Personality Disorders, Lecture notes of Psychology

Download Personality Disorders and more Lecture notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! UNDERSTANDING PERSONALITY DISORDERS DEFINITION, CLUSTERS, TYPES, NOTES Everyone has their own distinct personality. Everyone thinks, feels, and acts differently. Personality is formed because of experiences, environment, and inherited traits. We frequently refer to someone's "great personality" as a reason for enjoying their company. What exactly is a personality disorder? When aspects of a person's personality become problematic for both the individual and those around them, they may be diagnosed with a disorder. Diagnoses are generally classified into three groups. Personality Disorder  A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behavior. A personality disorder makes it difficult for a person to perceive and relate to situations and people. This has a significant impact on relationships, social activities, work, and school.  A person's personality typically develops early in life and then remains relatively constant as they age. When someone has a personality disorder, their way of thinking or behaving deviates from their culture's expectations, causing them and others distress as well as problems functioning.  You may be unaware that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving appears natural to you. And you may blame others for your difficulties.  Personality disorders typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Personality disorders come in a variety of forms. Some types may become less noticeable as they get older. Symptoms Personality disorders are classified into three types based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people who have one personality disorder also have symptoms of at least one other personality disorder. A disorder does not have to exhibit all of the listed signs and symptoms in order to be diagnosed. Personality disorder has three clusters namely: Cluster A, the odd and eccentric, Cluster B, the dramatic and erratic, and Cluster C, the anxious or fearful. CLUSTER A  People suffering from these disorders exhibit unusual or erratic behavior. These unusual behaviors cause social problems. Social awkwardness and withdrawal are common characteristics. Although people with Cluster A personality disorders may have a strong link to a family member who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, these disorders are typically less severe and have a smaller impact on daily functioning than schizophrenia.  People with Cluster A personality disorders frequently experience relationship problems because their behavior is perceived as odd, suspicious, or detached. The first cluster includes three types of personality disorders. 1. Paranoid Personality Disorder  People with this disorder have difficulty trusting others, even when there is no reason to suspect them. They may harbor long-held grudges, refuse to confide in others, and interpret trivial remarks as slights against them. Symptoms of paranoid personality disorder, which affects between 1% and 2% of adults in the United States, include chronic, pervasive distrust of other people; suspicion of being deceived or exploited by others, including friends, family, and partners; 4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder  People with this Cluster B personality disorder believe that their needs and feelings are more important than the needs and feelings of others. They may fantasize about power, lie about their achievements, and expect a lot of attention from others. People who have this disorder are frequently labeled as arrogant by those around them. Linked to selfishness, exaggerated self-image, and a lack of empathy for others. Cluster C  Cluster C personality disorders cause people to be afraid of certain things and to avoid confronting those fears. This group has symptoms of both anxiety and depression disorders. This behavior causes conflict in interpersonal relationships. Cluster C disorders include: 1. Avoidant Personality Disorder  People with this disorder are terrified of rejection or any form of criticism. Because of their anxieties, they avoid interacting with others at work and at social gatherings. These patients frequently believe they are unattractive and unworthy of affection. This disorder, which is characterized by a disregard for rules as well as a lack of empathy and remorse, can manifest itself during childhood. 2. Dependent Personality Disorder  The fear of having to care for themselves or make decisions motivates people with this condition. As a result, they rely on others to meet their needs, make decisions, and provide constant approval. People with this disorder are more likely to stay in abusive relationships and are often afraid of confrontation. It involves a fear of being alone and frequently causes those with the disorder to do things in order to get other people to look after them. 3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder  Perfectionism is taken to extremes in people with this disorder. They may become obsessed with rules, cleanliness, and order. They are afraid that if they do not complete certain tasks, something bad will happen to them. Their rigidity sometimes stifles their relationships and always prevents them from living full lives. It is distinguished by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and relationship control; it is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment  Personality disorders have an impact on both the person with the disorder and those around them. Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating the three types of personality disorders. During psychotherapy, the individual can gain insight and a better understanding of the disorder and its symptoms. It is also beneficial in treatment for patients to be able to express their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During psychotherapy, the individual can become more aware of how their behavior affects those around them while learning how to manage their symptoms and reduce behaviors that may be interfering with their ability to function.