PERSONALITY

Question 1

Q: What are personality disorders?

Answer 1

A: Long-term patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are different from what most people consider normal, causing problems in daily life.

Question 2

Q: How do personality disorders affect daily life?

Answer 2

A: They cause problems in relationships, work, and emotions, making it hard to handle life normally.

Question 3

Q: What are common features of personality disorders?

Answer 3

• Trouble regulating emotions
• Rigid thinking
• Problems with relationships
• Behaviors that don’t fit social norms

Question 4

Q: How common are personality disorders?

Answer 4

A: About 10–15% of people have one.

Question 5

What are the 3 clusters of personality disorders?

Answer 5

Cluster A (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal) (weird)

Cluster B (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic,
Narcissistic) WILD

Cluster C (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive
Compulsive) WORRIED

Question 6

What are the cluster A disorders?

Answer 6

• Paranoid Personality Disorder:Characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, leading to a belief that others have hidden motives or are out to harm them.
• Schizoid personality: Characterized by a detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression, often seen as aloof and indifferent
• Schizotypal personality: Characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, unusual perceptual experiences, and a tendency to have magical thinking or beliefs

Question 7

What are Cluster B Personality traits?

Answer 7

• Emotional Instability
• Impulsive Behavior
• Dramatic Personality
• Interpersonal Difficulties

Question 8

Q: What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Answer 8

A disorder where a person has an inflated sense of self and needs constant admiration.

Traits:

• Thinks they’re better than others
• Needs praise
• Lacks empathy
• Feels entitled
• Takes advantage of others

Question 9

Q: What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Answer 9

A: A disorder where a person needs to be the center of attention and uses emotions or appearance to get it.

Traits:

• Dramatic and emotional
• Dresses to attract attention
• Easily influenced by others
• Thinks relationships are closer than they are
• Craves approval and praise

Question 10

Q: What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Answer 10

A: A disorder where a person ignores laws and social rules, and doesn’t feel guilt.
Traits:

• Lies or deceives for personal gain
• Breaks laws often
• Doesn’t feel guilty
• Aggressive, irritable
• Manipulative and impulsive

Question 11

Q: What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Answer 11

A: A disorder with unstable emotions, self-image, and relationships.
Traits:

• Fear of being abandoned
• Intense, unstable relationships
• Mood swings
• Impulsive actions (e.g., binge eating, reckless driving)
• Self-harming or suicidal thoughts

Question 12

What are the cluster C personality traits?

Answer 12

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful, and avoidant behavior, leading to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

Question 13

Q: What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Answer 13

A: A disorder where someone avoids social situations due to fear of rejection or criticism.
Traits:

• Feels socially awkward
• Worries about being judged
• Avoids social interaction
• Low self-esteem
• Won’t try new things due to fear of failure

Question 14

Q: What is Dependent Personality Disorder?

Answer 14

A: A disorder where someone relies too much on others to make decisions or provide care.
Traits:

• Can’t make decisions alone
• Needs constant reassurance
• Clingy behavior
• Fear of being left alone
• Will tolerate abuse to stay in relationships

Question 15

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Answer 15

A: A disorder where a person is obsessed with order, perfection, and control.
Traits:
*
* Perfectionist
* Preoccupied with rules and lists
* Inflexible and stubborn
*
*

Question 16

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and what are its main goals in treating mental health conditions?

Answer 16

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people manage strong emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships.

It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques (changing negative thinking) with mindfulness (focusing on the present). The main goals are to help people cope with stress, control emotions, and interact better with others.

Question 17

What treatment is especially effective for treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Answer 17

DBT is especially helpful for Borderline Personality Disorder because it focuses on emotional regulation, reducing impulsive behaviors, and improving relationships—all core issues in BPD.

It teaches skills like managing anger, handling rejection, and reducing self-harm, which are common struggles for people with BPD.