Question 1

Jeremy has schizotypal personality disorder and also meets the criteria for another psychological disorder.What is that other disorder most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder often experience symptoms of major depressive disorder, making it a common comorbid condition.

Question 2

An individual presents for treatment and keeps talking about how gangsters are "out to get" him.Before diagnosing paranoid personality disorder, what must we determine?

Accepted Answer

In order to diagnose paranoid personality disorder, it is important to determine whether the individual's fears are justified or not. If they are not based in reality or are disproportionate to the situation, it may be a sign of the disorder. However, if there is a legitimate threat or danger present, then the individual may not meet the criteria for the disorder.

Question 3

It is possible that teaching children to "trust nobody" and to "be careful all of the time because people want to hurt you" may contribute to the development of a personality disorder.Which personality disorder would it be?

Accepted Answer

Teaching children to distrust others and to constantly be on guard can instill a sense of paranoia and suspicion, which can contribute to the development of paranoid personality disorder. The other options are less likely to be affected by this type of upbringing.

Question 4

According to Ogloff and colleagues, which trait is important in predicting the amount of effort and likelihood of improvement of criminals in therapy programs?

Accepted Answer

The trait that is important in predicting the amount of effort and likelihood of improvement of criminals in therapy programs is psychopathy.

Question 5

What is the key characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

The key characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is a failure to comply with social norms, which includes disregard for the rights of others, breaking laws, and reckless behavior. While criminal behavior at a young age and impulsivity may be associated with the disorder, they are not the defining characteristic. Selfishness is a common feature of many personality disorders but is not specific to antisocial personality disorder.

Question 6

Approximately 65 percent of individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder also have another disorder.What is the other disorder?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that approximately 65 percent of individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. In addition, many individuals with borderline personality disorder may also have other comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder. However, substance use disorder is the most common co-occurring disorder with borderline personality disorder.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a necessary condition for the diagnosis of a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

While subjective feelings of distress may be present in individuals with a personality disorder, it is not a necessary condition for diagnosis. The other three factors (maladaptive functioning, pervasive pattern of behavior, and chronic pattern) are commonly used in diagnosing a personality disorder.

Question 8

What is the most likely cause of schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder is believed to have strong biological underpinnings, including genetic predisposition and abnormalities in brain structure and function. While environmental factors may play a role, they are not considered the primary cause.

Question 9

Amy quickly becomes the centre of attention when she enters a room.She is a tall and attractive young woman who generally wears something striking.Amy is known as a flirt and acts in a seductive manner around men.When Amy speaks, she uses exaggerated terms, even when describing relatively ordinary situations.What is Amy's most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Amy's behavior fits the criteria for histrionic personality disorder, which is characterized by attention-seeking behavior, exaggerated emotions, seductiveness, and a desire to be the center of attention. The use of exaggerated terms is also a common trait in individuals with histrionic personality disorder.

Question 10

How effective is the treatment of avoidant personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

While there are no known cures for avoidant personality disorder, studies have shown that behavioural intervention programs for anxiety and social skills have had some success in treating symptoms of this disorder. However, it is important to note that individuals with avoidant personality disorder may be less motivated to seek or succeed in treatment, which can impact the effectiveness of treatment overall.

Question 11

Shauna shows excessive emotionality; has an excessive need for praise, reassurance, and approval; and constantly needs to be the centre of attention.Which personality disorder does Shauna most likely have?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described best match those of histrionic personality disorder, which is characterized by excessive emotionality, attention-seeking behavior, and a need for constant reassurance and approval from others. Narcissistic personality disorder is also a possibility, but individuals with this disorder tend to have more grandiose beliefs about their own abilities and importance. Dependent personality disorder and borderline personality disorder may involve some of these symptoms but have additional distinct features.

Question 12

When asked about their childhood, how do individuals diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder tend to remember their parents?

Accepted Answer

Individuals diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder tend to remember their parents as rejecting, which may contribute to their fear of rejection and negative self-image.

Question 13

Some researchers believe that personality disorders are extreme versions of otherwise typical personality variations.Through which model do these people personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

The dimensional model suggests that personality disorders exist on a continuum and are extreme versions of otherwise typical personality variations. This model recognizes that many aspects of personality are present in varying degrees in everyone, rather than segregating individuals into rigid categorical classifications as in the categorical model. The functioning model focuses on how well an individual can function in their day-to-day life and does not necessarily consider the extreme nature of personality disorders. The biological model emphasizes biological contributions to personality disorders, but does not address whether or not they are extreme versions of typical personality variations.

Question 14

In which of the following examples is a subtle but important difference between the unusual perceptual experiences associated with schizotypal personality disorder versus schizophrenia apparent?

Accepted Answer

The key difference highlighted in option B is the nature of the perceptual experiences. In schizotypal personality disorder, individuals may have odd beliefs or magical thinking, such as sensing an unseen presence, but they do not typically have the fixed, false beliefs (delusions) or the vivid, detailed hallucinations seen in schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, the belief in the presence of others, even when there is no one, can be more intense and is often accompanied by detailed hallucinations or delusions.

Question 15

What is the relationship between childhood sexual and physical abuse and borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

While there is a correlation between childhood sexual and physical abuse and borderline personality disorder, it is not a necessary or sufficient factor in the development of the disorder. Other factors, such as genetic and environmental factors, may also play a role.

Question 16

Jane and Katelyn both have personality disorders that are part of the DSM-5 Cluster B.Although the women have been diagnosed with different personality disorders, what characteristics do they most likely have in common?

Accepted Answer

Cluster B personality disorders include antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic. While each disorder has its unique features, they all share elevated levels of impulsivity as a common trait.

Question 17

Theo is a loner.He walks to class by himself, does not talk to anyone, and appears indifferent to other people.It is clear that Theo neither desires nor enjoys closeness with others.He does not act in any obviously unusual ways nor does he appear to possess strange beliefs about the world.Which personality disorder does Theo most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Theo exhibits characteristics of schizoid personality disorder, which is characterized by social detachment, limited emotional expression, and a lack of interest in close relationships. He does not show any signs of unusual beliefs or odd behavior, which is often seen in individuals with schizotypal personality disorder. Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a fear of rejection or criticism, while antisocial personality disorder involves disregard for the rights of others and a lack of empathy.

Question 18

Jamie keeps to himself because he is anxious and fearful of rejection.Which personality disorder is he most likely to be diagnosed with?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with avoidant personality disorder are fearful of rejection, criticism, and disapproval, and often avoid social and occupational situations to prevent such experiences. This is consistent with Jamie's behavior of keeping to himself. The other disorders listed (antisocial, schizoid, dependent) do not fit the description of Jamie's behavior as closely.

Question 19

Steven loves to brag.While he is not overly dramatic or flirtatious, he enjoys being the centre of attention.He is self-absorbed and lacks empathy for others.He is successful in his career and very proud of his accomplishments.Steven just wishes others would appreciate how wonderful he thinks he is.He is preoccupied with fantasies of future success and power.Which personality disorder does Steven most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Steven exhibits all the characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, including a grandiose sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, preoccupation with fantasies of success, and a need for admiration from others.

Question 20

Why might labelling childhood trauma as a cause of borderline personality disorder be too simplistic an explanation?

Accepted Answer

While childhood trauma can contribute to the development of borderline personality disorder, it is too simplistic to label it as the sole cause. There are many other factors that may contribute to the development of the disorder, including genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Additionally, not everyone who experiences childhood trauma will develop borderline personality disorder.

Quiz 13: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders