personality disorder - have certain traits that are so
inflexible and
maladaptive that they are unable
to perform
adequately at least some of
the varied roles
expected of them by
their society
- pattern of behavior must be
pervasive and inflexible, as well as
stable and of long duration.
- cause either clinically significant
distress or impairment in
functioning and be manifested
in at least two of the following
areas: cognition,
affectivity, interpersonal functioning,
or impulse control
- largely from the gradual
development of inflexible and
distorted personality and behavioral
patterns that result in persistently
maladaptive ways of perceiving,
thinking about, and relating to the
world
Antisocial Personality Disorder - results in
extreme and often
unethical “acting out” against
society
THREE CLUSTERS OF personality disorder
1. Cluster A: Includes paranoid, schizoid, and
schizotypal personality
disorders
- they seem odd or eccentric, with
unusual behavior ranging from distrust and
suspiciousness to social detachment.
2. Cluster B: Includes histrionic, narcissistic,
antisocial,
and borderline
personality disorders.
- they share a tendency to be dramatic,
emotional, and erratic.
3. Cluster C: Includes avoidant, dependent, and OC
- they often show anxiety and fearfulness.
epidemiological study - comprehensively
examining all
the pers
onality disorders
Cluster A Personality Disorders
*Paranoid Personality Disorder - pervasive
suspiciousness
and distr
ust of others, leading
to
numerous interpersonal difficulties
- see themselves as blameless, instead blaming others
for their own mistakes and failures—even to the point
of ascribing evil motives to others
- chronically tense and “on guard,” constantly
expecting trickery and looking for clues to validate
their expectations while disregarding all evidence to
the contrary.
- often preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty of
friends and hence are reluctant to confide in others
- bear grudges, refuse to forgive perceived insults and
slights, and are quick to react with anger and
sometimes violent behavior
Causal Factors of PPD
~genetic liability to paranoid personality disorder
itself that may occur through the heritability of high
levels of antagonism (low agreeableness) and
neuroticism (angry-hostility)
~parental neglect or abuse and exposure to violent
adults
*Schizoid Personality Disorder - unable to form
social relationships
and usually lack much interest in
doing so
- tend not to have good
friends, with the possible
exception of a close relative
- unable to express their
feelings and are seen by others
as cold and distant
