1. Personality Disorders
Presented to LCPD Class 42 by
Peter DiVasto Ph.D.
police psychologist

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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:

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.