Personality Disorders AP Psychology

Personality Disorders Are a class of disorders marked by extreme, inflexible personality traits. People with these disorders display certain personality traits to an excessive degree and in rigid ways that undermine their adjustment.

Onset of symptoms Emerge in late childhood or adolescence and often continue throughout adulthood. They are common.

DSM-V lists 13 P.D. Disorders Grouped into three clusters: 1.anxious-fearful 2.odd-eccentric 3.dramatic-impulsive.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Grandiose sense of self- importance; exaggerates abilities and accomplishments; excessive need for admiration; boastful, pretentious. Affects more men than woman.

N.P.D. Preoccupation w/ fantasies, unlimited success, power and a powerful need for constant attention or admiration. Believe they posses unlimited Brilliance.

N.P.D. Feel entitled to special favors, without being willing to reciprocate. They fall in and out of love quickly: Beloved proves to have some annoying human flaw.

N.P.D. Display snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes. Highly sensitive to criticism or defeat…react: disdain, rage, or defiant counterattack.

Borderline Personality Disorder Erratic, unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image; impulsive; desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment; feelings of emptiness; self-destructive tendencies.

B.P.D. 10 million Americans 75% women Identity is so fragile/think in absolutes. Relationships/ idealizing to contempt or hostility.

B.P.D. Self- Destructiveness Cutting Threats of suicide/suicide attempts Gamble Drive recklessly Abuse drugs/alcohol Sexually promiscuous

B.P.D. Other Disorders Depression Substance Abuse Eating Disorders

Causes of B.P.D. Disruption in attachment relationships in early childhood. History of sexual/physical abuse Neglect by both or one parent.

Antisocial Personality Disorder Sometimes called psychopaths or sociopaths. 3-6% men; 1% women

Description ImpulsiveCallous ManipulativeAggressive Irresponsible behavior REFLECTS A FAILURE TO ACCEPT SOCIAL NORMS.

A.P.D. Typically, they are NOT Psychotic (maintain contact reality). NO or very little REMORSE Some engage in criminal behavior, but MOST people with A.P.D. are law-abiding citizens.

Non-criminal High status in society Examples: cut-throat business executives, scheming politicians, and unprincipled lawyers.

Maladaptive traits Display a high level of intelligence Superficial charm that attracts others. Highly skilled at faking emotion. Rarely experience genuine affection for others. Pursue immediate gratification

Impact on life Unreliable employees Unfaithful spouses Inattentive parents Undependable friends

Etiology Biological factors i.e., genetic predisposition “Sluggish” autonomic nervous system Neurological damage during prenatal development.

Etiology Psychological factors i.e., dysfunctional family, discipline in the family home was erratic or ineffective, physical and sexual abuse, observational learning/parents modeled immoral behavior.

Please read…. On page 511 (Table 12.5) a brief description of seven Personality Disorders.