Personality disorders-PSYC 241

Personality disorders

Types of enduring patterns of inner experience and behaviour that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, are pervasive and inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment.

Children at greater risk of developing a personality disorder

Children with childhood behaviour problems such as conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems are at greater-than-average risk of developing personality disorders

People with personality disorders tend to be ego syntonic which means

Behaviours or feelings that are perceived as natural or compatible parts of the self

ego dystonic

Behaviour or feelings that are perceived to be foreign or alien to one’s self-identity

what kind of person would be ego dystonic

• individuals with anxiety disorders or depressive disorders tend to view their disturbed behaviour as ego dystonic.

• They do not see their behaviour as parts of their self-identities and are thus more likely to seek help to relieve the distress caused by it.

three clusters of personality disorders

• Cluster A

• Cluster B

• Cluster C

Cluster A

People who are perceived as odd or eccentric. This cluster includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.

Cluster B

People whose behaviour is overly dramatic, emotional, or erratic. This grouping consists of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Cluster C

People who often appear anxious or fearful. This cluster includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Paranoid personality disorder

Type of personality disorder characterized by persistent distrust and suspiciousness of the motives of others

Schizoid

Type of personality disorder characterized by detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression