Tanner, Faz, Isaiah, Jay, Eric Personality Disorders Tanner, Faz, Isaiah, Jay, Eric

What is a personality disorder? Personality disorder is a broad term used to describe a long- term mental illness. Those who are effected with a personality disorder have a difficult time dealing with others; also have a very narrow view of the world. Most may believe that there is nothing wrong with them and that their way of behaving is “right.” Victims of personality disorders often have a difficult time with social activities.

Histrionic: What is it? Histrionic Personality is the disorder characterized as excessive emotionality and attention-seeking; including need of approval and or seductive behavior. Usually these people are overly dramatic, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. This disorder usually begins to form in early adulthood, and effects 4 times more woman then men. Usually people effected with this disorder are easily influenced by the people in their lives in order to gain acceptance.

Symptoms Uncomfortable unless they’re the center of attention. Dresses proactively. Drastic mood swings. Constantly seeking reassurance and approval Is overly concerned with their physical appearance. Act before they think Act very dramatically before an audience, exaggerate emotions and expressions. Are loud and obnoxious Some may threaten or attempt suicide for attention

Cause Cause: The exact cause of this disorder is still unknown. However, psychologists do believe that this disorder could be genetic or it could be acquired. This explanation is still a bit gloomy cause in the early years the child could be just picking up on behaviors their parent(s) take part in. Also, not receiving attention/positive reinforcement form parent(s) could lead to histrionic personality disorder in later years of life.

Cure Although generally victims of this disorder tend to think that they do not need therapy, psychiatric therapy is one of the things that could help one with this problem. Some may even take medications to help with their depression as depression is one of the effects of the disorder.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ODC) Obsessions: Unwanted, repetitive thoughts which invade people’s minds, becoming more and more intense over time. Compulsions: Repetitive Behaviors with hopes of stopping obsessions, but nothing positive is actually achieved. Once you give into the behaviors, they will not stop. OCD: Obsessions interrupting rational thinking processes, forcing its victims into believing that by performing specific actions or in a specific way, will make the victim feel calmer, making the anxiety go away

OCD Symptoms Excessive Washing or Cleaning Repeatedly Checking On Something Extreme Hoarding (Significant Distress) Preoccupation with Sexual, Violent, or Religious Thoughts Relationship Related Obsessions Aversion to Particular Numbers Nervous Rituals Examples: Opening and Closing a door a certain number of times before leaving or entering a room, Making sure an entire room is spotless before sleeping, washing your hands after touching anything, exact same wake-up ritual every day.

OCD Effects on humans OCD is caused by changes in your body’s own natural chemistry or brain functions. Insufficient serotonin. Serotonin is one of your brain’s chemical messengers, low serotonin levels are one of the many causes towards OCD. Most people which suffer from OCD usually recognize their obsessions and are further distressed by the realization. Most OCD victims appear psychotic. Sometimes OCD is associated in good ways: Paying attention to high details, avoiding risks, carefully planning, responsibility, taking excessive time to take decisions.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Complex psychiatric condition in which a person has difficulty experiencing emotions. BPD is a distressing medical condition. BPD effects about 6% of adults. BPD is a combination of biological vulnerabilities, ways of thinking, social stressors. People with BPD often experience more violent tendencies. Presence of BPD raises the risk of self mutilation

BPD Symptoms Intense Emotions that “Come and Go” Frequently. Extreme Anxiety and Depression. Self Harming Behavior. Difficulty Controlling Impulses. Binge Eating and Purging. Fear of Being Alone. Unstable Sense of Identity.

BPD Causes The cause of BPD remains under further investigation. Most likely a complex combination of the following condition results in BPD. Some things scientists think may cause the disorder are; Inheritance Childhood Abuse Separation from care-givers or loved ones. Distortion of emotional regulation. Low serotonin levels.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder: what is it? Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has trouble with relationships and disturbances in thought patterns, appearance, and behavior People with schizotypal personality disorder are often described as weird, and usually have few, or any close relationships. They generally don't understand how relationships form.

Schizotypal Personality symptoms Very Disturbed in social situations Have very strong but weird beliefs that cause them to break good relationships with people or to start any. Don’t really know how to form a good relationship with another person Inappropriate displays of feelings No close friends Odd behavior or appearance Odd beliefs, fantasies, or preoccupations Odd speech

Cause There is no known cause other then it is passed through genes Around 30% and 50% of people with this disorder also have a major depressive disorder or paranoid personality disorder Should also not be confused with schizophrenia

Treatment Some people may be helped by antipsychotic medications. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is a big part of treatment. Social skills training can help some people cope with social situations.

Paranoid Personality Disorder Cluster A (Odd/Eccentric) Symptoms Generalized distrust of others Hidden motives in others Feelings of others intent to harm or exploit without justification Social isolation Aggressiveness and hostility Lack of sense of humor

Paranoid Personality Disorder Cont. Treatments Not likely to seek Usually provoked by legal system or loved ones Pose problems for therapists Must be careful and refrain from note taking Refrain from jokes Refrain from showing hostility when Pt. is hostile Medications May make symptoms worse if Pt. even takes it

Conclusion Least understood and recognized disorders in both psychiatry and general medical care Among the most common of Severe Mental Disorders Occur frequently with other Diseases 3 Clusters of Personality disorders