Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 190
Francis tells the nurse that her coworkers are sabotaging the computer. When the nurse asks questions, the client becomes argumentative. This behavior shows personality traits associated with which of the following personality disorders?
A. Antisocial
B. Histrionic
C. Paranoid
D. Schizotypal
Correct Answer: C. Paranoid
Because of their suspiciousness, paranoid personalities ascribe malevolent activities to others and tend to be defensive, becoming quarrelsome and argumentative. Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders which involve odd or eccentric ways of thinking. People with PPD also suffer from paranoia, an unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to be suspicious.
Option A: Clients with antisocial personality disorder can also be antagonistic and argumentative but are less suspicious than paranoid personalities. 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 B: Clients with histrionic personality disorder are dramatic, not suspicious and argumentative. Histrionic personality disorder, or dramatic personality disorder, is a psychiatric disorder distinguished by a pattern of exaggerated emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. Histrionic personality disorder falls within the “Cluster B” of personality disorders. Cluster B personality disorders include conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. These personality disorders are commonly described as dramatic, excitable, erratic, or volatile.
Option D: Clients with schizoid personality disorder are usually detached from others and tend to have eccentric behavior. The schizoid personality type was made official in DSM III in 1980, to describe persons experiencing significant ineptitude in forming meaningful social relationships. Isolation is a salient feature in the history of a schizoid patient. Rarely do they have close relationships, and often they will choose to participate in occupations that are solitary in nature. They infrequently experience strong emotion, express little to no desire for sexual activity with a partner, and tend to be ambivalent to criticism or praise.