Personality Disorders Psychological disorders characterized by inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning.

BASIC FACTS Approx. 15% of U.S. adults meet criteria for one or more PDs Up to 30% of people who require mental health services have at least one PD No cure for PDs, but therapy and some forms of medication can aid with symptoms Combination of heredity and life experiences appear to play a role in most PDs

RISK FACTORS More women than men develop Borderline PD More men than women develop Antisocial PD & Obsessive-Compulsive PD Other risk factors: History of child abuse (verbal, physical, sexual) Family history of Schizophrenia Family history of Personality Disorders Childhood head injury Unstable, chaotic family life

RISK FACTORS (cont’d) Individuals with PDs have greater risk of the following: Social Isolation Suicide Substance Abuse Depression, Anxiety, & Eating Disorders Self-destructive Behavior Violence & Homicide Incarceration

Paranoid Personality Disorder Distrust / suspicion of others that they have bad intentions or motives Suspects (w/o sufficient evidence) that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him/her Reluctant to confide in others due to fear that information will be used against him/her Persistently holds grudges Has recurrent suspicions regarding fidelity of their spouse or partner

Antisocial Personality Disorder Pattern of disregard for and violation of others’ rights Failure to conform to lawful behaviors Deceitfulness (i.e. repeated lying, manipulation) Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead Irritability & aggressiveness Reckless disregard for self or others Consistent irresponsibility Lack of remorse

Borderline Personality Disorder characterized by mood instability and poor self-image People with this disorder are prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger.

Borderline Personality Disorder Take their anger out on themselves, causing themselves injury Suicidal threats and actions are not uncommon They are quick to anger when their expectations are not met.

Histrionic Personality Disorder constant attention seekers They need to be center of attention often interrupts others to dominate conversation.

Histrionic Personality Disorder Dress provocatively Exaggerate illnesses “Everyone Loves Me”

Narcissistic Personality Disorder characterized by self-centeredness Exaggerate their achievements, expecting others to recognize them as being superior

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Picking about friends Not everyone is worthy of being their friend Uninterested in the feelings of others and may take advantage of them.

Schizoid Personality Disorder Desire social isolation Avoid relationships Do not show much emotion Prefer to be alone Do not wish for popularity.

Schizoid Personality Disorder Tend to seek jobs that require little social contact Social skills are weak Do not show need for attention/acceptance Seen as humorless and distant Often are termed "loners."

Schizotypal Personality Disorder Need for social isolation Odd behavior and thinking Believed that schizotypal personality disorder is a mild form of schizophrenia

Dependent personality disorder Psychological dependence on other people. Experiences difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder General psychological inflexibility Strict conformity to rules and procedures Perfectionism, excessive orderliness People with OCPD tend to stress perfectionism above all else Can feel anxious when they think things aren't "right"