Module 49: Dissociative & Personality Disorders Abnormal Psychology Unit 13

Dissociative Disorders Dissociative Disorders: a person experience a sudden loss of memory or change in identity. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): A person exhibits two or more distinct and alternating personalities. Also known as multiple personality disorder.

Dissociative Disorders Ken Bianchi and his cousin Angelo Buono, together are known as the Hillside Stranglers. Bianchi was the son of a prostitute who gave him up for adoption. Had mental disorders early in childhood.

Dissociative Disorders Along with his cousin, worked as pimps before escalating to murder. Raped and murdered 10 women before being arrested. They posed as undercover cops and forced women into the back of their car.

Dissociative Disorders Pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Claimed another of his personalities “Steve Walker” committed the crimes. It was all a lie! Police found psychology books at his home and he later admitted that he faked the disorder.

Dissociative Disorders Some with DID experience completely different personalities and even switch handedness. Memories of one personality doesn’t always transfer to the other. Critics say people may be playing a role like an actor. 20,000 cases reported in the 1980s, only 8 in the previous 40 years.

Personality Disorders Personality Disorders: inflexible and lasting patterns of behavior that impair social functioning. Personality disorders occur without anxiety, depression, or delusions.

Personality Disorders Three clusters of personality disorders: – Expresses anxiety (avoidant personality disorder) – Expresses eccentric behaviors (schizoid personality disorder) – Exhibits dramatic or impulsive behaviors (histrionic personality disorder)

Personality Disorders Other personality disorders: Narcissistic personality disorder overvalues their own self worth. Can’t take criticism. Borderline personality disorder marked by unstable identity, unstable relationships, and impulsive emotions. (Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall!)

Personality Disorders Antisocial Personality Disorder: the person exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even towards friends and family members. Many serial killers fit into this category. Formerly called sociopath or psychopath.

Personality Disorders Usually a male and shows signs before age 15. Lies, steals, fights, or sexually aggressive. Shows little remorse, feelings, or fear. Most criminals do not fit this category because most care about family and friends.

Personality Disorders Can show signs as early as 3 to 6 years old. If channeled in positive direction, antisocial personalities can lead to heroism, adventurism, or high-level athletics. Genetics combined with environmental influences produce antisocial personality disorder.

Personality Disorders Who has it? Henry Lee Lucas strangled a woman who refused him sex at age 13. Elwood Toole killed about 50 people and teamed with Lucas. “I think of killing like smoking a cigarette, like another habit.” - Toole