Specific Personality Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a primary diagnostic criterion for borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships with alternating idealization and devaluation

Answer

Lack of empathy for others

Answer

Persistent self-mutilation

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive distrust and suspicion of others

Answer

Aggression and irritability

Answer

Inflated self-esteem

Answer

Impulsivity and risk-taking

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stable self-image

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Identity disturbance

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Altering maladaptive cognitive patterns and behaviors

Answer

Exploring subconscious conflicts

Answer

Enhancing self-esteem

Answer

Prescribing medication to alleviate symptoms

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Reducing self-harm and suicidal behavior

Answer

Improving relationships and social functioning

Answer

Increasing self-esteem and confidence

Answer

Uncovering root causes in childhood experiences

Question 6

Which of the following is a symptom of avoidant personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive shyness and withdrawal in social situations

Answer

Grandiosity and entitlement

Answer

Fear of abandonment and unstable relationships

Answer

Impulsive and reckless behavior

Question 7

Which of the following diagnostic criteria is a key feature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

A pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships

Answer

Recurrent feelings of emptiness

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Question 8

In the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, which therapeutic approach has been shown to be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Antidepressant medication alone

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Grandiose fantasies

Answer

Excessive social inhibition

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

Hypersensitivity to criticism

Question 10

Emotional detachment is NOT a core feature of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Answer

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Question 11

The characteristic interpersonal pattern in Dependent Personality Disorder is marked by:

Accepted Answer

Passive and submissive behavior

Answer

Aggressive and dominant behavior

Answer

Withdrawn and aloof behavior

Answer

Impulsive and reckless behavior

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter system is strongly implicated in the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 13

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily focuses on which aspect of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns

Answer

Improving interpersonal relationships

Answer

Reducing the frequency of impulsive behaviors

Answer

Managing intense emotions

Question 14

Which personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Dependent Personality Disorder

Question 15

The etiology of personality disorders is believed to involve:

Accepted Answer

An interaction of genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetic factors alone

Answer

Environmental factors alone

Answer

Unknown causes

Question 16

In personality theory, the concept of 'ego-syntonic' refers to personality traits that:

Accepted Answer

Are in harmony with an individual's self-concept

Answer

Are in conflict with an individual's self-concept

Answer

Are socially desirable

Answer

Are culturally appropriate

Question 17

Which of the following is a realistic goal of therapy for individuals with personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced functioning and improved well-being

Answer

Complete elimination of all symptoms

Answer

Fundamental change in core personality traits

Answer

Prevention of all future episodes

Question 18

Which of the following is a key distinction between Avoidant and Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant individuals have a desire for social relationships despite avoiding them due to fear of rejection.

Answer

Schizoid individuals experience more intense emotions than avoidant individuals.

Answer

Avoidant individuals are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors than schizoid individuals.

Answer

Schizoid individuals are more likely to be suspicious of others than avoidant individuals.

Question 19

Identify the characteristic NOT associated with histrionic personality disorder:

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Self-dramatization

Answer

Excessive emotional expression

Question 20

Which is a prominent symptom of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable relationships and emotions

Answer

Compulsive hoarding

Answer

Restricted interests

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 21

What personality disorder is characterized by an overwhelming fear of abandonment?

Accepted Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Question 22

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often exhibit:

Accepted Answer

Manipulation and deceit

Answer

Orderliness and organization

Answer

Anxiety and withdrawal

Answer

Empathy and compassion

Question 23

Which cognitive distortion is commonly associated with narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Irrational beliefs

Answer

Negative self-talk

Answer

Catastrophic thinking

Question 24

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used in the treatment of:

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Antipsychotic medications

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 25

Suspiciousness and mistrust are characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer

Emotional outbursts

Answer

Excessive worrying

Answer

Compulsive rituals

Question 26

Which personality disorder involves a persistent pattern of disregard for societal norms?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Question 27

What factors are believed to contribute to the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both genetic and environmental influences

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Childhood experiences only

Answer

Cultural factors only

Question 28

Which criterion is central to the diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Odd beliefs or magical thinking

Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Answer

Emotional instability