Understanding Personality Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to personality disorders, including definitions, characteristics of different personality types, treatment approaches, and important terminology.

What is personality?

The enduring configuration of characteristics and behaviors that forms an individual's unique adjustment to life.

How does personality impact individuals?

It impacts mental state, self-esteem, well-being, and life satisfaction.

What are the five factors in the Five-Factor Theory of personality?

Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness.

What does Neuroticism refer to in personality traits?

It refers to anxiety and hostility.

What is an example of Extraversion?

A client who loves group activities and talks with others during therapy.

Describe Openness to Experience in personality traits.

It reflects an appreciation of new ideas.

What is Agreeableness characterized by?

Altruism and compliance.

Define Conscientiousness in personality terms.

It relates to self-discipline and order.

What are personality disorders?

Deviations from cultural expectations that are pervasive, inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment.

What is an enduring pattern in personality disorders?

Patterns of inner experience and behavior that affect thinking, feeling, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control.

At what age do personality disorders usually begin?

They typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood.

What are Cluster A personality disorders known for?

They are characterized as 'Odd and Eccentric.'

Name the three types of personality disorders in Cluster A.

Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal.

What does the Paranoid personality disorder involve?

Persistent distrust and suspiciousness.

Describe the Schizoid personality disorder.

It involves a pattern of social detachment and restricted emotions.

What characterizes Schizotypal personality disorder?

Social deficits with cognitive or perceptual distortions.

What are Cluster B personality disorders known for?

They are considered 'Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic.'

Name the personality disorders classified under Cluster B.

Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic.

What is a key trait of Antisocial personality disorder?

Disregard for others' rights and a lack of empathy.

What does Borderline personality disorder involve?

Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.

What does Histrionic personality disorder seek?

Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking.

Define Narcissistic personality disorder.

Grandiosity and a need for admiration coupled with a lack of empathy.

Characterize Cluster C personality disorders.

They are known as 'Anxious and Fearful.'

Name the disorders in Cluster C.

Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive.

What is a key characteristic of Avoidant personality disorder?

Social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy.

How does Dependent personality disorder manifest?

An excessive need to be taken care of and submissive behavior.

What does Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder focus on?

Preoccupation with orderliness and control.

What is mentalization?

The ability to understand one's own and others' mental states.

What is emotional dysregulation?

Difficulty managing emotional responses.

Define identity diffusion.

A poorly integrated sense of self.

What is the average prevalence of personality disorders across populations?

6.1%.

What are the prevalence rates by cluster?

Cluster A: 3.6%, Cluster B: 1.5%, Cluster C: 2.7%.

List some common comorbid disorders with personality disorders.

Depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, ADHD.

What is the Biopsychosocial Model?

It explains mental health and personality challenges through biological, psychological, and social factors.

What biological factors contribute to personality disorders?

Moderate heritability and neurobiological vulnerabilities.

What psychological factors play a role in personality disorders?

Attachment disruptions, difficulties with mentalization, unmet core emotional needs.

What environmental factors can influence personality disorders?

Adverse Childhood Experiences, poor fits between temperament and parental response.

How do adverse childhood experiences affect personality?

They create stress that can lead to emotional regulation issues.

What impact do personality disorders have on occupational participation?

They can lead to workplace conflicts and job instability.

What challenges do personality disorders present in social functioning?

Impaired interpersonal relationships and difficulties maintaining friendships.

How can personality disorders affect parenting?

They may lead to inconsistent discipline and challenges in emotional support.

Describe a major treatment approach for personality disorders.

Psychotherapy, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment, Schema Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

What role does medication play in the treatment of personality disorders?

It's adjunctive, used to help manage specific symptoms.

What does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focus on?

Managing strong emotions and improving coping skills.

What is Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) designed to do?

Help individuals understand their own and others' thoughts and feelings.