1. Section 9: Personality Disorders

2. Personality Disorders Inflexible traits that disrupt social life Appear by late adolescence Can’t be distinguished from personality like other mental disorders – is their personality Pleading insanity because of a personality disorder won’t work in court

3. Cluster A Personality Disorders Odd, eccentric thinking and behavior 1.Paranoid 2.Schizoid 3.Schizotypal

4. Paranoid Personality Disorder Distrustful and suspicious of others Interpret motives as harmful / evil Lead isolated lives Argumentative Not confused about reality, but have distorted view Suspicion of doctors may keep them from getting treatment

5. Schizoid Personality Disorder No interest with relationships with others No emotions, no attachment No delusions or hallucinations Not as disabling as schizophrenia

6. Schizotypal Personality Disorder Trouble with relationships & disturbances in thought patterns, appearance, and behavior May have brief delusions or hallucinations, but not as intense as with Schizos – Can distinguish between reality and distortions Usually also have major depression Have unusual beliefs (aliens)

7. Cluster B Personality Disorders Dramatic, overly emotional thinking and behavior 1.Antisocial 2.Borderline 3.Histrionic 4.narcissistic

8. Antisocial Not someone who avoids social interaction Persistent behavior pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others No guilt or remorse No drugs or therapy will help

9. Continue behavior even if threat of social rejection or punishment Kids: run away, hurt others / animals / lie / steal – Fearless, unconcerned with rewards, unusually calm – Unrestrained sexual behavior – When combined with high intelligence = dangerous Adults: aggressive, no job, don’t pay bills

10. Acting like a criminal Lack of conscious Don’t even abide by rules usually followed by criminals Smooth and agreeable on outside Repeatedly in conflict with law

11. Why? Biological reasons – Premature birth – Reduced activity in frontal lobe – No significant genetic patterns / body chemistry found Environmental issues – Poverty, unstable family – Family history of neglect / rough treatment – Alcoholic & abusive parents

12. Borderline Personality Disorder Long-term patterns of turbulent or unstable emotions Causes impulsive actions & chaotic relationships Respond with rage and emptiness Symptoms: uncertain of identity, see things in terms of extremes, suicidal behavior Causes: abuse, abandonment, unstable family

13. Histrionic Being overly dramatic and emotional To draw attention to self Starts in early adulthood Could lead to depression

14. Narcissistic Inflated self-esteem, extreme preoccupation with self Need constant attention Exaggerate talents and achievements Selfish Disregard other’s feelings, no empathy

15. Cluster C Personality Disorders Fearful thinking and behavior 1.Avoidant 2.Dependent 3.Obsessive-Compulsive

16. Avoidant Personality Disorder Social inhibition Feelings of inadequacy Would rather be alone than risk trying to connect Avoid work, school functions Treatment: antidepressants help, but therapy is ultimate idea If untreated, could become mood disorder or substance abuser

17. Dependent Personality Disorder One of most common personality disorders Excessive dependence on others Tolerant of abusive treatment Passive, needy, naive Different from Borderline P.D. – Respond with submissiveness and monkey bar theory in relationships

18. Obsessive-Compulsive (OCPD) Many similar symptoms to OCD but: – No obsessions or compulsions Seek treatment because of conflicts with those close (not because of anxiety like OCD) Perfectionist, controlling, obsessed with orderliness