms cause significant impairment psychosocial functioning
What is the Biological treatment for EUBP?
- medication not recommended by NICE
- medication for comorbid disorders
- support with substance misuse
What psychological treatment is there in EUPD
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Other psychotherapeutic approaches (Cognitive analytical therapy, mentalisation based therapy, therapeutic community, crisis house/centre)
- Psychoeducation
- Crisis and risk management plans
- Art/music therapy
What Social treatment is there for EUPD?
MDT care (social worker, OT, possible Lead Practitioner)
Help with social factors
Activity (including exercise)
Support Networks
In Sussex- Recovery College
What is Dialectical Behaviour therapy?
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Distress tolerance
- Mindfulness
- Emotion regulation
What are the symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder?
- Exploits, manipulates other for personal gain
- Lacks concern for other people/their distress
- Disregards normal social behaviour
- Anger outbursts
- Trouble sustaining long term relationships
- Lacks guilt
- Blames others for problems in their lives
- Repeatedly breaks the law
What is the presentation of Paranoid personality disorder
suspiciousness, misconstrue friendly or neutral actions of others as hostile, tenacious sense of personal rights, preoccupation with unsubstantiated “conspiracies”
What is the presentation of Schizoid personality disorder
withdrawal from social contacts with a preference for solitary activities, fantasy. Limited capacity to express feelings and feel pleasure
What is the presentation of Anankastic (Obsessive Compulsive) personality disorder
feelings of doubt, perfectionism, excessive conscientiousness, rigidity, and preoccupation with details
What is the presentation of Dependent personality disorder
pervasive passive reliance on others to make one’s life decisions. Feelings of helplessness and incompetence. Fear of abandonment
What is the presentation of Avoidant personality disorder
pervasive passive reliance on others to make one’s life decisions. Feelings of helplessness and incompetence. Fear of abandonment
