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Have you ever noticed certain traits about yourself that reveal themselves throughout your daily life? Perhaps you find yourself anxious and timid whenever you meet new people. Maybe you are someone who loves being the life of the party and the center of attention. These small quirks, sometimes even thought of as flaws, help shape each individual's personality.
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Sign up for freeAna has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. Her symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, and eccentric behavior. Which cluster would Ana's personality disorder fall under?
Kevin has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. His symptoms include impulsive behavior and antisocial tendencies. Which cluster would Kevin's personality disorder fall under?
Jax has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. His symptoms include anxiety attacks and a constant need to be with his parents and sister. Which cluster would Jax's personality disorder fall under?
Which of the following disorders would not fall under Clyster B?
What percent of the population diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is female?
Select all the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Hint: There is more than one answer.
Select all the steps taken to administer a proper diagnosis of a personality disorder.
Select the five traits listed in "The Five Maladaptive Traits" test described in the DSM-5.
Which of the following traits is not matched to its right description?
Which of the following is considered the most severe type of personality disorder?
Those with this disorder may experience feeling constantly underappreciated or ignored when they are not in the "spotlight" (French, 2021).Which disorder does the above information describe?
Ana has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. Her symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, and eccentric behavior. Which cluster would Ana's personality disorder fall under?
Kevin has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. His symptoms include impulsive behavior and antisocial tendencies. Which cluster would Kevin's personality disorder fall under?
Jax has just been diagnosed with a personality disorder. His symptoms include anxiety attacks and a constant need to be with his parents and sister. Which cluster would Jax's personality disorder fall under?
Which of the following disorders would not fall under Clyster B?
What percent of the population diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is female?
Select all the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Hint: There is more than one answer.
Select all the steps taken to administer a proper diagnosis of a personality disorder.
Select the five traits listed in "The Five Maladaptive Traits" test described in the DSM-5.
Which of the following traits is not matched to its right description?
Which of the following is considered the most severe type of personality disorder?
Those with this disorder may experience feeling constantly underappreciated or ignored when they are not in the "spotlight" (French, 2021).Which disorder does the above information describe?
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Team Personality Disorders Teachers
However, there is a fine line that separates the unique traits that contribute to individuality and the complex psychological phenomena known as personality disorders. Let's discuss the clinical definition, types, and specific examples of personality disorders.
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; 5th ed.), a personality disorder is empirically defined as a sequence of behavioral patterns and experiences that stray significantly from the usual cultural and societal expectations of an individual. A person diagnosed with a personality disorder usually experiences specific distressing and pervasive symptoms throughout their lifetime.
Essentially, an individual clinically diagnosed with a personality disorder exhibits traits considered highly unusual, rigid, and resistant to change. Unfortunately, one of the major hallmarks of a personality disorder is that the displayed behavioral pattern is often very unpleasant and troublesome for those diagnosed or others around them.
Sometimes, differentiating a personality disorder from a typical variation of personality traits can be pretty difficult. There are, however, a few prominent distinctions between them that indicate the presence of a disorder. Behavioral displays of typical personality traits stay within usual social and cultural expectations, whereas behavioral patterns in a personality disorder deviate from this completely.
Another difference between traits and personality disorders is the effect on social relationships. Someone with a few unpleasant traits may find some difficulty in getting along with certain individuals, while people with disorders may have significant issues with maintaining any kind of relationship. Clinical psychologists and professionals in mental health are still analyzing the differences between the two constructs and are constantly revising the criteria for diagnoses.
There is a wide variety of personality disorders, which fall into three main categories. These categories, also known as clusters, divide the disorders into their respective groups depending on the behavioral patterns commonly displayed amongst them. By categorizing these types, psychologists can better predict the ideal treatment and approach for each identified disorder.
Personality disorders that fall into cluster A are types labeled schizotypal, paranoid, and schizoid personality disorders. Behavioral tendencies within this category are described as "odd and eccentric" (DSM-5). Individuals with these disorders are observed to have irrational thought patterns and very unconventional behaviour displays.
Cluster B personality disorders are often the most stable and resistant to change. Those diagnosed with disorders in this category tend to show impulsive and widely unpredictable behavior symptoms. The types of disorders in this cluster are histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and borderline personality disorder.
People identified with cluster C personality disorders usually have emotional extremes described as "anxious and avoidant" (Funder, 2016). Obsessive-compulsive, avoidant, and dependent personality disorders are all included in this category.
To understand personality disorders better, it is crucial to discuss the specific types and examples that are heavily researched in clinical psychology. As mentioned above, ten known personality disorders are currently divided into clusters A, B, and C. Let's look at a few major disorders in cluster B.
Histrionic personality disorder comprises behavioral patterns described as extremely emotional and attention-seeking.
Those with this disorder may experience feeling constantly underappreciated or ignored when they are not in the "spotlight" (French, 2021).
People with this disorder may lack sincerity in their communication, engage in inappropriate and overtly sexual behaviors, and dress in explicit clothing.
A person with NPD can initially come across as confident and charismatic, with high self-esteem.
They display patterns of behavior that negatively affect the well-being of others and themselves.
Traits include a ‘grandiose sense of self’, inflated ego, god-like complex, being entitled, and manipulative.
They are opposed to any truth that contradicts their superiority over others.
Several notorious serial killers are thought to have shown signs of narcissistic personality disorder (e.g., Elliot Rodger, Dennis Rader, and Ted Bundy).
This is considered the most severe type of personality disorder.
BPD, flaticon.com
Diagnosing an individual with a personality disorder is no simple task. Due to the debilitating nature of many disorders, psychologists and mental health professionals pursue diagnoses with extreme caution and consideration. According to Funder (2016), steps taken to administer a proper diagnosis are:
analyze the degree to which a patient's traits are identified as maladaptive.
Diagnostic tools include "The Five Maladaptive Traits" test described in DSM-5 (American Psychological Association, 2013). The traits listed in the test include:
This list of traits identifies whether or not an individual has a personality disorder. Descriptives included within the test also help determine the possibility of a patient having more than one type of personality disorder.
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What is a borderline personality disorder?
This personality disorder is classified as unpredictable behavior patterns, including intense mood swings, suicidal tendencies, and emotional instability.
What is a personality disorder?
A personality disorder is a collection of traits that significantly deviate from the usual societal expectations and cause distress to the individual or others.
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
A type of personality disorder that displays self-centered, entitled, and manipulative behavior patterns.
What are examples of personality disorders?
Examples of personality disorders include histrionic, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders.
What is an antisocial personality disorder?
A personality disorder with a collection of harmful traits, including irritability, impulsivity, and aggression.
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