Term | Definition |
Definition of Personality | The relatively consistent set of attitudes and behaviors particular to an individual. It consists of a pattern of mental, emotional and behavioral traits of a person. |
Definition of Personality Disorder | Inflexible, maladaptive patterns of behavior or thinking that accompany significant impairment of functioning. |
Possible to exhibit a range of behaviors | depends on type of disorder present |
Common characteristics of personality disorder | (1) poor impulse control (i.e. drinking, overeating, substance abuse, assaultive behavior).
Self destructive acts.
Manipulation of others or dependancy of others.
Inappropriate behavior for situation.
Disregard for rules. |
Types of Personality Disorders | Abusive.
Dependent.
Paranoid.
Borderline.
Antisocial. |
Personality Disorders: Abusive | An individual who uses violent or abusive behavior to cope with anxiety |
Personality Disorders: Dependant | An individual who is overcooperative from a deep fear of abandonment |
Dependent Traits | Unable to carry out a task alone.
Unable to take responsibility of his/her own activities of daily lining (ADLs).
Usually seeks overprotective, dominating or abusive relationships. |
Personality Disorders: Paranoid | characterized by suspicion, secretiveness, distortion of reality and oversensitivity; thinks that others are “out to get him/her” |
Personality Disorders: Borderline | has not established self-identity |
Borderline Traits | Fears being alone.
Experiences mood swings over a short period.
Relationships with others reveal rapid shifts from adoring to cruel and punishing.
Impulsive. |
Personality Disorders: Antisocial | has a history of difficulties with personal relationships |
Antisocial Traits | Does not profit from experience or punishment.
Has no loyalties to any person, group, or code of ethics.
Has a tendency to rationalize behavior.
Relies on deceit and manipulation to get his/her way. |
Personality Disorders: Treatment and Prognosis | (1) Psychotherapeutic drug therapy.
(2) Support groups.
(3) Family counseling.
(4) Prognosis is guarded; antisocial personality disorder is the more socially malignant of the disorders and appears to have the most severe consequences. |