Personality Disorders: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is a primary diagnostic criterion for Dependent Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive reliance and neediness on others

Answer

History of physical abuse in childhood

Answer

Preoccupation with orderliness and perfection

Question 2

Which personality disorder is defined by a consistent pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Treated primarily with medication

Answer

Inflexible personality traits

Answer

Stable over time

Answer

Cause significant impairment in functioning

Question 4

What is a key symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear of being alone

Answer

Exaggerated self-esteem

Answer

Lack of empathy

Answer

Repeated, unwanted thoughts and actions

Question 5

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive personality traits

Answer

Inflexible personality traits

Answer

Long-standing patterns of behavior

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Kind and considerate behavior

Answer

Over-inflated sense of self-importance

Answer

Constant need for admiration

Answer

Lack of empathy

Question 7

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by which traits?

Accepted Answer

Impulsive, emotional, and erratic behavior

Answer

Anxious, fearful, and withdrawn behavior

Answer

Compulsive, rigid, and perfectionistic behavior

Answer

Suspicious, paranoid, and aloof behavior

Question 8

What is the primary aim of therapy for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms and improve functionality

Answer

To completely cure the disorder

Answer

To alter the person's personality entirely

Answer

To focus solely on childhood experiences

Question 9

What is the primary distinction between antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy versus exaggerated self-esteem

Answer

Aggressive behavior versus grandiose fantasies

Answer

Paranoid delusions versus exhibitionistic behavior

Answer

Manipulative tactics versus passive-aggressive behavior

Question 10

The biopsychosocial model of personality disorders suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors interact in the development of disorders

Answer

Genetic factors solely determine the development of disorders

Answer

Early childhood experiences alone cause personality disorders

Answer

Personality disorders are untreatable

Question 11

Which personality disorder is characterized by intense abandonment fears and unstable relationships?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Schizoid personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Question 12

The prognosis for individuals with personality disorders:

Accepted Answer

Varies depending on the disorder and individual circumstances

Answer

Is generally favorable with appropriate treatment

Answer

Is uniformly poor, regardless of treatment

Answer

Cannot be predicted accurately

Question 13

Precisely define the key characteristic of personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

Inflexible and maladaptive personality traits

Answer

Chronic and unchanging over the lifespan

Answer

Treatable exclusively with medication

Answer

Exclusively caused by traumatic experiences

Question 14

Identify the personality disorder type characterized by unstable relationships and self-image.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Question 15

State the most likely cause of personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

A combination of genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Unknown factors

Question 16

Specify the therapy commonly employed in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 17

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Realistic self-appraisal

Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance

Answer

Empathy deficit

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Question 18

Which hallmark characteristic defines personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Fixed and maladaptive personality traits

Answer

Transient and reversible symptoms

Answer

Lack of significant distress or impairment

Answer

Solely caused by traumatic experiences

Question 19

In the DSM-5 classification system, which group of personality disorders is NOT recognized?

Accepted Answer

Cluster D: Somatic

Answer

Cluster A: Odd and eccentric

Answer

Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional, and erratic

Answer

Cluster C: Anxious and fearful

Question 20

Which personality disorder manifests with a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Question 21

How might an individual with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder react to an unexpected change in their routine?

Accepted Answer

Experience anxiety and distress

Answer

Remain calm and adaptable

Answer

Become aggressive and confrontational

Answer

Engage in excessive substance use

Question 22

What is the main goal of therapy for individuals with personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Improved functioning and reduced distress

Answer

Symptom elimination

Answer

Complete personality change

Answer

Medication compliance

Question 23

Which characteristic is associated with the histrionic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Excessive concern with details and order

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Answer

Difficulty forming close relationships

Question 24

How does the diagnosis of a personality disorder differ from other mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Requires a longer period of observation

Answer

Based on the presence of a single symptom

Answer

Made without considering the individual's history

Answer

Not applicable to individuals under 18 years of age

Question 25

Which of the following best describes the far-reaching impact of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Severe effects on all areas of life, including relationships, work, and well-being

Answer

Exclusively negative effects on personal relationships

Answer

No significant impact on work or overall well-being

Answer

Positive effects on work and relationships, but negative effects on overall well-being

Question 26

What is the commonly accepted etiology of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Unknown

Question 27

Which personality disorder involves extreme attention-seeking behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Question 28

Which is a risk factor linked to the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Combination of all

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Substance abuse

Question 29

Which personality disorder is characterized by suspicion and distrust?

Accepted Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer

Schizoid personality disorder

Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Question 30

How do genetic, environmental, and social factors interact in the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predispositions interact with environmental and social factors to influence the risk of developing a personality disorder.

Answer

Genes solely determine whether an individual will develop a personality disorder.

Answer

Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, are the only cause of personality disorders.

Answer

Social factors, like peer pressure and cultural norms, have no influence on personality disorder development.

Question 31

What is the primary goal of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce emotional dysregulation and improve interpersonal relationships

Answer

To alter maladaptive thought patterns and increase self-esteem

Answer

To enhance coping mechanisms for stressful situations.

Answer

To reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

Question 32

Which type of personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of grandiose behavior, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Question 33

What is the hypothesized cause of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors

Answer

Trauma and abuse in childhood

Answer

Neurological abnormalities

Answer

Social isolation and lack of support

Question 34

What is the goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To develop coping mechanisms for stressful situations

Answer

To improve communication and interpersonal skills

Answer

To reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

Question 35

Which personality disorder is characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder

Question 36

What is the role of genetics in the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Genetics play a significant role, but environmental factors also contribute.

Answer

Genetics have a minor influence on personality disorder development.

Answer

Personality disorders are primarily caused by environmental factors.

Answer

There is no evidence to suggest a genetic component to personality disorders.

Question 37

What is the main purpose of using early intervention strategies for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To stop the development of full-blown personality disorders

Answer

To reduce the intensity of symptoms over time

Answer

To improve social skills and relationships

Answer

To completely eliminate the need for future treatment

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a Cluster A personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Answer

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 39

Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive craving for attention and approval

Answer

Inability to form meaningful relationships

Answer

Prolonged periods of depression

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 40

True or False: Personality disorders are considered to exist on a continuum, with varying degrees of severity.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 41

What is a primary focus of therapy for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Changing maladaptive thought and behavior patterns

Answer

Eliminating personality traits

Answer

Providing medication that alters brain chemistry

Answer

Hospitalizing individuals with severe symptoms

Question 42

What is the focus of a strength-based approach to treating personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Building on an individual's strengths and resiliencies

Answer

Using a medication-only approach

Answer

Hospitalizing individuals to control their behavior

Answer

Providing primarily supportive therapy

Question 43

True or False: Personality disorders are generally considered to be easy to treat and have a high success rate.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 44

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive emotional expression and a need for attention

Answer

Chronic feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy

Answer

Rigid and inflexible thinking

Question 45

Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by odd and eccentric behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cluster A

Answer

Cluster B

Answer

Cluster C

Question 46

What is the primary defense mechanism used by individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal and avoidance

Answer

Projection

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Displacement

Question 47

Which personality disorder is associated with a pervasive pattern of recklessness and violation of the rights of others?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 48

Which therapeutic approach is specifically designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Client-centered Therapy

Question 49

Which of the following is a common symptom of Dependent Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive reliance on others to make decisions

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Persistent feelings of suspicion and distrust

Answer

Impaired reality testing

Question 50

Which of the following is considered a potential risk factor for developing a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

High intelligence

Answer

Positive social support

Question 51

What is the primary objective of CBT for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To modify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To enhance self-esteem

Answer

To resolve unconscious conflicts

Question 52

Which type of personality disorder is frequently misdiagnosed due to its diverse symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Bipolar Disorder

Answer

Depression