Personality Disorders Overview

A series of flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to personality disorders for exam preparation.

Personality

A set of distinctive psychological traits and behavioral characteristics that make an individual unique.

Personality Disorders

Enduring, inflexible predispositions that cause distress and/or impairment in functioning.

Five Factor Model

A theory that describes personality in terms of five dimensions: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness.

Ego-syntonic

A term used to describe disorders that feel consistent with one’s identity; patients often do not feel that treatment is necessary.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of two or more disorders or illnesses in the same person, often seen in personality disorders.

Psychodynamic Theory

A perspective that focuses on the psychological forces that underlie human behavior and how they might relate to early experiences.

Learning Theories

Perspectives that emphasize the role of environmental factors and learning histories in the development of maladaptive behaviors.

Biological Perspectives

An approach that examines genetic factors and neurobiological contributions to the development of personality disorders.

Familial Disturbances

The impact of disrupted family relationships on the development of personality disorders, such as rejection and neglect.

Sociocultural Perspectives

An analysis of how social and cultural conditions influence the development of personality disorders.

Cluster A

Odd or eccentric personality disorders, which include Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal personality disorders.

Cluster B

Dramatic, emotional, or erratic personality disorders, including Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic personality disorders.

Cluster C

Fearful or anxious personality disorders, which include Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorders.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A condition characterized by failure to comply with social norms and a lack of empathy, conscience, and remorse.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Characterized by unstable moods and relationships, impulsivity, and fear of abandonment.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Defined by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, often perceived as shallow.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Features a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Marked by extreme sensitivity to criticism and avoidance of interpersonal relationships.

Dependent Personality Disorder

Characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Involves excessive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and emphasis on acceptance.

Schema Therapy

A form of therapy aimed at identifying and changing maladaptive schemas or patterns of thinking.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

A standardized psychometric test of personality and psychopathology, often used in the assessment of personality disorders.

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD)

A semi-structured clinical interview used to diagnose personality disorders.

Psychopathy

A personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits.

Cognitive Therapy

A type of therapy that helps patients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns associated with mental health problems.

Trait Theory

Theoretical perspective that sees personality as composed of various traits that can be measured and quantified.

Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

A questionnaire used to assess personality traits and psychopathology, often applicable to adolescents.