Personality Disorders

Question 1

What are Cluster C personality disorders?

Answer 1

Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive

Question 2

An individual with this personality disorder constantly seeks attention and reassurance from others. They are overly dramatic, have strong opinions, are influenced by others, and are obsessed with self-image. They also tend to believe relationships are closer than they actually are.

Answer 2

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Question 3

This personality disorder has high comorbidity with substance abuse, injury, suicide, and homicide.

Answer 3

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 4

This cluster of personality disorders is characterized by dramatic, overly emotional, and unpredictable thinking and behavior.

Answer 4

Cluster B (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic)

Question 5

What is the goal of DBT?

Answer 5

To promote acceptance and provide patients with skills to cope with their emotions and feelings

Question 6

This disorder is characterized by a pervasive, inflexible, and maladaptive manner in which an individual views the world.

Answer 6

Personality Disorder

Question 7

With one exception, there are no proven psychotherapies to treat personality disorders. What is the exception and treatment?

Answer 7

Borderline personality disorder treated with DBT

Question 8

What non-pharmacologic treatment options are used for personality disorders?

Answer 8

CBT, group therapy, psychoeducation, psychanalytic/psychodynamic therapy

Question 9

An individual with this personality disorder must have a history of a conduct disorder before the age of 15yo. They disregard others, persistently lie and deceive others, have problems with the law, exhibit aggressive and impulsive behavior, and have no remorse for their behavior.

Answer 9

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 10

What personality disorder has increased incidence in families with schizophrenia?

Answer 10

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Question 11

What is the clearest risk factor for borderline personality disorder?

Answer 11

Child abuse

Question 12

There is no FDA-approved drug available for the treatment of personality disorders. What class of drugs may be useful to treat such patients?

Answer 12

Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood-stabilizers

Question 13

This cluster of personality disorders is characterized by odd and eccentric thinking and behavior.

Answer 13

Cluster A (paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal)

Question 14

What are the four skill modules of DBT?

Answer 14

Mindfulness, interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, distress tolerance

Question 15

What are Cluster A personality disorders?

Answer 15

Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal

Question 16

A person with this personality disorder may have peculiar dress, thinking, speech, or behavior. They generally have flat or inappropriate emotional responses and believe in magical thinking and hidden messages. They also present with social anxiety and are more likely to become involved with cults.

Answer 16

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Question 17

A person with this personality disorder believes they are more important than others and is obsessed with power. They are arrogant, exaggerate their achievements, expect praise, and overlook the needs of others.

Answer 17

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 18

Avoidant Personality Disorder is most associated with what psychiatric comorbidities?

Answer 18

Depression, social phobia

Question 19

A person with this personality disorder has pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. They believe others are trying to harm them and may respond angrily to perceived insults.

Answer 19

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Question 20

What factors are associated with an increased risk of Dependent Personality Disorder?

Answer 20

Childhood separation anxiety, child abuse, chronic illness

Question 21

Personality disorders affect these four areas of functioning.

Answer 21

Cognition, affectivity, interpersonal relationships, impulse control

Question 22

An individual with this personality disorder is preoccupied with details, expects perfection, is inflexible, wishes to be in control, and neglects others to focus on projects. They may also exhibit hoarding behaviors.

Answer 22

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Question 23

What symptoms are associated with Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Answer 23

Sensitivity to criticism and rejection, social inhibition and shyness, avoidance of social activities, and feelings of inadequacy.

Question 24

What criteria are required for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder?

Answer 24

At least 18yo with a diagnosis of a conduct disorder by age 15yo

Question 25

Borderline personality disorder may present as what other psychiatric disorder?

Answer 25

Bipolar Disorder

Question 26

What is the most commonly seen personality disorder in a clinical setting?

Answer 26

Borderline Personality Disorder

Question 27

Dependent Personality Disorder is most associated with what psychiatric comorbidities?

Answer 27

Depression, substance abuse

Question 28

What are Cluster B personality disorders?

Answer 28

Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic

Question 29

A person with this personality disorder has no interest in personal relationships with others, displays a limited range of emotions, and lives a solitary lifestyle.

Answer 29

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Question 30

True/False. Personality disorders are defined as ego-dystonic.

Answer 30

False. They are ego-syntonic. There is no conflict between self and the outside world and the individual does not believe there to be a problem.

Question 31

What pathophysiologic changes are associated with borderline personality disorder?

Answer 31

Low serotonin, frontal lobe dysfunction, smaller amygdala and hippocampal regions

Question 32

This cluster of personality disorders is characterized by anxious and fearful thinking and behavior.

Answer 32

Cluster C (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive)

Question 33

Schizoid personality disorder may overlap with what other disorder in adolescence?

Answer 33

Autism

Question 34

True/False. Self-care and coping strategies are helpful for people with personality disorders.

Answer 34

True - get active, avoid drugs and alcohol, journal, join a support group, stay connected

Question 35

When is the onset for most personality disorders?

Answer 35

Adolescence

Question 36

An individual with this personality disorder excessively depends on others and fears caring for oneself. They lack self-confidence and are at higher risk of physical and social abuse.

Answer 36

Dependent Personality Disorder

Question 37

What symptoms may an individual with borderline personality disorder present?

Answer 37

Impulsive and risky behavior, mood swings, intense and unstable relationships, fragile self-image, fear of being alone, suicidal behavior, displays of anger