Abnormal Psychology Chapter 15: Personality Disorders

An enduring, rigid pattern of inner experience and outward behavior that repeatedly impairs a person’s sense of self, emotional experiences, goals, capacity for empathy, and/or capacity for intimacy.

A personality disorder marked by a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness of others.

A personality disorder featuring persistent avoidance of social relationships and little expression of emotion.

A personality disorder characterized by extreme discomfort in close relationships, very odd patterns of thinking and perceiving, and behavioral eccentricities.

A personality disorder marked by a general pattern of disregard for and violation of other people’s rights.

A personality disorder characterized by repeated instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and mood and by impulsive behavior.

The capacity to understand one’s own mental states and those of other people.

A comprehensive treatment approach, applied in cases of borderline personality disorder, suicidal intent, and/or other psychological problems; includes both individual sessions and group sessions.

A personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking. Once called hysterical personality disorder.

A personality disorder marked by a broad pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

A personality disorder characterized by consistent discomfort and restraint in social situations, overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, and extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation.

A personality disorder characterized by a pattern of clinging and obedience, fear of separation, and an ongoing need to be taken care of.

A personality disorder marked by such an intense focus on orderliness, perfectionism, and control that the person loses flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

A personality disorder undergoing study for possible inclusion in the DSM. People would receive this diagnosis if they had significant impairment in functioning as a result of one or more very problematic traits.