...Avoidant Personality Disorder From the moment a person is born, his or her personality begins to take shape. In infancy, childhood, and later adolescence, the individual explores a multitude of behaviors. Of all the behaviors, or personalities, the person experiences, one of them will stick with them until the day they die. Unfortunately, each specific personality also contain a personality disorder. Personality disorders can result in anxiety attacks, depression, and to a certain level, suicide. One of the most unique personality disorders is the Avoidant Personality Disorder. The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) describes Avoidant Personality Disorder as: a persuasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early childhood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following traits: 1.) avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection 2.) is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked 3.) shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed 4.) is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations 5.) is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy 6.) views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others 7.) is usually reluctant to...
Words: 1148 - Pages: 5
...Personality Disorders Overview In order to understand disorders of personality is it necessary to have a clear understanding of what personality actually means. Every single person in the world has a unique personality different than everyone else. Our personalities are thought of as the way we act, think, believe, and feel that makes us different from each other (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2011). Personalities vary from person to person, and we all exhibit an intense, life long, pattern of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings known as traits. Personality traits are said to be stable throughout our life’s and the situations we are faced with in life. Personality traits can range from happy and outgoing to miserable, lonely, unstable, and unreliable. When personality becomes disruptive, and interferes with life in areas of social and occupational functions they are said to be a personality disorder (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2011). Persons with personality disorders have difficulty in their identities, pursuits in life, and relationships. Important to add at this point is the most common theories of personality disorders. One theory of personality is known as the five factor model (the Big 5). This theory uses five dimensions or factors with negative and positive opposites on a continuum to explain personality disorders from functional to dysfunctional. The Big 5 factors are negative emotionally, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (Nolen-Hoeksema...
Words: 3154 - Pages: 13
...Personality Disorder Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect how people manage their feelings and how they relate to other people. Disturbances of feeling and distorted beliefs about other people can lead to odd behavior, which can be distressing and which other people may find upsetting. The main symptoms are: being overwhelmed by negative feelings such as distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger avoiding other people and feeling empty and emotionally disconnected difficulty managing negative feelings without self-harming (for example, abusing drugs and alcohol or taking overdoses) or, in rare cases,threatening other people odd behavior difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships,especially with partners, children and professional cares. sometimes, periods of losing contact with reality Symptoms typically get worse with stress. People with personality disorders often have other mental health conditions, especially depression and substance misuse. Personality disorders typically start in adolescence and continue into adulthood. They may be mild, moderate or severe, and people may have periods of 'remission' where they can function well. Personality disorders are caused by a combination of genetic reasons and experiences of distress or fear during childhood, such as neglect or abuse. 1 Types of Personality Disorder The different types of personality disorder that might need treatment can be broadly grouped into one of...
Words: 2712 - Pages: 11
...consideration the important and central relationship that I share with my son, XXXXX. I will discuss the disorder, traits and symptoms that best fit each of us independently. I will analyze and reflect on why these traits and symptoms lend themselves to a mostly good, positive, and harmonious relationship that we share. My relationship with my son wasn’t always harmonious. When he was six years old I got sent to Federal Prison for eight years. I committed two bank robberies in Manhattan as a direct result of being a drug addict. I used drugs most of my life, from the age of 12, starting with marijuana. However, at the age of 31, after being stabbed five times, I started using heroin. I used it to relieve the pain... I ended up doing seven years and two months in federal prison. Prior to this incarceration I was an everyday part of my son’s life. We lived together. I took him to, and picked him up from school. We played together, ate together, sometimes even slept together. When I was sent to prison I tried my best to maintain a relationship with him via the mail and telephone calls. We did not get to see each other during this time. My son was thirteen when I was released. It was not easy getting back my relationship with him. Rather, creating a new, honest, supportive, and loving relationship with him. I have many psychological and personality disorders. As a child I suffered physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. I am diagnosed as suffering PTSD, and...
Words: 1594 - Pages: 7
...Dependent Personality Disorder Elsie Carrasquillo CRJ 308 Psychology of Criminal Behavior Instructor Kristin Mauldin 23 July 2013 Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is “characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation” (DeLisi, 2013.) In other words, Dependent Personality Disorder is when a person is very dependent on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. It usually begins with a caregiver as a child but it does not fully develop until early adulthood. There are some symptoms such as a solitary environment as well as seeking approval of others. The actual cause of Dependent Personality Disorder is not known. Some suppose that it can be due to biological and developmental factors but nothing has been actually confirmed. Studies are ongoing to see the causes of Depend Personality Disorder. It is a common diagnosed disorder which affects men as well as women equally. The Dependent Personality Disorder begins in childhood but it is not diagnosed until early to middle adulthood. The main reason why it is not diagnosed at childhood is because a child is not fully developed. Psychological and environmental experiences that surrounds a child, influences their Dependent Personality Disorder. A child’s primary caregiver has a major impact on a child’s development. Children see and learn from their primary caregiver and try to imitate them. “Some researchers believe an...
Words: 992 - Pages: 4
...RUNNING HEAD: Personality Disorders: Making a Diagnosis Personality Disorders: Making a Diagnosis Anya Dobbs Walden University September 27, 2015 Given the stigma and often-times lifelong courses of mental disorders, I would like to have more time and information from this patient in order to make a definitive diagnosis, but based on the information I have, I would likely diagnose him with Schizoid Personality Disorder, 302.01. “Schizoid personality disorder is a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression” (APA, 2013, p. 645). The patient in question displays almost every symptom that is characteristic of the disorder, based on the information he has provided. Criterion A states the patient must display at least four of seven symptoms displaying “a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of context” (APA, 2013, P. 652). Based on what the patient provided, his symptoms did begin by early adulthood as he mentioned his behaviors while in college and they are present in a variety of context- school, work, personal, and familial areas of his life. Five out of seven of the criterion symptoms apply to the patient: Criterion A1 states, “Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being a part of the family” (APA, 2013, p. 653). The patient expressed how he came to see the therapist...
Words: 696 - Pages: 3
...Antisocial personality disorder From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Not to be confused with Asociality, Antisocial behavior, Avoidant personality disorder, or Schizoid personality disorder. "ASPD" redirects here. For the sleep disorder, see Advanced sleep phase disorder. For the former trade union, see Amalgamated Society of Painters and Decorators. Antisocial personality disorder Classification and external resources ICD-10 F60.2 ICD-9 301.7 MedlinePlus 000921 Patient UK Antisocial personality disorder MeSH D000987 Personality disorders Cluster A (odd) Paranoid Schizoid Schizotypal Cluster B (dramatic) Antisocial Borderline Histrionic Narcissistic Cluster C (anxious) Avoidant Dependent Obsessive–compulsive Not specified Depressive Passive-aggressive Sadistic Self-defeating Psychopathy v t e Antisocial (or dissocial) personality disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy or remorse and a pervasive pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. There may be an impoverished moral sense or conscience and a history of crime, legal problems, and impulsive and aggressive behavior. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is the name of the disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Dissocial personality disorder is the name of a similar or equivalent concept defined in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), where it states that the diagnosis includes antisocial...
Words: 3279 - Pages: 14
...Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis, criteria, symptoms Personality disorders are estimated to affect about ten to twenty percent of the general population (Sadock & Sadock 2007). Individuals with borderline personality disorders fall under the category of Cluster B personality disorders, which are characterized by dramatic, impulsive, and erratic features, which include narcissistic, antisocial, borderline, and dramatic personality disorders. (Sadock & Sadock 2007) According to the DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic for Borderline Personality Disorder, the criteria for Borderline Personality is “A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. 1.Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by 3. alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation 4. identity disturbance, markedly and persistently unstable self image or sense of self 5. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging 6. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self mutilating...
Words: 1390 - Pages: 6
...Avoidant Personality Disorder Avoidant personality disorder is a subtype of the anxious personality disorders. It is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, sensitivity to negative evaluation and irrational fear of social relationships, as well as depression and anxiety. Many individuals with avoidant personality disorder have an inner world of fantasy and pretend relationships. “They are so fearful of being rejected that they give no one an opportunity to reject them—or accept them” (Comer, 416). Avoidant personality disorder can have a physical effect on the body system. A patient may experience headaches, indigestion, constipation, appetite disturbances, and sleep disturbances. From a biochemical perspective, a patient may have low norepinephrine...
Words: 696 - Pages: 3
...Running Head: HISTRIONIC PERSONALITY DISORDER Histrionic Personality Disorder Abstract This paper describes the characteristics, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of an individual with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). These individuals display a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but it has been linked to learned and inherited behavior. Diagnosing HPD can be difficult because it is similar to other personality disorders. Part of the focus of treatment is to help the individual uncover the motivations and fears associated with their thoughts and behavior. Histrionic Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is a type of personality disorder in which the affected individual displays a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts (Benjamin, 2003, p. 168). People with this disorder have intense, unstable emotions and distorted self images. Their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and does not arise from a true feeling of self worth. They also have an overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave dramatically or inappropriately...
Words: 1690 - Pages: 7
...Essential features of narcissistic personality disorder Name: University: Introduction Narcissistic personality disorder is among the various types of personality disorders exhibited by human beings. Narcissistic personality disorder prevents an individual from recognizing the damage they cause to themselves or to others. People suffering from this type of disorder display weird characteristics, for instance, they expect to be treated as superiors in all spheres of life and to be given the first priority always. This type of disorder is characterized by factors such as grandiose, uniqueness and self-importance among others. Self-importance Self-importance is among the major characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. People experiencing this type of disorder demand excessive admiration and attention. Actually, they always want to be noticed in everything they participate including meetings and social gathering. There are various symptoms displayed by people with narcissistic personality disorder and they include; the expectations of being recognized as special and superior, admiration of other people and the believe that other people envy them, expectation of unrealistic treatment, taking advantage of others to accomplish personal goals among others. Generally, people with this type of personality disorder are self-centered and care less about the effects of their actions to others. In essence, they have a tendency to be lavish in the way they present themselves...
Words: 594 - Pages: 3
...TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER Antisocial Personality Disorder: Also referred to as sociopathy or psychopathy interventions for people with antisocial personality disorder are poorly researched and direct evidence on the treatment of this population is scarce (British Psychological Society; 2010). it is also hard to assess how effective the available treatments are in dealing with APD’s symptoms. Antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. People with the disorder rarely seek treatment on their own. Treatment is usually by force for eg. when required to by a court, the threat of termination of employment, impending divorce etc. (Grossmann, 2004 pg. 182). Treatment Even when diagnosed it can be difficult to treat the disorder. This is largely because by definition people with the disorder do not care that they are causing pains and problems, “they are possessed of an absent or defective conscience, restraints must usually be provided by external forces” (Grossman et al. 2004 pg. 182). Incarceration/criminal justice system: Sometimes hospitalization in a mental facility or incarceration during the most active criminal periods in a prison facility are necessary treatment steps. The majority of individuals receiving interventions for APD and associated problems will be in the criminal justice system – with the intervention provided by the probation or prison services. The aim being to reduce the offending...
Words: 1183 - Pages: 5
...Literature Review Homework #3 1. What factors affect facial expression sensitivity in patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder? 2. The keywords that I used to search for articles on this topic were BPD and facial expression sensitivity, BPD and facial recognition in adolescence. 3. On PubMed, I searched using the keywords BPD and facial expression sensitivity and the search returned 21 results. On PsychNet, I searched using the keywords of BPD facial expression sensitivity and the search only returned 4 results. I also searched on Google Scholar with the search terms of BPD and facial recognition in adolescence and it returned 18,700 results. 4. Article #1 Citation: Daros, A. R., Uliaszek, A. A., & Ruocco, A. C. (2014). Perceptual biases in facial emotion recognition in borderline personality disorder. Personality...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
... Histrionic Personality Disorder This paper describes the characteristics, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of an individual with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). These individuals display a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but it has been linked to learned and inherited behavior. Diagnosing HPD can be difficult because it is similar to other personality disorders. Part of the focus of treatment is to help the individual uncover the motivations and fears associated with their thoughts and behavior. Histrionic Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is a type of personality disorder in which the affected individual displays a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts (Benjamin, 2003, p. 168). People with this disorder have intense, unstable emotions and distorted self-images. Their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and does not arise from a true feeling of self-worth. They also have an overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention. The term histrionic personality achieved recognition as an official classification for the first time in the formal...
Words: 560 - Pages: 3
...1: MENTAL DISORDERS AND CRIME 1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL DISORDER A mental disorder is depicted as a significant behavioral or psychological pattern, which leads to distress or impairment in important areas of functioning or a higher risk of suffering from pain, disability, loss of freedom and death (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Mental disorder affects a person’s mood, thinking and also behavior. The general types of mental disorders include mood disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders. 2.0 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL DISORDERS These signs may include the feelings of excessive anxiety, intense fear, odd speech or thinking patterns, marked changes in behavior and mood, withdrawal from social interaction and the lost of interest in activities that are normally enjoyed. 3.0 THE LINK BETWEEN MENTAL DISORDERS AND CRIME Personally, I think that there is a positive correlation between mental disorders and crime. However, not all individuals with mental disorders are certain to commit crime. The possibility of crime being committed by these individuals may depend on external factors which trigger their biological predisposition to violate the rights of others. In the following discussion, I have included several studies which stated that mental disorders may lead to crime. 3.1 SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION & AGGRESSION Results from a study have shown that individuals with psychotic disorders were responsible...
Words: 1948 - Pages: 8
