Personality Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

Which personality disorder cluster is characterized by intense and unpredictable behaviors, often accompanied by emotional instability?

Accepted Answer

Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, and Unpredictable Behaviors

Answer

Cluster A: Eccentric and Odd Behaviors

Answer

Cluster C: Anxious and Avoidant Behaviors

Question 2

Which individual is most likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

Accepted Answer

John, a 30-year-old with a history of arrests for fraud and theft.

Answer

Mary, a 25-year-old who experiences social anxiety.

Answer

Bob, a 55-year-old who is organized and meticulous in his work.

Answer

Sarah, a 15-year-old who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Question 3

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Disinterest in forming close relationships

Answer

Intense and unstable relationships

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Answer

Impulsive and thrill-seeking behavior

Question 4

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Frequent reliance on magical thinking and unusual beliefs in decision-making

Answer

Rapid and extreme changes in relationships, alternating between idealization and devaluation

Answer

Persistent thoughts of suicide and repeated self-harm

Answer

Excessive need for admiration and attention, leading to manipulative behaviors and inflated self-worth

Question 5

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of social situations due to fear of criticism

Answer

Chronic mistrust of others without sufficient reason

Answer

Belief in a conspiracy or threat against oneself

Answer

Need for constant reassurance and sensitivity to criticism

Question 6

People with Borderline Personality Disorder often experience intense fear of what?

Accepted Answer

Abandonment

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Lack of empathy

Answer

Orderliness and symmetry

Question 7

Which symptom is characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon or eccentric beliefs, such as magical thinking

Answer

Excessive submissiveness and lack of assertiveness

Answer

Persistent feelings of worthlessness and excessive self-criticism

Answer

Impulsivity, emotional instability, and self-destructive behaviors

Question 8

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Paranoid Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent suspicion and distrust of others, believing their intentions are harmful.

Answer

Excessive fear of being harmed or taken advantage of.

Answer

Unwarranted jealousy, leading to anger and hostility.

Answer

Lack of empathy and tendency to exploit others.

Question 9

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a key characteristic of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Limited emotional expression and social detachment

Answer

Excessive self-importance and lack of empathy

Answer

Impulsive behavior and aggression

Answer

Social anxiety and avoidance

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Paranoid Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity and a sense of entitlement

Answer

Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others

Answer

Hypersensitivity to perceived slights or insults

Answer

Reluctance to confide in others due to fear of being betrayed or harmed

Question 11

Which symptom is not characteristic of Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Inflated self-esteem

Answer

Intense social anxiety and fear

Answer

Extreme sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Challenges forming and maintaining close relationships

Question 12

Which of the following is a key characteristic of paranoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of unwarranted suspicion and mistrust of others, leading to feelings of persecution or hostility.

Answer

A pattern of impulsive and reckless behavior, often leading to legal or interpersonal problems.

Answer

A fear of abandonment or rejection, leading to clingy or dependent behavior.

Answer

A pattern of perfectionism and orderliness, leading to extreme rigidity and control.

Question 13

According to the DSM-5, which symptom is a defining characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Beliefs in telepathy, clairvoyance, or other paranormal phenomena

Answer

Rapid mood shifts and impulsive behavior

Answer

Excessive worry and physical ailments

Answer

Suicidal ideation or attempts

Question 14

What is a key symptom of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive attention-seeking and emotional over-expression

Answer

Anxiety and avoidance of social situations

Answer

Lack of empathy and remorselessness

Answer

Obsessive adherence to rules and rituals

Question 15

Which personality disorder, characterized by intense fear of harm or exploitation leading to social withdrawal, is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Question 16

What is a common symptom of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A persistent sense of distrust and suspicion towards others, believing they are trying to harm or deceive them.

Answer

A pattern of impulsive and risky behaviors, without regard for personal safety or consequences.

Answer

A pervasive lack of interest in forming close relationships or engaging in social activities.

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, accompanied by changes in sleep and appetite.

Question 17

Which characteristic is a hallmark of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Odd beliefs or magical thinking

Answer

Extreme sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Recurrent episodes of mania and depression

Question 18

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

A persistent pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy

Answer

A history of childhood trauma and neglect

Answer

Recurring episodes of major depression

Answer

Difficulty forming and maintaining stable relationships

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of paranoid personality disorder, characterized by intense distrust and suspicion of others?

Accepted Answer

Excessive sharing of personal information

Answer

Extreme sensitivity to criticism or rejection

Answer

Frequent feelings of being watched or followed

Answer

Social withdrawal and isolation

Question 20

Which of the following is a central symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control in daily activities.

Answer

Difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors, leading to risky actions.

Answer

Emotional outbursts and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.

Answer

A lack of empathy and remorse, resulting in manipulative behaviors.

Question 21

Which symptom is characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unusual sensory experiences, like illusions or hallucinations

Answer

Excessive anxiety in social situations

Answer

Inflated sense of self-worth

Answer

Repetitive behaviors or rituals

Question 22

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Limited emotional expression and reduced enjoyment in activities

Answer

Excessive daydreaming and belief in supernatural abilities

Answer

Impulsive and reckless behavior

Answer

Absence of empathy and remorse

Question 23

Which of the following is a common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), characterized by an excessive focus on rules and routines?

Accepted Answer

Excessive perfectionism and meticulous attention to detail

Answer

Unrealistic sense of entitlement and grandiosity

Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness and worthlessness

Answer

Intense fear of criticism and rejection

Question 24

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is characterized by excessive perfectionism and a strong need for orderliness. Which of the following is another symptom that supports this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hoarding

Answer

Repeated unnecessary questioning

Answer

Grandiose and entitled behavior

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Question 25

What symptom uniquely characterizes Schizotypal Personality Disorder, setting it apart from other Cluster A personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Unusual beliefs or magical thinking

Answer

Suspiciousness

Answer

Social withdrawal

Answer

Inflated self-importance

Question 26

Which of the following is a core feature of Dependent Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

A constant and excessive need for reassurance

Answer

A disregard for consequences and others' rights

Answer

Extreme social inhibition and low self-esteem

Answer

A grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for admiration

Question 27

Which symptom is characteristic of paranoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intense suspicion of others' malicious intent

Answer

Excessive trust and gullibility

Answer

Emotional detachment and aloofness

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Question 28

Which trait is a defining characteristic of individuals with Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions or showing empathy

Answer

Intense and unstable relationships

Answer

A grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Excessive worry and fear of being criticized or rejected

Question 29

Which symptom characterizes obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive need for order and symmetry

Answer

Extreme impulsivity and risk-taking

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Question 30

What distinctive trait sets Schizotypal Personality Disorder apart from other personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Unconventional beliefs or magical thinking that guides actions

Answer

Extreme anxiety in social situations

Answer

Inflated sense of self-worth

Answer

Unpredictable and intense relationships

Question 31

Which symptom is a hallmark of Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme discomfort in social situations

Answer

Impulsivity and sensation seeking

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Answer

Inability to control aggressive impulses

Question 32

Which of the following is a key diagnostic feature of Paranoid Personality Disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Deep-seated distrust and suspicion of others, even without evidence to justify their concerns.

Answer

Excessive feelings of self-importance and a constant need for admiration.

Answer

Intense fear of being abandoned and unstable relationships.

Answer

Excessive preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control.

Question 33

Which diagnostic criterion is essential for Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of disregarding and violating others' rights

Answer

Intense fear of being abandoned

Answer

Excessive need for attention and approval

Question 34

According to the DSM-5, what is a defining characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly violating the rights of others

Answer

Avoiding social interactions

Answer

Being overly organized and perfectionistic

Answer

Having unstable relationships

Question 35

What is the primary symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

Strict adherence to order, perfectionism, and control

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions due to extreme fear

Answer

Impulsive and risky behaviors

Question 36

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Belief that others are trying to harm or deceive them

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Answer

Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions

Question 37

What is a defining symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

Unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer

Excessive worry and nervousness

Answer

Mood swings and self-harm

Answer

Feelings of self-importance and entitlement

Question 38

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of paranoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Pervasive mistrust and suspicion, interpreting others' actions as hostile or threatening without justification

Answer

Excessive trust and naivety

Answer

Meticulousness and perfectionism

Question 39

Which symptom is not commonly observed in Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement

Answer

Emotional instability and sudden mood shifts

Answer

Extreme fear of being abandoned or rejected

Answer

Impulsive and reckless actions, including self-harm

Question 40

What is a distinctive behavioral pattern displayed by individuals diagnosed with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A consistent pattern of attention-seeking and exaggerated emotional expression

Answer

An obsession with organization and perfectionism

Answer

A deficiency in genuine intimacy and a tendency to idealize others

Question 41

Which behavior is a key diagnostic feature of Antisocial Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Repeated violation of others' rights, including lying, stealing, or physical aggression

Answer

Excessive fear of harm or exploitation, resulting in social isolation

Answer

Intense feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, leading to social withdrawal

Question 42

Which symptom is a key characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder, distinguishing it from other related conditions?

Accepted Answer

Fear of abandonment

Answer

Preoccupation with thoughts of reference

Answer

Grandiosity and sense of entitlement

Question 43

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of Avoidant Personality Disorder, according to its diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

Excessive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism

Answer

Suspiciousness and mistrust, even without evidence

Answer

Perfectionism and excessive orderliness

Answer

Grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy

Question 44

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Persistent feelings of emptiness

Answer

Recurring thoughts of self-harm

Question 45

Which symptom is commonly associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive suspicion and mistrust of others

Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Unstable relationships and extreme mood swings

Question 46

Which characteristic is commonly associated with Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unusual perceptual experiences, such as illusions or hallucinations

Answer

Excessive need for social interaction

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Answer

Rigid adherence to routines and rules

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of inadequacy and sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts

Answer

A pattern of impulsive and reckless behaviors

Answer

Excessive perfectionism and rigidity in daily routines

Question 48

What is a defining characteristic of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme distrust and suspicion of others

Answer

Exaggerated sense of self-importance

Answer

Volatile and intense relationships

Question 49

Which personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others, as defined by the DSM-V?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 50

Which symptom is a hallmark of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Magical thinking or unusual perceptual experiences

Answer

Grandiose delusions of being a renowned leader or religious figure

Answer

Persistent irritability and aggressive outbursts

Question 51

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder, where individuals experience a distorted sense of reality and unusual perceptual experiences?

Accepted Answer

Irrational beliefs and magical thinking that guide actions

Answer

Excessive feelings of guilt or low self-worth

Answer

Intense anxiety about being rejected or abandoned

Question 52

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of Avoidant Personality Disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of inadequacy and sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Increased impulsivity and thrill-seeking behaviors

Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance and superiority

Question 53

According to the DSM-5, which characteristic is essential for diagnosing Dependent Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive reliance on others for decision-making and daily functioning

Answer

Excessive anger and irritability

Answer

Extreme mistrust and suspicion

Answer

Perfectionism and orderliness

Question 54

Which symptom is commonly observed in individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme suspicion and distrust of others

Answer

Exaggerated sense of self-importance

Answer

Limited range of emotions

Answer

Intense fear of being left alone

Question 55

Which symptom is central to Dependent Personality Disorder, as per the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Excessive reliance on others for decision-making and daily functioning

Answer

Intense fear of social situations

Answer

Exaggerated self-importance

Answer

Difficulty controlling emotions

Question 56

Which of the following is a key diagnostic feature of Paranoid Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Deep-seated distrust and suspicion of others

Answer

Excessive anxiety and fear

Answer

Frequent impulsive actions

Answer

Marked social withdrawal

Question 57

Which personality disorder is characterized by constant, unfounded suspicions and distrust of others?

Accepted Answer

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Question 58

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

Accepted Answer

Odd beliefs or magical thinking

Answer

Impaired social functioning

Answer

Grandiosity and a need for admiration

Answer

Impulsivity and a pattern of unstable relationships

Question 59

Which symptom is characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive preoccupation with religious or mystical beliefs

Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment and unstable relationships

Answer

Inflexible and rigid thinking and behavior

Question 60

Ethical Considerations in Personality Disorder Assessment: Which ethical concern arises when using projective tests to assess personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Projective tests may lead to subjective interpretations, potentially introducing bias into the assessment.

Answer

Projective tests offer a complete evaluation of all personality traits.

Answer

Projective tests are solely employed for diagnosing personality disorders.

Question 61

Which evidence-based treatment approach has been shown to be most effective in reducing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy and interpersonal therapy

Answer

Group therapy and family therapy

Question 62

In differentiating between Borderline Personality Disorder and Schizotypal Personality Disorder, which symptom is more prevalent in Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Emotional instability

Answer

Suspiciousness

Answer

Magical thinking

Answer

Odd beliefs and speech

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration

Answer

Extreme sensitivity to criticism or rejection

Answer

Consistent avoidance of social situations due to fear of embarrassment or humiliation

Answer

Difficulty initiating or maintaining close relationships

Question 64

Which personality disorder is NOT characterized by odd or eccentric behavior?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer

Schizoid personality disorder

Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder