Personality disorders

Question 1

Characteristics of Personality disorders

Answer 1

• A lifelong pattern of dysfunctional behaviors develops in
relating and interacting with others.

• Behaviors deviate from the normal pattern of personal and
social interactions within the context of the person’s culture.

• Behaviors tend to jeopardize relationships and often result in
isolation or depression

Not traced to physiological source/substance use or med.

Not easily treated b.c no physiological source

Question 2

Personality disorders risk factors

Answer 2

Genetics
Neurobio
Psychological
Environmental 
D/S model

Question 3

Cluster A: Odd Eccentric

Answer 3

Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder

Question 4

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer 4

Suspiciousness and mistrust (may have strong affinity for conspiracy theories)

Explain yourself be transparent to build up trust as the nurse.

Question 5

Schizoid personality disorder

Answer 5

Aloneness and a hermit-like lifestyle
Difficult having conversations, interactions with others. Prefer work alone, do not develop close personal relationships.

Question 6

Schizotypal personality disorder

Answer 6

Symptoms similar to but less severe than symptoms of schizophrenia

Don’t have schizophrenia dx, maybe a mild form. Pt’s with relatives with Schitzophrenia are more likely to have this.
Issues establishing relationsips/organize life/understand emotion

Question 7

Cluster B: Dramatic-Erratic

Answer 7

Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder

Question 8

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer 8

Disregard of others’ rights without guilt

relate to others in terms of themselves. Be sure they cannot hurt other people or themselves

Question 9

Borderline personality disorder

Answer 9

Problems with identity, interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, and self-injury (tend to die by suicide more frequently)

Feel like they will be rejected or abandoned and they push ppl away before they get hurt.

Splitting seeing things between all good or all bad

Question 10

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer 10

Over-evaluation of self, arrogance, and indifference to the criticism of others

fragility of self identity, need constant reinforcement

Question 11

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer 11

Dramatic, attention seeking, and superficiality to the extreme

Question 12

Cluster C:Anxious-Fearful

Answer 12

Dependent personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder
OC personality disorder

Question 13

Dependent personality disorder

Answer 13

Submissive, helpless, fear of responsibility, and reliance on others for
decision-making

susceptible to being ‘hurt’

Question 14

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer 14

Timid, socially withdrawn, and hypersensitive to criticism,

withdraw and relationship may never be established, strong desire for social interaction

Question 15

• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer 15

Indecisive, perfectionist, inflexible, and has difficulty expressing feelings

Question 16

NursingAssessment

and Interventions

Answer 16

Assess patient for self-harm or risk for suicide (cutting scars,
threats, prior attempts).

Assess the patient’
s level of anger and history of violence (protect
patient and staff).

Teach patient strategies for managing impulsive feelings and erratic
behaviors.
– Count to 10 before responding.
– Take slow deep breaths until impulse passes.
• Teach patient healthy interactive behaviors

Question 17

Therapeutic Modalities

Answer 17

• Individual interactions with staff and other patients
• Group activities
– Therapeutic recreation
– Occupational therapy
– Cognitive-behavioral therapy
– Community groups
– Groups that address dual diagnoses

Question 18

Pharmacology

Answer 18

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are
antidepressants typically used for impulsivity, depressed mood,
anger, or feelings of loss of control.
• Benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are used for aggressiveness,
violence, or extreme impulsive behaviors