Alzheimer’s Delirium and Dementia Q 55
Which of the following is the most distinguishing feature of a client with an antisocial personality disorder?
A. Attention to detail and order
B. Bizarre mannerisms and thoughts
C. Submissive and dependent behavior
D. Disregard for social and legal norms
Correct Answer: D. Disregard for social and legal norms
Disregard for established rules of society is the most common characteristic of a client with antisocial personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a deeply ingrained and rigid dysfunctional thought process that focuses on social irresponsibility with exploitive, delinquent, and criminal behavior with no remorse. Disregard for and the violation of others’ rights are common manifestations of this personality disorder, which displays symptoms that include failure to conform to the law, inability to sustain consistent employment, deception, manipulation for personal gain, and incapacity to form stable relationships.
Option A: Attention to detail and order is characteristic of someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a disabling condition consisting of bothersome intrusive thoughts that elicit a feeling of discomfort. To reduce the anxiety and distress associated with these thoughts, the patient may employ compulsions or rituals. These rituals may be personal and private, or they may involve others to participate; the rituals are to compensate for the ego-dystonic feelings of the obsessional thoughts and can cause a significant decline in function.
Option B: Bizarre mannerisms and thoughts are characteristics of a client with schizoid or schizotypal disorder. Schizotypal personality disorder, like other personality disorders, is a long-standing pattern of behavior and experience. As part of that pattern, an individual either has difficulty functioning or experiences a great deal of distress. Those with this disorder also tend to have markedly illogical thinking, with unusual ideas or odd beliefs that are not consistent with prevailing ideas, for example, a strong belief in extrasensory perception (ESP). They may report unusual perceptions or strange body experiences.
Option C: Submissive and dependent behaviors are characteristic of someone with a dependent personality. People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe them as needy or clingy. People with DPD may believe they can’t take care of themselves. They may have trouble making everyday decisions, such as what to wear, without others’ reassurance.