Personality Disorders

Overview of Personality and Development

  • Personality Defined

    • Personality is a unique construct that defines individual identity.

    • Influenced by genetics and experiences, it makes each person unique.

    • Factors shaping personality include:

    • Personal experiences

    • Behavioral responses

Influences on Personality Development

  • Biological and Physiological Factors

    • Characterized by hereditary traits and temperament.

    • Development influenced by various factors including:

    • Hereditary Factors – genetic traits inherited from family.

    • Temperament – inherent personality traits observed early in life.

    • Experiential Learning – learning through direct experiences and reflection.

Basic Needs Affecting Personality

  • Individuals need to fulfill five essential needs:

    • Power

    • Belonging

    • Fun

    • Survival

Risk Factors for Personality Disorders

  • Some key risk factors that may lead to personality disorders include:

    • Substance Abuse Disorders – affect coping skills and behavior.

    • History of Violence – both violent and non-violent behaviors can impact personality.

    • Childhood Trauma – experiences of abuse or trauma heavily mold personality development.

    • Developmental Factors – parenting styles affect personality formation.

    • Genetic Factors – mental illness family histories can play a role.

Patient-Centered Care for Personality Disorders

  • Approach for managing personality disorders includes:

    • Firm but Supportive Approach – balancing limit-setting with empathy.

    • Limit Setting and Consistency – establishing clear expectations for behavior.

    • Offering Realistic Choices – empowering patients to feel a sense of control.

Overview of Personality Disorders

  • Different types of personality disorders include:

    • Borderline Personality Disorder

    • Antisocial Personality Disorder

    • Dependent Personality Disorder

    • Histrionic Personality Disorder

    • Narcissistic Personality Disorder

    • Schizoid Personality Disorder

    • Avoidant Personality Disorder

    • Paranoid Personality Disorder

Major Personality Disorders

1. Paranoid Personality Disorder

  • Individuals believe others are out to get them.

  • Exhibits intimidating behavior, leading to anger from others.

  • Do not accept responsibility for their actions and blame others instead.

  • Prone to aggression when they perceive threats.

2. Schizoid Personality Disorder

  • Features a long-term pattern of social withdrawal.

  • Individuals display discomfort with social interactions.

  • Rarely express strong emotions or engage in sexual activity.

3. Antisocial Personality Disorder

  • Characterized by disregard for social norms and rules.

  • Can be charming when things are going their way but can become violent when frustrated.

  • Trend towards impulsivity and thrill-seeking behaviors.

4. Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Rapidly changing emotions and behaviors, often switching from idealization to devaluation of others.

  • Manipulative and may resort to self-harm.

  • Fear of abandonment leads to intense relationships.

5. Dependent Personality Disorder

  • Exhibits extreme dependence on others for emotional support.

  • Often feels a lack of self-worth and is easily hurt by criticism.

6. Histrionic Personality Disorder

  • Highly dramatic individuals who use their looks and sexual appeal to gain attention.

  • Shallow and superficial in relationships.

7. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

  • Exhibits a grandiose sense of