Question 1

In the DSM-5, personality disorders may be redefined using dimensions rather than categories because

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 considers redefining personality disorders using dimensions because there is significant symptom overlap, the clusters lack scientific basis, and individuals often have comorbid personality disorders.

Question 2

Mary has been married for 20 years and describes how her husband has been verbally abusive towards her for most of that time.She indicates that her husband has had multiple affairs with other women, but she can't leave him because she 'loves and needs him'.When challenged by the interviewer regarding the wisdom of staying with such a man, Mary agrees with the interviewer, although she later confides that she always agrees with everyone to avoid conflict and disapproval.Mary should be diagnosed with ____________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Mary's behavior and feelings suggest dependent personality disorder, characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation.

Question 3

Of the following, the most accurate statement regarding research for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

There is limited research specifically targeting obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and while some techniques like relaxation and distraction may seem logical, there is no substantial evidence supporting a specific effective treatment.

Question 4

Describe the characteristics and causes of borderline personality disorder, and discuss possible treatment approaches and their efficacy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the characteristics and causes of borderline...

Question 5

Of the following, the most accurate statement with regard to the treatment of avoidant personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

Behavioral intervention programs for anxiety and social skills have shown some success in treating avoidant personality disorder, as they help individuals develop coping mechanisms and improve social interactions.

Question 6

Describe the basic features of antisocial personality disorder.Why is psychotherapy with this population so likely to fail?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the basic features of antisocial personality...

Question 7

A recent theory suggests that the psychological profiles of many serial killers point to the role of which psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A recent theory suggests that the psychological...

Question 8

One unusual finding discussed in your text is that _______________ personality disorder may have played a role in the behaviour of several serial killers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One unusual finding discussed in your text...

Question 9

Herman lives with his mother, with whom he is very close, and agrees with everything she says.When he started seeing a young woman and the relationship became serious, his mother convinced him that his girlfriend was not good enough for him, so Herman stopped the relationship.He has two close friends who have been his friends since they met in kindergarten.Whenever they do something, it is always one of his friends who decides what they do.Herman just follows along.Herman likely suffers from _______________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Herman's behavior of relying on others to make decisions and his inability to assert his own opinions or desires is indicative of dependent personality disorder.

Question 10

When individuals with dependent personality disorder are in therapy, they are

Accepted Answer

Individuals with dependent personality disorder often present as compliant and eager to please. They may be seen as 'model' patients because of their inclination to follow the therapist's lead and seek validation from authority figures. However, this may also mean that they struggle to advocate for their own needs or assert themselves in the therapeutic process.

Question 11

Of the following, the most accurate statement regarding the cause of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is that it appears to

Accepted Answer

The cause of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, individual personality traits such as a strong inclination towards structure and order, and environmental factors including parental reinforcement of conformity and neatness.

Question 12

According to your text, the treatment of dependent personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

The treatment of dependent personality disorder is not well researched, indicating a lack of comprehensive studies or established treatment protocols.

Question 13

The personality disorder that is characterised by an insistence that things have to be done 'the right way' is ______________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, leading to an insistence that things be done in a specific way.

Question 14

One of the major differences between individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is that patients with the personality disorder generally

Accepted Answer

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) typically do not experience the intrusive obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that characterize obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Instead, OCPD is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

Question 15

Individuals who have excessive feelings of social inadequacy, sensitivity to criticism and a need for reassurance are likely to develop either ______________ personality disorder or _____________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with avoidant personality disorder have excessive feelings of social inadequacy, sensitivity to criticism, and a need for reassurance, along with a strong desire for social interaction but significant fear of rejection or criticism. Individuals with dependent personality disorder also have excessive feelings of social inadequacy, sensitivity to criticism, and a need for reassurance, but their main characteristic is an overwhelming need to be taken care of by others.

Question 16

In terms of feelings of inadequacy, sensitivity to criticism and need for reassurance, individuals with _____________ personality disorder and _______________ personality disorder are quite similar.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with dependent personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder both experience feelings of inadequacy, have a high sensitivity to criticism, and seek reassurance from others to feel secure. However, individuals with schizoid personality disorder lack such emotional needs and are generally indifferent to social interaction. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior and emotional instability, while antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and a lack of empathy.

Question 17

Sandile is viewed by many as a workaholic and not very social.He is at his desk every morning at 7:30 and takes few breaks (although these breaks are always at the same time every day).Sandile is known to be a perfectionist.The problem is that he does not seem to get much accomplished since he spends so much time making sure that everything is perfect before moving on to the next task.Sandile appears to suffer from _______________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Sandile's behavior of being a perfectionist, rigid in his schedule, and focusing excessively on details aligns with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Question 18

When working with a patient diagnosed with dependent personality disorder, the therapist must be particularly careful that the patient does not

Accepted Answer

The defining characteristic of dependent personality disorder is excessive dependence on others, so it is important for the therapist to set appropriate boundaries and work towards increasing the patient's autonomy rather than becoming overly dependent on the therapist. While A, B, and C may also be concerns when working with this population, D is the primary focus.

Quiz 12: Personality Disorders