Personality Disorders Presented to LCPD Class 42 by Peter DiVasto Ph.D. police psychologist nmcopdoc@aol.com

Primary Features An enduring and stable pattern of feelings thoughts and behaviors The pattern deviates markedly from cultural expectations, thus personality disorders are culturally bound The pattern pervades the person’s life The pattern leads to distress (often in others) and may cause impairment

Results in persistent maladaptive ways of perceiving, thinking about, and relating to the world. 10-13% of the population meets the criteria for personality disorder at some time in their lives Persons with personality disorders have difficulty taking part in mutually satisfying relationships The person will usually not learn positive behaviors as a result of previous troubles. The aging process makes some personality disorders better, others worse

Impact of Childhood Maltreatment Persons with childhood abuse or neglect were more than 4 times as likely to have a PD as those without. Narcissistic, Borderline and Antisocial were 9 times more likely. Physical abuse was associated with Antisocial, Borderline and Schizotypal personality disorder. Sexual abuse was associated with Borderline and Histrionic personality disorder. Neglect was associated with Antisocial, Avoidant, Borderline, Dependent, Narcissistic and Schizotypal PD. Johnson, J.G., Cohen, P, Brown, J, et al (199) Childhood Maltreatment Increase Risk for Personality Disorder During Early Adulthood. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56:600-606

What’s the problem? Persons with personality disorders often cause problems for the people around them The behavior of those with personality disorders often cause problems within a unit, squad or organization The behavior may have direct (and deadly) consequences for officers

What’s the problem? Because people with personality disorders find it difficult to participate in mutually satisfying relationships with other adults, they may turn to a child as a primary object of attachment

Personality Disorders of Interest The Paranoid Personality The Borderline Personality The Narcissistic Personality The Antisocial Personality

The Paranoid Personality Pervasive suspiciousness and distrust of others. Tend to see themselves as blameless, finding fault for their own mistakes in others. Constantly expect trickery and look for clues to validate their expectations, while disregarding all evidence to the contrary. Often preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty of friends, spouses, co-workers

The Paranoid Personality Reluctance to confide in others for fear the information will be used against them Unforgiving of slights, insults or injuries If with a partner, will have recurring suspicions regarding fidelity

Considerations In Dealing With Paranoid Personality Be aware of body space - don’t get too close. Always be aware of safety issues Be logical and formal in dealing with them. Focus on problem-solving. Never argue with a paranoid, it just confirms that you are part of the conspiracy

Borderline Personality Pattern of behavior characterized by impulsivity and instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and moods. Serious disturbances in basic identity or sense of self, resulting in highly unstable interpersonal relationships. Tend to have low tolerance for frustration as well as chronic feelings of emptiness. Demonstrate instability through drastic mood shifts and impulsive or erratic self-destructive behavior.

Borderline Personality Disorder , Cont. May have transient episodes in which they appear to be out of contact with reality and experience delusions or other psychotic-like symptoms. Estimate that 2% of the population may qualify for diagnosis. About 75 % of individuals receiving this diagnosis are women. Enduring personality features of instability and vulnerability.

Considerations In Dealing With Borderline Personality Remember 8-10% suicide. Many self-mutilate. May tend to dissociate--keep them grounded in the present. Expect very wide mood swings. Watch both your professional and personal boundaries.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Show exaggerated sense of self-importance-grandiosity. Strong tendency to overestimate their abilities/accomplishments while underestimating the same things in others. Preoccupation with being admired. Lack of empathy for the feelings of others. Sense of entitlement.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Continued) Because they are “special,” often think that they can only be understood by, or should only associate with, high status people. Very fragile sense of self-esteem underneath all their grandiosity. Believed to be seen more frequently in men than in women.

Considerations In Dealing With Narcissistic Personality As tempting as it may be, don’t challenge his fragile ego strength Expect control to be an issue If you feel flattered, you’re being conned

Personality Disorder Conclusions Inflexible and distorted personality pattern. Results in maladaptive ways of perceiving, thinking about and relating to the world. Cause at least as much difficulty in the lives of others, as in their own. Difficulty in taking part in mutually respectful and satisfying social relationships. Consistency over time--don’t learn.