Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 196
Nurse Alexandra notices other clients on the unit avoiding a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. When discussing appropriate behavior in group therapy, which of the following comments is expected about this client by his peers?
A. Lack of honesty
B. Belief in superstition
C. Show of temper tantrums
D. Constant need for attention
Correct Answer: A. Lack of honesty
Clients with antisocial personality disorder tend to engage in acts of dishonesty, shown by lying. 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 schizotypal personality disorder tend to be superstitious. It is unlikely that a person with a schizoid personality disorder will present in the clinical setting of his own volition unless prompted by family, or as a result of a co-occurring disorder, such as depression. As with most personality disorders, the behavior is in synchrony with the ego, and thus the patient does not acknowledge the need to adapt his or her behavior.
Option C: 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. Specifically, people with histrionic personality disorder typically present as flirtatious, seductive, charming, manipulative, impulsive, and lively.
Option D: Clients with histrionic personality disorders tend to overreact to frustrations and disappointments, have temper tantrums, and seek attention. People with a histrionic personality disorder may feel underappreciated or disregarded when they are not the center of attention. These people are typically the life of the party and have a “larger than life” presence. They may be vibrant, enchanting, overly seductive, or inappropriately sexual with most of the people they meet, even when they are not sexually attracted to them. People presenting with a histrionic personality disorder may demonstrate rapidly shifting and shallow emotions that others may perceive as insincere.