Personality Disorders: Types, Traits, and Nursing Interventions

What are Personality Disorders?

A category of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations.

What are the key characteristics of Personality Disorders?

Inflexible and maladaptive traits that lead to significant distress or impairment in functioning.

At what age are Personality Disorders typically diagnosed?

They are usually diagnosed in adulthood.

What is splitting in the context of personality disorders?

The inability to incorporate positive and negative aspects of oneself or others into a whole image, commonly associated with borderline personality disorder.

What are common maladaptive traits seen in clients with Personality Disorders?

Negative behavior toward others, anger or hostility, irritable moods, lack of guilt, poor judgment, and emotional coldness.

What are expected findings in clients with Personality Disorders?

Inflexible responses to stress, compulsiveness, inability to connect in relationships, irresponsibility, risk-taking behaviors, and mistrust.

What psychosocial influences can contribute to Personality Disorders?

Childhood abuse, trauma, and developmental factors linked to parenting.

What biological influences are associated with Personality Disorders?

Genetic and biochemical factors.

What are the three types of Cluster A personality disorders?

Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal personality disorders.

What characterizes Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Pervasive distrust and suspicion towards others, often based on unfounded beliefs.

What are the nursing interventions for clients with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

A formal, business-like approach to care, involving idea validation before action.

What characterizes Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Emotional detachment and disinterest in close relationships, with indifference to praise or criticism.

What is the clinical picture of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Odd beliefs leading to interpersonal difficulties, eccentric appearance, and cognitive or perceptual distortions.

What are the four types of Cluster B personality disorders?

Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic personality disorders.

What characterizes Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Disregard for others, exploitation, lack of empathy, and repeated unlawful actions.

What are the nursing interventions for clients with Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Establishing a therapeutic relationship, setting limits, and problem-solving to control emotions.

What characterizes Borderline Personality Disorder?

Instability of affect, identity, and relationships, along with impulsiveness and fear of abandonment.

What safety concerns are associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Clients often engage in self-injurious behaviors and may not prioritize their safety.

What are common characteristics of clients with Histrionic personality disorder?

Emotional attention-seeking behavior, need to be the center of attention, often seductive and flirtatious.

What nursing interventions are important for clients with Histrionic personality disorder?

Provide factual feedback about social interactions, teach social skills through role-playing, and maintain professional boundaries.

What defines Narcissistic personality disorder?

Characterized by arrogance, grandiosity, self-importance, and a need for consistent admiration, often lacking empathy for others.

What are the key traits of clients with Avoidant personality disorder?

Social inhibition, avoidance of situations requiring interpersonal contact, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety in social situations.

What clinical picture is associated with Dependent personality disorder?

Submissive and clinging behavior, excessive need to be taken care of.

What nursing interventions are beneficial for clients with Dependent personality disorder?

Encourage expression of feelings, promote autonomy/self-reliance, and use cognitive restructuring.

What characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder?

Indecisiveness, perfectionism, focus on orderliness and control, which can hinder task completion.

What is a critical nursing care strategy for clients with personality disorders?

Self-assessment to manage personal reactions and emotions evoked by clients.

What are the risks associated with clients who have personality disorders?

They are at risk for self-injury or suicidal behavior.

What communication strategies should nurses use with clients exhibiting distrust?

Use a firm yet supportive approach, provide consistent care, and offer realistic choices to enhance the client's sense of control.

What types of medications are used in the treatment of personality disorders?

Psychotropic agents, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers.

What therapeutic modalities are effective for clients with personality disorders?

Psychotherapy, group therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) designed for?

It is a cognitive-behavioral therapy for clients exhibiting self-injurious behaviors, focusing on gradual behavior changes and providing acceptance.

What is the role of case management in acute care for clients with personality disorders?

Obtaining pertinent history from providers and supporting reintegration with family while ensuring referrals to outpatient care.

What is the focus of case management in long-term outpatient facilities?

Reducing hospitalizations by providing crisis services and enhancing social support services.

What is a common nursing intervention for clients with Borderline personality disorder?

Implementing limit-setting and consistency in care.

What is the significance of maintaining professional boundaries with flirtatious clients?

It is essential to prevent manipulation and ensure a therapeutic relationship.

What are the characteristics of Cluster C personality disorders?

Anxious or fearful traits, including insecurity and inadequacy.

What is the clinical picture of clients with Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder?

Perfectionism, seriousness, orderliness, and problems with decision-making and self-esteem.

What should nurses do to promote effective nursing care for clients with personality disorders?

Anticipate client behaviors and utilize therapeutic communication and interventions.