Cluster B Personality Disorders: Understanding Dramatic Personalities

Question 1

Identify the primary motivations and interpersonal behaviors that differentiate histrionic personality disorder (HPD) from narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Accepted Answer

HPD is driven by a need for attention, while NPD is motivated by a desire for admiration.

Answer

HPD is characterized by introverted behaviors, while NPD is associated with extroverted behaviors.

Answer

HPD is more common in males, while NPD is more prevalent in females.

Question 2

How can personality tests be used to diagnose Cluster B personality disorders, and what are their limitations?

Accepted Answer

Personality tests can help identify potential cases of Cluster B personality disorders, but they cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.

Answer

Personality tests provide definitive diagnoses for Cluster B personality disorders.

Answer

Personality tests are not useful for evaluating Cluster B personality disorders due to high rates of comorbidity.

Answer

Personality tests should be the only diagnostic tool used for Cluster B personality disorders.

Question 3

Which of these is a major risk factor for developing Cluster B personality disorders, as identified by research?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetics alone

Answer

Substance abuse

Question 4

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Unstable and intense relationships with alternating idealization and devaluation

Answer

Persistent disregard for others' rights and well-being

Answer

Emotional detachment and difficulty forming close relationships

Question 5

In Cluster B Personality Disorders, which ethical concern is most important when balancing confidentiality with protecting others from potential risks?

Accepted Answer

Balancing confidentiality and duty to warn

Answer

Ensuring accurate documentation for risk assessment

Answer

Managing personal biases with emotionally expressive clients

Question 6

How do cognitive distortions contribute to narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

They warp perceptions of reality, leading to an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Answer

They create a realistic view of oneself.

Answer

They help individuals understand others' feelings.

Answer

They reduce stress and promote emotional balance.

Question 7

According to the DSM-5, which of these is a diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable and intense relationships with alternating idealization and devaluation

Answer

Grandiosity and need for admiration

Answer

Lack of empathy and remorse

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 8

According to the DSM-5, which of these is a diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable and intense relationships

Answer

Obsession with order and perfection

Answer

Lack of empathy

Question 9

How do treatment approaches for Cluster B personality disorders vary based on the specific diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy is specifically designed for treating borderline personality disorder.

Answer

All Cluster B personality disorders require intensive, long-term psychodynamic therapy.

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is not effective for treating Cluster B personality disorders.

Answer

Pharmacological interventions play no role in the treatment of Cluster B personality disorders.

Question 10

What are the defining characteristics that set Cluster B personality disorders apart from other personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, including impulsivity, emotional instability, and attention-seeking behaviors

Answer

Eccentric behavior, such as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Anxious or fearful behavior, such as excessive worry and avoidance of social situations

Answer

Lack of empathy and remorse, alongside a tendency to manipulate and exploit others

Question 11

Which condition frequently co-occurs with Cluster B personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Question 12

What is the key difference between the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Accepted Answer

BPD involves unstable relationships, while NPD involves grandiose self-importance.

Answer

NPD requires impulsivity, while BPD requires emotional dysregulation.

Answer

BPD requires self-harm, while NPD requires lack of empathy.

Question 13

Which symptom is NOT associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Fear of abandonment

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder, according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Paranoid thoughts or severe dissociation

Answer

Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships with extreme idealization and devaluation

Answer

Impulsivity in two or more self-damaging areas

Answer

Repeated suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilation

Question 15

How do genetic and environmental factors interact in the development of Cluster B personality disorders? Explain the challenges in determining their relative contributions.

Accepted Answer

Both genetics and environment play significant roles, but their influence varies across disorders and individuals.

Answer

Genetics are the main cause, with environment having little impact.

Answer

Environment alone, such as childhood experiences, causes Cluster B personality disorders.

Answer

Research methods make it impossible to determine the relative contributions of genetics and environment.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the neurobiological underpinnings of Cluster B personality disorders, as revealed by brain imaging studies?

Accepted Answer

Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and increased activity in the amygdala

Answer

Increased activity in the hippocampus and decreased activity in the striatum

Answer

Normal activity in all brain regions

Question 17

Which of these is NOT a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

A consistent pattern of risky sexual behavior

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Acting impulsively in at least two areas

Answer

Feeling chronically empty

Question 18

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stable sense of self

Answer

Unstable and intense relationships

Answer

Impulsivity in two or more areas

Answer

Suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats

Question 19

Which behavior is NOT a characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Showing emotional restraint and social withdrawal

Answer

Seeking excessive attention

Answer

Having unstable and intense relationships

Answer

Expressing emotions dramatically and intensely

Question 20

Which behavior is a defining characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder, a condition marked by excessive attention-seeking and emotional instability?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated emotional expression and attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Reckless and impulsive behavior

Answer

Intense, unstable relationships with rapid idealization and devaluation of others

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for constant praise

Question 21

Select the statement that accurately describes a key diagnostic criterion for Histrionic Personality Disorder:

Accepted Answer

Excessive attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Persistent feelings of anger and irritability

Answer

Lack of empathy for others

Answer

Unpredictable mood swings

Question 22

What is a primary diagnostic symptom of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Constant attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Emotional dysregulation

Answer

Avoidance of intimacy

Question 23

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder may exhibit:

Accepted Answer

A lack of remorse and empathy

Answer

Extreme emotional outbursts

Answer

Compulsive adherence to rules

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Question 24

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

An inflated sense of self-importance

Answer

Difficulty regulating emotions

Answer

Excessive dependence on others

Answer

Chronic feelings of guilt and shame

Question 25

Histrionic Personality Disorder is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Excessive attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Persistent feelings of inadequacy

Answer

Highly structured and rigid thinking patterns

Answer

Little to no emotional reactivity

Question 26

The primary treatment approach utilized for Cluster B Personality Disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 27

Which of the following is a potential risk factor for developing a Cluster B Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma or neglect

Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 28

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Cluster B Personality Disorders are categorized as:

Accepted Answer

Odd or eccentric

Answer

Neurotic

Answer

Psychotic

Answer

Somatic

Question 29

Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Unwarranted suspicion and distrust

Answer

Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors

Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Grandiose sense of self

Question 30

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are commonly used to treat Cluster B Personality Disorders because they:

Accepted Answer

Teach individuals skills to manage emotions and behaviors

Answer

Antipsychotic medications

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 31

Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A persistent pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Extreme introversion and difficulty forming relationships

Answer

A lack of self-confidence and feelings of inadequacy

Question 32

In Antisocial Personality Disorder, the cognitive distortion is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy and disregard for others

Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement

Answer

Fear of abandonment and unstable relationships

Question 33

A key difference between Histrionic Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Histrionic PD is marked by attention-seeking behaviors, while Borderline PD is characterized by intense emotional instability and impulsivity

Answer

Histrionic PD is more common in males, whereas Borderline PD is more common in females

Question 34

A limitation of assessing Cluster B Personality Disorders using MCQs is:

Accepted Answer

The complexity of these disorders may not be fully captured by the format

Answer

MCQs contain inherent bias, depending on cultural or diagnostic perspectives

Answer

MCQs cannot be used effectively in clinical settings

Question 35

A biopsychosocial model of Cluster B Personality Disorders involves the integration of:

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Early childhood experiences and attachment patterns

Answer

Genetic and environmental influences

Question 36

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating idealization and devaluation

Answer

A belief that one is unique and special

Answer

Fearfulness and withdrawal in social situations

Answer

A need for constant attention and admiration

Question 37

What is a common comorbidity associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

Accepted Answer

Substance use disorder

Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 38

Which of the following is a symptom of Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)?

Accepted Answer

Fear of being negatively evaluated or rejected in social situations

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Outbursts of anger and violence

Answer

Recurrent thoughts of harming oneself

Question 39

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) often:

Accepted Answer

Have difficulty making decisions without excessive advice from others

Answer

Exhibit grandiose delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Are overly independent and self-sufficient

Question 40

Which of the following is a potential consequence of untreated Cluster B Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

Relationship difficulties and social isolation

Answer

Better physical health

Answer

Improved academic performance

Answer

Increased career success

Question 41

What is a limitation of the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing Cluster B Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

They may fail to capture the complexity and variability of symptoms across individuals

Answer

They are based on outdated research

Answer

They are too specific and difficult to apply

Question 42

What is a defining characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Chronic feelings of inadequacy

Question 43

What is the fundamental characteristic of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Pervasive distrust of others

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Fear of abandonment

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 44

Which of the following is a symptom of Compulsive Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive preoccupation with rules and orderliness

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions

Answer

Impulsive behavior

Answer

Unstable relationships

Question 45

What is a key distinction between Cluster B and Cluster A Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cluster B disorders are characterized by dramatic and erratic behavior, while Cluster A disorders are characterized by odd and eccentric thought patterns.

Answer

Cluster B disorders have a higher prevalence than Cluster A disorders.

Question 46

A core diagnostic feature of Borderline Personality Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

A pattern of intense, unstable relationships marked by fluctuating idealization and devaluation of others.

Answer

A persistent need for admiration and a grandiose self-image.

Question 47

Which of the following conditions commonly co-occurs with Cluster B Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

Substance use disorder

Answer

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 48

Which therapeutic approach is LESS commonly used in treating Cluster B Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Question 49

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking

Answer

A need for perfectionism and strict orderliness.

Answer

A pervasive pattern of distrust and suspicion of others.

Question 50

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity and a strong sense of entitlement

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions and sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Anxiety, worry, and fear of social situations

Answer

Emotional instability and impulsive actions

Question 51

The development of Cluster B Personality Disorders is believed to be influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Both genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetics only

Answer

Environmental factors only

Question 52

Which personality disorder is marked by a pattern of deceitfulness and manipulative behavior?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Question 53

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity and a sense of entitlement

Answer

Fear of negative evaluation

Answer

Heightened sensitivity to criticism

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Question 54

Which personality disorder is often characterized by self-harm and suicidal behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 55

What is the key difference between Cluster B and Cluster A Personality Disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cluster B involves dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors, while Cluster A presents with odd or eccentric behaviors.

Answer

Cluster B Personality Disorders are more prevalent than Cluster A Personality Disorders.