Personality and Mood Disorders Q 19
Which of the following characteristics is expected for a client with paranoid personality disorder who receives bad news?
A. The client is overly dramatic after hearing the facts.
B. The client focuses on self to not become over-anxious.
C. The client responds from a rational, objective point of view.
D. The client doesn’t spend time thinking about the information.
Correct Answer: C. The client responds from a rational, objective point of view.
Clients with paranoid personality disorder are affectively restricted, appear unemotional, and appear rational and objective. People with PPD are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. These generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, interfere with their ability to form close or even workable relationships.
Option A: 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.
Option B: Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior characterized by self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. People with narcissistic personality disorder are typically described as arrogant, conceited, self-centered, and haughty. Because they imagine themselves as superior to others, they often insist on possessing items that reflect a successful lifestyle.
Option D: Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is an enduring pattern of behavior related to social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection that causes problems in work situations and relationships. The disorder is characterized by extreme shyness and sensitivity to criticism from others and is known as a Cluster C personality disorder or one that involves anxious and fearful personality disorders.