Module 13 - Personality Disorders

What is personality

A stable and enduring construct defined by patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself

What is a personality disorder

A pattern of inner experience and behaviour that deviates from the norms and expectations of the individual's culture

What are the 4 core features of personality disorders

Distorted thinking patterns, problematic emotional responses, deviant impulse control, interpersonal difficulties

What are the diagnostic considerations of PD's

medical explanations, age of onset, duration, intensity, impairment

What PD's are found in Cluster A (odd/eccentric)

Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD

What PD's are found in Cluster B (dramatic/emotional/erratic)

Antisocial PD, BPD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD

What PD's are found in Cluster C (anxious/fearful)

Avoidant PD, Dependent PD OCPD

What are the big 5 Trait spectrum dimensions

Conscientiousness (vs undependability), Extroversion (vs introversion), Agreeableness (vs antagonism), Openness (vs closedness), Negative emotionality (vs emotional stability)

What are the high scores of conscientiousness

perfectionism, rigid, and devoted

What are the high scores of extroversion

outgoing, sociable

What are the high scores of agreeableness

trusting, empathetic

What are the high scores of openness

unconventional, creative

What are the high scores of negative emotionality

fearful, apprehensive.

What are the features of Cluster A personalities

odd behaviours, social withdrawal, distorted thinking

What is Paranoid Personality disorder

A pattern of distrust and suspicion of others, often interpreting motives as malevolent

What do people with Paranoid Personality Disorder do

misinterpret benign remarks, not confide in people, hold grudges

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder

Detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression

What do People with Schizoid Personality Disorder do

prefer solitary activities, appear emotionally cold, not react to criticism or praise

What is Schizotypal Personality disorder

Slight discomfort in close relationships along with cognitive distortions and strange behaviour

What do people with Schizotypal Personality Disorder do

exhibit odd beliefs, have delusions of reference, and be paranoid

What are features of Cluster B personalities

difficulties with impulse control, dramatic and erratic behaviours, disruptive actions

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder

A pattern of disregard for an violation of the rights of others

When is Antisocial Personality Disorder diagnosed

After the age of 18

What do people with Antisocial Personality Disorder do

Lie repeatedly, act impulsive, be irritable, be physically aggressive, disregard the safety of themselves and others, lack empathy, manipulate others

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder referred to in media

psychopathy or sociopathy

What is Borderline Personality Disorder

Pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and impulsivity

What do people with Borderline Personality Disorder do

Avoid abandonment, engage in impulsive behaviours which are self-damaging, feelings of emptiness,

What is Histrionic Personality Disorder

Pervasive and excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviour

What do people with Histrionic Personality Disorder do

feel uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, act provocatory, show shallow emotions, are easily influenced by others

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy

What do people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder do

have a high sense of self-importance, fantasies of success and power, require constant admiration from others, and exploit relationships

What differentiates Borderline Personality Disorder from Narcissistic Personality Disorder

people with BPD require admiration to avoid abandonment, people with NPD require admiration to fulfill their sense of self-importance

What are features of Cluster C personalities

high levels of anxiety and fear, hypersensitivity to criticism

What is avoidant personality disorder

A pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, sensitivity to negative criticism

What do people with Avoidant Personality Disorder do

avoid social situations where they can be criticized or rejected, they view themselves as inept or inferior to other

What is Dependent Personality disorder

A persistent need to be taken care of, which leads to submissive and clingy behaviour.

What do people with Dependent Personality Disorder do

Have difficulty making everyday decisions without advice from others, fear abandonment, and seek constant support

What is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental/interpersonal control

What do people with OCPD do

focus on details and rules, stick to schedules, prefer being ordered.

What distinguishes OCPD from OCD

There are no Obsessions or compulsions in OCPD

What is the most commonly diagnosed cluster

Cluster B - emotional and dramatic disorders

What are the biological factors

high activity of dopamine, enlarged brain ventricles, deficits in serotonin.

What is Psychodynamic theory of PD's

It emphasizes childhood experiences such as high levels of stress and neglect which can lead to trouble forming relationships in the future

What is cognitive theory of PD's

Focusing maladaptive thought patterns into normal thoughts

What are examples of maladaptive thought patterns

Dichotomous thinking, being unable to accept positive feedback

What is behavioural theory of PD's

Modelling - where children learn dysfunctional behaviours, reinforcement - where children are rewarded for maladaptive behaviours, social withdrawal

What are the environmental factors of PD's

childhood maltreatment, such as neglect or abuse

What are common comorbidities of PD's

Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders

What medication treatments exist for PD's

mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants

What therapy treatments exist for PD's

Behavioural, CBT, DBT, Trauma focused

What self care treatments exist for PD's

Learning, being mindful, avoiding substances

What is DBT

Dialectical behaviour therapy, efficient for treating BPD

What are the four goals of DBT

reduce suicidal behaviour, reduce therapy interfering behaviour, improve QOL, reduce PTSD symptoms

What are the five main treatments for DBT

Skills training, enhancing motivation, in vivo coaching, case management, consultation team