Question 1

______ personality disorder is NOT characterized by coldness.

Accepted Answer

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior, but it is not associated with coldness. Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by distrust and suspiciousness, Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, and Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by peculiar behavior, odd beliefs, and social isolation.

Question 2

What is a defining feature that distinguishes antisocial personality disorder from psychopathy?

Accepted Answer

The defining feature that distinguishes antisocial personality disorder from psychopathy is that the criteria for antisocial personality disorder emphasize breaking societal rules with a focus on observable behaviors, whereas psychopathy has more of a focus on internal personality and lack of remorse.

Question 3

Characterized by odd beliefs and behaviors, individuals with ______ personality disorder have a tendency toward magical thinking.

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd beliefs or magical thinking, as well as social and interpersonal difficulties. This disorder is often seen as a milder form of schizophrenia, and individuals with this disorder may have belief in paranormal phenomena, unusual perceptual experiences, and odd speech patterns. The other options, narcissistic, borderline, and paranoid personality disorder, do not typically involve magical thinking as a main characteristic.

Question 4

The textbook suggests that the only personality disorder that is more nature than nurture is ______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Research has indicated that borderline personality disorder has a biological basis, including abnormal functioning of certain brain regions and neurotransmitters. While environmental factors such as childhood trauma can also play a role, the biological component is believed to be more significant in this disorder compared to others.

Question 5

______ personality disorder is closely related to psychopathy.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others and a lack of empathy. These individuals often engage in criminal or impulsive behavior, similar to those with psychopathy. While there is some overlap between the two disorders, psychopathy is typically seen as a more severe form of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 6

A person appears at your practice for treatment. The person describes a long-standing history of believing in omens and telepathy; reports having few friends; and shows odd, inappropriate affect, such as laughing when saying something serious. What personality disorder does this patient most likely have?

Accepted Answer

This patient's description most closely matches the criteria for schizotypal personality disorder, which includes a belief in magical thinking, odd beliefs or behavior, and social isolation. The inappropriate affective expression is also consistent with this disorder. The other options (schizoid, paranoid, and histrionic) do not fit all of the patient's symptoms as well.

Question 7

What is the primary difference between schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorders ?

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder is that individuals with schizotypal personality disorder have a better grasp on reality than those with schizophrenia. While both disorders involve a disconnection from reality and can have similar symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, individuals with schizotypal personality disorder tend to have milder symptoms and are able to maintain a stronger connection to reality. Additionally, individuals with schizotypal personality disorder often have eccentric behaviors and beliefs, while those with schizophrenia may exhibit more severe and disruptive symptoms.

Question 8

Thirteen-year-old David meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder. Because he is under 15, David is MOST likely to be diagnosed with ______.

Accepted Answer

Conduct disorder is the diagnosis for children and adolescents who display persistent patterns of behavior that violate societal norms and the rights of others. Antisocial personality disorder is the diagnosis for adults who display similar patterns of behavior. Therefore, a child who meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder would be diagnosed with conduct disorder.

Question 9

______ does NOT appear to be a risk factor for the development of personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ______ does NOT appear to be a...

Question 10

People with narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, or antisocial personality disorder may be described as ______.

Accepted Answer

People with narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, or antisocial personality disorder are often described as dramatic or emotional as they tend to have exaggerated and unpredictable emotions and behavior.

Question 11

Which of the following is characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety is a characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder. People with this disorder often feel anxious in social situations and may have difficulty forming close relationships. Superficial charm, impulsivity, and clinginess are not typically associated with this disorder.

Question 12

______ personality disorder is classed as a dramatic emotional personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. People with this disorder often exaggerate their achievements, expect to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements, and are preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited power, success, and brilliance. They may feel entitled and require constant attention and admiration from others.

Question 13

Antisocial personality disorder is to psychopathy as ______ is to ______.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Antisocial personality disorder refers to a pattern of behavior that involves violating the rights of others and disregarding societal norms, while psychopathy is a more severe and specific condition that includes traits such as lack of empathy, manipulation, and impulsivity. In terms of the given options, only C (external; internal) reflects the difference between the two conditions in terms of their outward behaviors (external) versus their internal emotional and personality traits (internal).

Question 14

Tim appears aloof and displays little emotion. He reports than he doesn't have any friendships because he does not enjoy being with other people. Based on this information, Tim might be diagnosed with ______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Tim's lack of interest in social relationships and emotional detachment fit the criteria for a diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder. Schizotypal and paranoid personality disorders involve symptoms such as paranoia, social anxiety, and unusual beliefs, whereas avoidant personality disorder involves a fear of rejection and a strong desire for social acceptance.

Question 15

The five-factor model uses a ______ approach to describe personality. Personality disorders are described using a ______.

Accepted Answer

The five-factor model uses a dimensional approach to describe personality, emphasizing a continuum of personality traits. In contrast, personality disorders are traditionally described using a categorical approach, classifying individuals into distinct disorder categories.

Question 16

With respect to the brain, both schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder show a(n) ______ in ______ matter.

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder are associated with a decrease in gray matter in the brain. This reduction is linked to the symptoms and cognitive deficits observed in these conditions.

Question 17

The interpersonal style of individuals with ______ personality disorder is often quarrelsome, stubborn, and rigid in their own beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with paranoid personality disorder tend to be suspicious and distrustful of others, which can lead to them being quarrelsome and rigid in their own beliefs. They may perceive others as a threat and may be quick to argue or become defensive in response to perceived criticism or rejection.

Question 18

Which choice is MOST likely a valid heritability estimate for a given personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates for personality disorders typically range around 40-60%, making 50% a reasonable estimate. This reflects the contribution of genetic factors to the variance in personality disorder traits among individuals in a population.

Question 19

Schizotypal PD was introduced to the DSM relatively recently. When was schizotypal PD introduced as a distinct disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal Personality Disorder was introduced as a distinct disorder in the DSM-III, which was published in 1980. Prior to this, its symptoms might have been classified under other categories.

Question 20

Michael reports concerns that other people are "out to get him." His coworkers describe him as contentious, obstinate, and inflexible in his beliefs. Based on this information, Michael may be diagnosed with ______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Michael's belief that others are "out to get him" is consistent with paranoid personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, making it difficult for individuals to form close relationships and engage in social situations. Michael's contentiousness, obstinance, and inflexibility may also be indicative of this disorder.

Quiz 14: Personality Disorders