Personality Disorders

Definition: Personality Disorder an enduring pattern of maladaptive behavior features of these disorders usually become recognizable during adolescence or early adult life should not be confused with personality trait -A personality trait is an individual quality that makes one person different from another, but does not constitute abnormal or dysfunctional behavior & never reaches the threshold of personality disorder.

Three Types of Personality Disorders: Cluster A Cluster B Cluster C

Cluster A Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal Defining characteristics of Cluster A: Eccentric Withdrawal behavior

Cluster B Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic Defining characteristics of Cluster B: Dramatic Emotional Erratic/explosive Likes to be center of attention

Cluster C Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive Defining characteristics of Cluster C: Anxious Fearful

Paranoid Personality Disorder Pervasive distrust & suspiciousness of others suspects exploitation or deception of others jealous & envious hypersensitive (reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events) cont.

Paranoid Personality Disorder cont. 3. rigid 4. persistently bears grudges (i.e. unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights) Paranoid personality trait – person tends to be distrustful for suspicious in limited situations.

Schizoid Personality Disorder Pattern of detachment from social relationships Restricted range of expressions of emotions (cool, aloof, doesn’t react) cont.

Schizoid Personality Disorder cont. neither desires nor enjoys close relationships (including being part of a family) almost always chooses solitary activities has little interest in sexual encounters takes pleasure in few, if any activities appear indifferent to praise or criticism of others Schizoid personality trait – likes being alone, but has friends and engages in activities.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder Demonstrates many symptoms related to those of schizophrenia but of less severe nature cont.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder cont. tends to be a loner; excessive social anxiety appearance is odd, eccentric, or peculiar unusual pattern of talking that is vague & abstract -Individuals with schizotypal personality tend to be superstitious, believe in clairvoyance, telepathy, or “sixth sense”, and have bizarre fantasies. -Schizotypal personality trait – appears and acts a little eccentric, but otherwise “normal”.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder cont. 4. usually demonstrates lack of emotions, but when emotions are shown, often seem inappropriate for circumstance 5. preoccupied by thoughts of magical nature

Antisocial Personality Disorder Disregard for and violation of rights of others cont.

Antisocial Personality Disorder cont. unlawful behavior despite potential for arrest deceitfulness (repeated lying, use of aliases, conning for personal profit or pleasure) repeated physical fights or assaults Antisocial personality trait – limited “bully-like” behavior but doesn’t disregard law.

Antisocial Personality Disorder cont. 4. reckless disregard for safety of self or others 5. irresponsible 6. lack of remorse 7. evidence of this behavior appears before 15 years of age

Borderline Personality Disorder Demonstrates unpredictability of self-image, in relationships & emotions cont.

Borderline Personality Disorder cont. frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. pattern of intense & unstable interpersonal relationships (idealization & devaluation) 3. impulsivity that is potentially self-damaging (spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating) Borderline personality trait – somewhat low self-esteem; no self destructive behavior or suicidal tendencies.

Borderline Personality Disorder cont. 4. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior 5. chronic feelings of emptiness 6. difficulty controlling anger

Histrionic Personality Disorder Excessive emotions & attention seeking behavior behavior cont.

Histrionic Personality Disorder cont. always wants to be center of attention 2. inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior 3. rapidly shifting & shallow expression of emotions Histrionic personality trait – limited dramatic-type behavior.

4. dramatic speech exaggerated with emotion Histrionic Personality Disorder cont. 4. dramatic speech exaggerated with emotion 5. easily influenced by others or circumstances 6. considers relationships more intimate than they actually are

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Attitude that the world exists to meet his/her needs cont.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder cont. sense of self-importance (exaggerates achievements & talents) 2. preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love 3. believes he/she is “special” has sense of entitlement cont.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder cont. requires excessive admiration takes advantage of others to achieve own ends 7. lacks empathy 8. often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him/her 9. arrogant, haughty behavior or attitude Narcissistic personality trait – vain.

Avoidant Personality Disorder Demonstrates pattern of social inhibition feelings of inadequacy hypersensitivity to negative situations cont.

Avoidant personality Disorder cont. avoids interpersonal activities (occupational & social) 2. unwilling to get involved unless certain of being liked 3. shows restraint within intimate relationships (fear of ridicule) Avoidant personality trait – somewhat shy when initially meeting people.

Avoidant personality Disorder cont. 5. views self as socially inept, inferior, or unappealing 6. reluctant to take personal risks or engage in new activities

Dependent Personality Disorder Excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive & clinging behavior cont.

Dependent Personality Disorder cont. difficulty making decisions without advice & reassurance 2. needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of life 3. difficulty expressing disagreement with others Dependent personality trait – likes to be with friends, but can work alone.

Dependent Personality Disorder cont. 4. difficulty initiating projects on own 5. goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance 6. feels helpless when alone

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Preoccupation with orderliness & perfectionism cont.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder cont. Preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization or schedules to extent that major point of activity is lost 2. Shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion 3. Excessively devoted to work to exclusion of leisure activities & friendships cont.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder cont. Reluctant to delegate tasks 5. Over conscientious, inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values 6. Unable to discard worn-out worthless objects 7. Rigid & stubborn Obsessive-compulsive personality trait – very organized & neat without being over zealous. cont.

Don’t confuse Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Individuals with OCD have obsessions and compulsions that are held in place by rituals, superstitions, and fears. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder individuals are “neat-freaks”.