Personality Disorders

What is the key difference between ego-dystonic and ego-syntonic disorders?

• Ego-dystonic disorders are more severe than ego-syntonic disorders.

• Individuals with ego-dystonic disorders are aware of their problem and distressed by it, while those with ego-syntonic disorders do not necessarily think they have a problem.

• Ego-syntonic disorders are easier to treat than ego-dystonic disorders.

• Ego-dystonic disorders primarily affect mood, while ego-syntonic disorders affect personality.

Which of the following best describes personality disorders?

• Temporary psychological conditions that cause mild social discomfort.

• Psychological disorders marked by flexible and adaptive behavior patterns.

• Psychological disorders characterized by inflexible, disruptive, and enduring behavior patterns that impair social and other functioning.

• Conditions that are always recognized by the sufferer as a problem.

Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by "dramatic," "emotional," or "impulsive" personality characteristics?

• Cluster A

• Cluster B

• Cluster C

• Cluster D

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is understood as a complicated set of learned behaviors and emotional responses to what kind of environments?

• Overly supportive and nurturing environments.

• Traumatic or neglectful environments, particularly in childhood.

• Highly structured and rigid environments.

• Environments with excessive social interaction.

What is a key characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

• A lack of conscience for wrongdoing.

• An intense fear of public speaking.

• A strong need for social approval.

• Difficulty with abstract thinking.

Which of the following behaviors is NOT typically an early sign of destructive behavior in childhood or adolescence for individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder?

• Excessive lying.

• Fighting.

• Stealing.

• Extreme shyness.

What brain activity difference was observed in convicted murderers compared to non-criminals in a PET scan study?

• Increased activity in the frontal lobe.

• Greatly reduced activity in the frontal lobe.

• Increased activity in the cerebellum.

• Reduced activity in the hippocampus.

What is the diagnostic precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder, often diagnosed in children at high risk?

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

• Conduct Disorder.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder.