Question 1

What have family studies of the first-degree relatives of schizophrenic patients revealed about these individuals?

Accepted Answer

Family studies have shown that first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of individuals with schizophrenia have higher rates of schizotypal personality disorder than the general population. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with schizotypal personality disorder develop schizophrenia.

Question 2

__________ personality disorder has a relatively high recovery rate following early detection and therapy.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder has a higher potential for recovery compared to other personality disorders, especially if detected early and treated with therapy. With the help of cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, individuals with borderline personality disorder can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, it is essential to note that recovery may vary from person to person, and sustained efforts may be necessary to prevent relapses.

Question 3

__________ personality disorder in adulthood is predicted by conduct disorder in childhood.

Accepted Answer

The development of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood is strongly associated with a history of conduct disorder in childhood. Individuals with conduct disorder often exhibit behaviors such as aggression, impulsivity, and disregard for rules and the rights of others, which can carry over into adulthood and manifest as antisocial personality disorder. Avoidant, schizotypal, and narcissistic personality disorders are not necessarily linked to a history of conduct disorder in childhood.

Question 4

Based on a longitudinal study conducted by Robins,what was one factor that predicted which boys would receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

According to Robins' longitudinal study, a history of theft or aggressive behavior during childhood was a predictor of receiving a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood.

Question 5

Which personality disorders are associated with the poorest long-term prognosis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which personality disorders are associated with the...

Question 6

The realistic concerns of minority groups and recent immigrants about oppression could be misinterpreted and lead clinicians to make incorrect diagnoses of __________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The realistic concerns of minority groups and recent immigrants about oppression could lead clinicians to misinterpret them as paranoid personality disorder symptoms. Paranoia is a key feature of the disorder, characterized by unfounded suspicion and mistrust of others' motives. Minority groups and immigrants may have experienced oppression and discrimination, making their concerns about trust and suspicion well-founded. It is crucial for clinicians to consider cultural factors when assessing mental health symptoms and to avoid misinterpreting normal reactions to oppressive experiences as pathological symptoms.

Question 7

What did Cohen and colleagues find when they surveyed adolescents to study the prevalence of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cohen and colleagues found that fewer than half of the adolescents who originally met the diagnostic criteria for personality disorders still met the same criteria two years later, indicating that the prevalence of personality disorders may not be as high among adolescents as previously thought. Additionally, the study did not suggest that personality disorders were almost non-existent (A), that antisocial personality disorder was the most common (B), or that the criteria would lead to a diagnosis for almost every adolescent in the sample (D).

Question 8

A newspaper reporter is given the job of reporting on the survey of adolescents designed to determine the prevalence and stability of personality disorders.Which of the following would be the best headline for the reporter's story?

Accepted Answer

This headline accurately reflects the findings of the survey, which suggest that personality disorders among adolescents are more common than previously thought and may not necessarily be stable over time. Option A is incorrect as the survey found that personality disorders were not rare. Option C is also incorrect as the survey did not examine whether all adolescents meet the criteria for personality disorders. Option D is partially incorrect as the survey did find a link between stress and personality disorders but did not suggest that adolescence is a period of particularly high rates of personality disorders.

Question 9

You are reading for a part in a play.The description of the part describes the character as exhibiting a pervasive pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships,an unstable self-image,and repeated suicidal gestures.You conclude that this character would meet the criteria for __________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The description of the character fits the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder, which is characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, emotions, and behavior, as well as suicidal tendencies. Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by social detachment, while Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a need for reassurance and dependence on others. Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a disregard for the law and other people's rights.

Question 10

What impulse control disorder is defined by aggressive behaviors resulting in serious assaultive acts or destruction of property?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by recurrent, out-of-proportion episodes of aggressive behavior resulting in serious assaultive acts or destruction of property. Pyromania is characterized by a fascination with fire and the setting of fires for pleasure or relief, while kleptomania is characterized by the recurrent urge to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or their monetary value. Borderline personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by instability in mood, behavior, self-image, and interpersonal relationships, but not necessarily by aggressive behavior or destructive acts.

Question 11

Miguel feels pleasure and relief after deliberately setting a fire.Why would Miguel's behavior be considered impulsive,rather than compulsive?

Accepted Answer

Miguel's behavior is considered impulsive because the goal of impulsive behavior is to experience pleasure, which is what Miguel feels after setting the fire. Compulsive behavior, on the other hand, is characterized by a repetitive, irrational action that is performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome, rather than to experience pleasure.

Question 12

At a treatment planning conference,a psychologist is describing a new client who has been diagnosed with a personality disorder.The psychologist is emphasizing the ego-syntonic nature of the client's problems because

Accepted Answer

Ego-syntonic problems are those that the client perceives as normal and acceptable, making it difficult for them to see the need for treatment. This may result in reduced motivation for treatment and slower progress.

Question 13

Making cross-cultural comparisons to determine how rates of personality disorders might differ around the world is difficult because

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural comparisons of personality disorders are difficult because researchers from one culture may have biases or limited understanding of other cultures, leading to misinterpretation of differences that they find. This can make it difficult to make valid comparisons between cultures.

Question 14

In reference to borderline personality disorder,splitting is

Accepted Answer

Splitting is a symptom of borderline personality disorder where a person sees things or people as either all good or all bad, with no in-between or gray area. It can cause significant challenges in interpersonal relationships and decision-making.

Question 15

The definition of __________ personality disorder was heavily influenced by psychodynamic views about the origins of personality traits.

Accepted Answer

The definition of borderline personality disorder has been significantly influenced by psychodynamic theories, which focus on the psychological forces that underlie human behavior, feelings, and emotions and how they might relate to early experiences. This perspective has contributed to understanding the complex nature of borderline personality disorder, emphasizing the role of early relationships and emotional regulation.

Question 16

Repetitive behaviors can be described as either compulsive or impulsive,depending on whether the original goal was

Accepted Answer

Compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions taken to reduce anxiety or distress, while impulsive behaviors are actions taken on the spur of the moment to experience pleasure or avoid anxiety. Therefore, the original goal for compulsive behaviors is to avoid anxiety, while the original goal for impulsive behaviors is to experience pleasure or avoid anxiety in the moment. Therefore, D is the best answer as it accurately reflects the difference between these two types of behaviors.

Question 17

You are arguing with another student about whether personality disorders occur more frequently in women.Which of the following is the most accurate position to take?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that the overall prevalence of personality disorders is about equal across genders, with no significant differences in prevalence rates between men and women. However, there may be slight gender differences in the prevalence rates of some specific types of personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder being diagnosed more frequently in women compared to men.

Question 18

What is one of the problems in treating patients with personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Patients with personality disorders are known to have high drop-out rates from therapy. This could be due to their difficulty in forming a therapeutic alliance and their tendency to engage in self-sabotaging behaviors. It is important for therapists to address these issues and find ways to engage and retain their patients in therapy.

Question 19

What is DSM's position regarding the role of culture in the diagnosis of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

DSM acknowledges the role of culture in the diagnosis of personality disorders and states that cultural standards for appropriate behavior must be taken into account when making a diagnosis. This is reflected in the inclusion of a Cultural Formulation Interview in the DSM-5, which encourages clinicians to consider cultural factors that may impact the presentation and diagnosis of personality disorders.

Question 20

What did the term schizotypal originally mean?

Accepted Answer

The term schizotypal originally meant an abbreviation for schizophrenic phenotype, referring to a set of personality traits and characteristics that are associated with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia.

Quiz 9: Personality Disorders