Personality Disorders

1. Personality Disorders

2. What are personality disorders? • Class of disorders marked by extreme maladaptive or inflexible ways of dealing with others and one’s environment • Do not suffer from anxiety nor do they behave in bizarre, incomprehensible ways. • Unable to establish meaningful relationships with other people, to assume social responsibilities, or adapt to their social environment

3. Anti-social personality • A personality disorder characterized by irresponsibility, shallow emotions, and a lack of conscience • The name is misleading it does not mean people who shun social interaction • Exhibit a persistent disregard for and violation of others’ rights • Treat people as objects to be used for gratification and then tossed aside when no longer needed

4. Anti-social personality • Seeking thrills is their main occupation and if they should injure other people along the way or break social rules, they do not feel shame or guilt • Many people with anti-social personalities can get away with destructive behaviour because they are intelligent, entertaining, and able to feign emotions they do not feel • Many are involved in illegal activities

5. Anti-social personality • Irresponsible and impulsive • Pursue immediate gratification • Make poor employees, unfaithful spouses, inattentive parents, and undependable friends • Moderately common disorder- seen in about 2%-4% of the population • It is more common among males than females

6. Anti-social personality Causes • Biological Factors • Dysfunction of the nervous system • Inadequate socialization and dysfunctional family systems • Discipline problems • Learned behaviour

7. Personality Disorder Quizzes • http://www.counseling-office.com/surveys/test_psychopathy.phtml • http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=jools • Write down the web addresses and find out if you have a personality disorder