Psych 360 Chapter 15

Personality disorders

Enduring problems with forming a stable positive identity and sustaining close and constructive relationships.

Cluster A

Odd/eccentric personality disorders including paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.

Cluster B

Dramatic/erratic personality disorders including antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Cluster C

Anxious/fearful personality disorders including avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

General personality disorder

An inflexible pattern of inner experience and behavior distinct from cultural expectations, affecting cognition, affect, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control.

Antisocial personality disorder

Pervasive disregard for the rights of others, characterized by aggressive, impulsive traits and irresponsible behaviors.

Borderline personality disorder

Characterized by impulsivity and instability in relationships and mood, often accompanied by fears of abandonment.

Histrionic personality disorder

Overly dramatic and attention-seeking behavior, often using physical appearance to draw attention.

Narcissistic personality disorder

Grandiose view of self, requiring admiration, lacking empathy, and having a strong sense of entitlement.

Avoidant personality disorder

Fear of criticism and rejection, leading to avoidance of social situations and feelings of inadequacy.

Dependent personality disorder

Excessive reliance on others, intense need to be taken care of, and discomfort when alone.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Perfectionistic tendencies and preoccupation with rules and organization, often to the detriment of leisure and relationships.

Cognitive theory in PD treatment

Focuses on negative cognitive beliefs as root causes of personality disorders, aiming to challenge maladaptive cognitions.

Dialectical behavior therapy

A therapy combining client-centered empathy with behavioral techniques, focusing on emotion regulation and social skills.

Prevalence of personality disorders

About 1 out of 10 people meet diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual, often seen with personality disorders.

Cluster B disorders co-occurrence

About 75% of individuals with antisocial personality disorder also meet criteria for another disorder, often substance use.

Early adversity

Environmental factor associated with the development of personality disorders, including childhood abuse or neglect.

Treatment of borderline personality disorder

Challenging due to interpersonal problems; focuses on reducing symptoms and enhancing emotional regulation.