Personality Disorders
A reference and practice module for the ten DSM personality disorders[1,2]. Each disorder page presents the characteristic table (triggering events, behavioural / interpersonal / cognitive / affective style, temperament, attachment, parental injunction, self- and world-view, maladaptive schemas, and the optimal diagnostic criterion), summarises the DSM criteria[2], and distils an integrative treatment plan. From each page you can launch an original simulated-patient practice case, defend it to the panel, or test yourself in the quiz.
Framework terminology follows [1] so you can cross-reference the source. The practice cases are original teaching vignettes — they are not reproduced from any text. Full citations in References.
Cluster A — Odd / Eccentric
PPDSzPDSTPD
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness; reads malevolent intent into the ordinary actions of others.
Table 10.2
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Pervasive detachment from social relationships with a restricted range of emotional expression; genuine indifference to closeness.
Table 11.2
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Social and interpersonal deficits plus cognitive-perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior.
Table 12.2
Cluster B — Dramatic / Emotional / Erratic
ASPDBPDHPDNPD
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others; deceitful, impulsive, and lacking remorse.
Table 3.2
Borderline Personality Disorder
Pervasive instability of affect, identity, and relationships with marked impulsivity and frantic efforts to avoid abandonment.
Table 5.2
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Pervasive, excessive emotionality and attention-seeking; uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
Table 7.2
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Pervasive grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy; self-esteem dependent on external validation.
Table 8.2
Cluster C — Anxious / Fearful
AvPDDPDOCPD
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation; desires closeness but avoids it for fear of rejection.
Table 4.2
Dependent Personality Disorder
Pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation.
Table 6.2
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.
Table 9.2