Personality and Mood Disorders Q 103
Tyrion describes himself as “very religious, with strong opinions about what is right and what is wrong.” He is quite judgmental about beliefs and lifestyles that are “unacceptable.” Which statement supports the nurse’s analysis that this client’s behavior is typical of someone with a personality disorder?
A. Inflexible behaviors, along with the use of rigid defense mechanisms, are characteristic.
B. Judgmental behavior, including self-insight, is common.
C. Religious fanatics often have personality disorders.
D. Strong belief systems are common and can help identify evidence of instability.
Correct Answer: A. Inflexible behaviors, along with use of rigid defense mechanisms, are characteristic.
Individuals with personality disorder have inflexible behavior patterns and rigid defense mechanisms. They are unlikely to change over time. Personality disorders tend to appear in adolescence or early adulthood, continue over many years, and can cause a great deal of distress. They can potentially cause enormous conflict with other people, impacting relationships, social situations, and life goals. People with personality disorders often don’t recognize that they have problems and are often confusing and frustrating to people around them (including clinicians).
Option B: Such individuals generally lack self-insight and are more likely to have external locus of control thinking (blaming others for problems). These personality disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior. People with cluster A personality disorders tend to experience major disruptions in relationships because their behavior may be perceived as peculiar, suspicious, or detached.
Option C: Religious fanatics may be motivated by other psychodynamics (possibly psychotic states). The cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic or erratic behavior. People who have a personality disorder from this cluster tend to either experience very intense emotions or engage in extremely impulsive, theatrical, promiscuous, or law-breaking behaviors.
Option D: However, strong belief systems do not necessarily mean mental instability. A mentally healthy person may have belief systems that are strong and that govern conduct. Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxiety. People with personality disorders in this cluster tend to experience pervasive anxiety and/or fearfulness.