Question 1

One reason that personality disorders are controversial in clinical practice is that

Accepted Answer

One of the reasons personality disorders are controversial is that there is significant overlap among the traits in each disorder, making it difficult for clinicians to distinguish between them and potentially leading to individuals meeting criteria for multiple disorders. This can make treatment challenging and controversial, as it can be unclear which disorder(s) to target.

Question 2

Strong evidence suggests that borderline personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently found a strong association between borderline personality disorder and a history of traumatic or abusive experiences, especially in childhood. This does not discount the potential influence of genetic or environmental factors, but trauma and abuse appear to play a significant role in the development of this disorder.

Question 3

To resolve some of the controversies surrounding the DSM-5 and personality disorders, Section II's alternative model

Accepted Answer

The alternative model in Section II of the DSM-5 describes personality disorders as excessive personality traits that interfere with functioning, aiming to address controversies surrounding the previous categorical approach. The alternative model also includes a dimensional approach and retains the cluster approach, but allows for a more nuanced understanding of personality disorders beyond the specific disorders within the clusters. The alternative model does not replace clusters with disorders based on the Big Five traits.

Question 4

Cluster C anxious or fearful behavior) includes which of the following personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cluster C includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, which are characterized by anxious or fearful behavior. Paranoid, borderline, and schizoid fall under Cluster A (odd/eccentric behavior) and Cluster B (dramatic/erratic behavior), respectively.

Question 5

Mandy cannot tolerate being alone and has strong negative emotional reactions whenever her relationships are disrupted.She often uses drugs or alcohol to help cope.Mandy would likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Mandy's symptoms, such as an intolerance for being alone, strong negative emotional reactions to disrupted relationships, and substance use to cope, align with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsive behaviors.

Question 6

Borderline personality disorder is associated with

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by disturbances in identity and impulse control, as well as unstable and intense emotions, relationships, and self-image. Low IQ and lack of remorse are not typically associated with this disorder. While individuals with borderline personality disorder can exhibit self-absorption, it is not a defining characteristic, and feelings of personal superiority are more associated with narcissistic personality disorder. While individuals with borderline personality disorder can experience anger and suspicion, it is not a defining characteristic, and these symptoms may be more characteristic of paranoid personality disorder.

Question 7

Tom has been arrested more than 20 times for instigating fights and stealing cars.He has little empathy for his victims, and often jokes about his crimes.Tom would likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Tom exhibits a lack of empathy for his victims, is prone to criminal behavior, and shows no signs of remorse, indicating he may have antisocial personality disorder. This personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and deceitfulness.

Question 8

Which of the following is a characteristic of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Emotional instability is a key characteristic of borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by extreme mood swings, impulsivity, and a tendency to engage in risky or impulsive behaviors. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may also exhibit traits of self-absorption, seductive behavior, or dishonesty, these are not defining characteristics of the disorder.

Question 9

Angie's relationships are full of drama and others think she is intense and unstable.She can be extremely loving but she can also quickly become angry and irrational.She would likely be diagnosed with

Accepted Answer

Angie's behavior is consistent with Borderline Personality Disorder, which is characterized by intense and unstable relationships, frequent mood swings, and impulsivity. Individuals with BPD often fluctuate between idealizing and devaluing others, and have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can lead to outbursts of anger or irrational behavior. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior and a tendency to be overly dramatic or emotional. Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of clingy and submissive behavior, and a fear of separation from others. While some of these may overlap with Angie's behavior, BPD is the most fitting diagnosis based on the information given.

Question 10

Sherry hates being by herself and makes every effort to keep people as emotionally close to her as possible.She has threatened to hurt herself when boyfriends have broken up with her.Sherry would most likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Sherry displays symptoms of borderline personality disorder, which includes fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and suicidal behavior. The other options do not fit her behavior as well.

Question 11

Which of the following personality disorders belong to the same group?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders belong to the same group of anxiety-related personality disorders. They are characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors, social withdrawal, and a need for control and perfectionism. The other choices do not share similar characteristics or themes.

Question 12

Section III of the DSM-5 describes an alternative model for personality disorders that focuses on the

Accepted Answer

Section III of the DSM-5 provides an alternative model for personality disorders called the Personality Trait Model, which proposes that personality disorders can be viewed as extreme expressions of common personality traits. This model emphasizes the dimensional nature of personality disorders rather than traditional categorical diagnoses.

Question 13

Ted did not feel bad after firing thousands of workers in his company.In his personal life, Ted seems unconcerned with the effects of his behavior on others.He regularly exploits others and engages in unlawful behaviors when it suits him.Ted would most likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Ted's lack of concern for the effects of his behavior on others, exploitation of others, and engagement in unlawful behaviors align with characteristics of antisocial personality disorder. The other options do not fit with the given information. Avoidant individuals have a fear of rejection, narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement, and borderline individuals struggle with emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Question 14

Sean's parents are concerned about his behavior.He has always been suspicious of people, but he has become increasingly guarded and socially isolated since moving out of his parents' home.He now shows very little emotion, but holds grudges about minor arguments.It is possible that Sean has a personality disorder in cluster .

Accepted Answer

Sean's symptoms align with Cluster A personality disorders, which are characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors. This includes being suspicious, socially isolated, and showing little emotion, which are indicative of disorders like Schizoid or Paranoid Personality Disorder.

Question 15

Antisocial personality disorder is listed as cluster , which includes behavior.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is part of cluster B, which includes dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior. This cluster also includes borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Question 16

Dr.Ko is assessing a patient for a personality disorder.The patient has trouble functioning because she is a perfectionist, she preoccupies herself with trivial details, and she is stiff in social interactions.As a result, she has few close friends and is easily hurt or embarrassed.Dr.Ko is likely to diagnose her with a disorder in cluster , which includes behavior.

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest a personality disorder in cluster C, which includes anxiety and fearfulness. More specifically, the patient exhibits traits consistent with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), which is characterized by perfectionism, preoccupation with details, rigidity, and difficulty with social interactions. OCPD is part of cluster C, which also includes avoidant and dependent personality disorders.

Question 17

Floyd has volatile relationships with close friends.Most people view Floyd as emotionally unstable, and he has threatened to commit suicide a number of times.Floyd would probably be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Floyd's volatile relationships and emotional instability, as well as his suicidal ideation, are common symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder involves a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy, which do not seem to be present in Floyd's description. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves perfectionism and rigidity, which are not mentioned in this description. Dependent personality disorder involves an excessive need for reassurance and dependence on others, which is also not mentioned in this description.

Question 18

Which personality disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights and feelings of others, a lack of empathy and remorse, and a tendency to engage in impulsive and often criminal behavior. People with this disorder may violate the law, exploit others for personal gain, and engage in deceitful or manipulative behavior without feeling guilty or concerned about the harm they are causing to others.

Question 19

A clear contributing factor to borderline personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

A history of violence or abuse has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of borderline personality disorder. Traumatic experiences can lead to patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms that manifest as borderline personality disorder symptoms.

Question 20

Which of the following behavioral characteristics distinguishes antisocial personality disorder from other personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for and violation of the rights of others. People with this disorder often exploit and manipulate others for their own gain without showing remorse or guilt. Weak sense of self and fear of being alone are characteristic of borderline personality disorder. Rapid mood shifts are characteristic of borderline and bipolar disorders. Chronic feelings of emptiness and self-mutilation are characteristic of borderline personality disorder.

Quiz 14: Psychological Disorders