Question 1

Anna has a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder on Axis I and a Histrionic personality disorder on Axis II. However, in her report, the term "premorbid" is typed after the diagnosis on Axis II. What does the term "premorbid" indicate?

Accepted Answer

The term "premorbid" in this context refers to the fact that Anna's Histrionic personality disorder existed before the onset of her anxiety disorder, suggesting that her anxiety symptoms may be related to or exacerbated by her underlying personality disorder.

Question 2

What is a limitation of the personality disorder diagnoses in DSM-IV?

Accepted Answer

The personality disorder diagnoses in DSM-IV have lower reliability than other diagnoses. This means that different clinicians may arrive at different diagnoses for the same patient, which can lead to inconsistencies in treatment and research.

Question 3

Which of the following contributes to low reliability in diagnosing personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

There is significant overlap in the behaviors that characterize different personality disorders, making it difficult to distinguish between them and reducing diagnostic reliability.

Question 4

A patient who cannot stand to be alone; exhibits intense, unstable moods and interpersonal relationships; and is chronically angry is most likely to receive the diagnosis of

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of intense fear of abandonment, unstable moods and relationships, and chronic anger are all common features of borderline personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder may involve fear of abandonment and difficulty being alone, but not the same level of mood instability and anger. Schizotypal personality disorder involves odd behaviors and beliefs, while narcissistic personality disorder involves grandiosity and lack of empathy.

Question 5

Which clinician would have the higher interrater reliability?

Accepted Answer

A clinician using a standardized interview has a higher chance of achieving interrater reliability because it ensures a consistent approach to gathering information, reducing potential variation in interpretations or assessments. The other options may be influenced by personal biases or may not provide a standardized measure for comparison.

Question 6

The theory that personality disorders are a form of vulnerability to symptom disorders suggests that a person with avoidant personality disorder may be at higher risk for

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. These traits make the person vulnerable to developing social phobia, which involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations. There is no clear evidence linking avoidant personality disorder to schizophrenia, alcohol abuse or bipolar disorder.

Question 7

What is the basis for identifying members of a category using the prototypal approach found in the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic system?

Accepted Answer

The prototypal approach in the DSM-IV-TR is based on the idea that members of a category will share some, but not necessarily all, of the same symptoms. Each category has a prototypical example that represents the most typical and essential features of the disorder, but individuals may still meet criteria for the disorder even if they do not exhibit every symptom.

Question 8

Diagnoses in the DSM-IV-TR system are made when a person shows a certain number of symptoms from a list of symptoms. What term is used to describe this approach to diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the approach to diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR system is prototypal, where diagnoses are based on matching a set of criteria to a prototype or typical presentation of the disorder. The other answer choices are not accurate descriptions of this approach.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a difficulty in deciding the appropriateness of an Axis II diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The difficulty in deciding the appropriateness of an Axis II diagnosis does not relate to the treatment options and approaches, as these can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. The other options listed (A, B, and C) all present challenges in distinguishing between normal and disordered behavior, and determining which Axis II category (if any) a person falls into.

Question 10

The three types of personality disorders are (1) anxious or fearful behavior; (2) dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior; and (3)

Accepted Answer

The three types of personality disorders are anxious or fearful behavior, dramatic, emotional or erratic behavior, and odd or eccentric behavior. Therefore, the best choice is B - odd or eccentric behavior.

Question 11

Which personality disorder is characterized by unwarranted feelings of suspiciousness, mistrust of other people, and hypersensitivity?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are characteristic of paranoid personality disorder.

Question 12

In which job would a person with schizoid personality disorder probably be most comfortable?

Accepted Answer

A person with schizoid personality disorder tends to prefer solitary activities and have difficulty forming close relationships or experiencing emotions, so a job that involves minimal social interaction and allows for independence, such as being a file clerk, would likely be the most comfortable for them. The other options involve more social interaction and may be more difficult for a person with schizoid personality disorder.

Question 13

Withdrawal from social contact is characteristic of

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal from social contact is a key feature of schizoid personality disorder, which is characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by a strong desire for attention and admiration from others, while antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others and a tendency to engage in criminal or impulsive behavior.

Question 14

Which personality disorder is Joan Didion describing when she uses the phrase "only marginally engaged in the dailiness of life" in her novel The White Album?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "only marginally engaged in the dailiness of life" suggests a disinterest or detachment from the activities and routines of daily life, which is a characteristic of individuals with schizoid personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.

Question 15

Why do people with schizoid personality disorder have few relationships?

Accepted Answer

People with schizoid personality disorder typically have few relationships because they are genuinely not interested in forming social connections with others, rather than due to manipulation, fear of rejection, or experiencing hallucinations and delusions.

Question 16

Which personality disorder is characterized by little interest in social relationships, poor social skills, a lack of humor, and seem detached from the environment?

Accepted Answer

The characteristics mentioned in the question are all indicative of schizoid personality disorder, which is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, detachment from others, and restricted emotional expression. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a need for attention and constant validation, borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in mood, behavior, and relationships, and narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by grandiosity and a lack of empathy for others.

Question 17

Why are people with schizoid personality disorder poor candidates for psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

People with schizoid personality disorder have limited interest in social relationships and are comfortable with their isolated lifestyle. Therefore, they may not seek or benefit from therapy that aims to improve interpersonal relationships.

Question 18

The staff of a mental health center is reviewing the diagnostic criteria for personality disorders. Schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders are causing them difficulty because they are so similar. In order to differentiate the two, they list symptoms that the disorders share and do not share. What symptoms will they have listed as occurring in schizotypal personality disorder but not schizoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, which can include oddities of speech, while schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships and emotional expression, but not necessarily oddities of speech. Therefore, C is the correct choice as it represents a symptom that occurs in schizotypal personality disorder but not in schizoid personality disorder.

Question 19

A 15-year-long longitudinal study suggests that schizotypal personality disorder may be a

Accepted Answer

The option D is the best choice as the longitudinal study suggests that schizotypal personality disorder could be a borderline between schizophrenia and health. Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd beliefs, behaviors, and speech patterns, which are similar to but less severe than those seen in schizophrenia. Therefore, it could be considered as a prodromal or milder form of schizophrenia. The study also suggests that individuals with schizotypal personality disorder may have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, further supporting the idea that it could be a borderline condition. Option A and B are incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the disorder is a learned behavior pattern or that it necessarily ends after childhood. Option C is also incorrect as schizotypal personality disorder is considered a distinct disorder from borderline personality disorder, although there may be some overlap in symptoms.

Question 20

A character in a play demonstrates odd beliefs, thinking, behavior, and appearance. However, there is no evidence of delusions or hallucinations. The professor of an English literature class knows you are a psychology major,
 so he asks you what the likely diagnosis might be. What will you answer?

Accepted Answer

The odd beliefs, thinking, behavior, and appearance suggest schizotypal personality disorder, which is characterized by eccentric behavior, odd beliefs or magical thinking, and unusual perceptual experiences, without the presence of full-blown delusions or hallucinations. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior and overly dramatic emotions, while paranoid personality disorder involves a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.

Quiz 10: Personality Disorders