Personality Disorders and Psychopathy

These flashcards cover key concepts, characteristics, and challenges related to personality disorders and psychopathy, as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is a key requirement for diagnosing a personality disorder in individuals under 15 years old?

There must be a history of conduct problems before the age of 15.

What are the three clusters of personality disorders categorized in the DSM-5?

Cluster A (paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal), Cluster B (histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, borderline), Cluster C (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive).

What is a common characteristic of personality disorders?

They are pervasive and inflexible, causing significant distress or impairment in functioning.

What are the clinical features of personality disorders?

They manifest in at least two areas, are stable over a long duration, and cause clinically significant distress or impairment.

Describe paranoid personality disorder.

It involves suspiciousness and distrust of others, perceiving hidden meanings, a self-perception of being blameless, and bearing grudges.

What characterizes schizoid personality disorder?

Impaired social relationships, lack of desire to form attachments, inability to express feelings, and tendencies towards high introversion.

What is a defining trait of borderline personality disorder?

Impulsiveness and affective instability, including drastic mood shifts and chronic feelings of boredom.

How is narcissistic personality disorder characterized?

It involves grandiosity, preoccupation with receiving attention, lack of empathy, and a tendency toward self-promotion.

What are the dimensions of psychopathy?

1A interpersonal, 1B affective, 2A lifestyle, and 2B antisocial.

What challenges do therapists face when treating patients with personality disorders?

Clients may feel there is no need to change, and relationships with therapists can be very difficult to form.

Describe obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

It is characterized by excessive concern with order and rules, perfectionism, and difficulty relaxing and expressing warmth.

What are some causal factors related to psychopathy?

Genetics, low levels of fear, emotional deficits, and early prenatal loss.