Personality Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Which defining characteristic is associated with antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of repeated criminal or antisocial behavior

Accepted Answer

Absence of remorse for one's actions

Answer

Strong work ethic and family values

Question 2

What is a key characteristic of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intense and fluctuating emotions

Answer

Persistent feelings of worthlessness

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Lack of guilt or remorse

Question 3

Which treatment approach is commonly used for narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Medication

Question 4

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is NOT a criterion for diagnosing a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

The pattern is directly caused by substance use or a medical condition

Answer

An inflexible and maladaptive pattern of personality traits

Answer

Significant distress or impairment in social or occupational functioning

Answer

A pattern beginning in early adulthood that has been stable over time

Question 5

A persistent disregard for the rights of others is a key characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Question 6

In the context of personality disorders, the term 'splitting' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A defense mechanism where individuals view others as all good or all bad

Answer

A form of dissociation experienced by individuals with dissociative identity disorder

Answer

A cognitive distortion where individuals focus on negative aspects of themselves or others

Answer

A symptom of psychosis characterized by hallucinations or delusions

Question 7

Which statement about personality disorders is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with personality disorders often face challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.

Answer

Personality disorders are solely caused by traumatic childhood experiences.

Answer

Personality disorders are generally considered to be highly curable with the right treatment.

Answer

Personality disorders are more prevalent in men than in women.

Question 8

Which personality disorder is characterized by excessive worry, need for control, and perfectionism?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Question 9

Which type of personality disorder involves a persistent and extreme fear of being negatively evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Answer

Dependent Personality Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Dependent Personality Disorder

Question 10

According to the DSM-5, which of these is a primary diagnostic criterion for antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly breaking the law

Answer

Excessive worry about being left alone

Answer

Believing you are more important than others

Question 11

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stable relationships

Answer

Lack of remorse

Answer

Chronic lying

Answer

Impulsivity

Question 12

A key difference between personality disorders and other mental disorders is that:

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are inflexible and enduring.

Answer

Personality disorders are more common in women than in men.

Answer

Personality disorders are caused by a single traumatic event.

Answer

Personality disorders are untreatable.

Question 13

A primary goal of therapy for individuals with personality disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.

Answer

Cure the disorder completely.

Answer

Reduce symptoms but not change underlying personality traits.

Answer

Hospitalize the individual.

Question 14

In the context of personality disorders, the term 'comorbidity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The presence of a personality disorder alongside other mental health conditions

Answer

The presence of multiple personality disorders in an individual

Answer

The development of a personality disorder after recovering from another mental health condition

Answer

The absence of any other mental health conditions alongside a personality disorder

Question 15

True or False: Personality disorders are considered inflexible and enduring patterns of maladaptive behavior.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 16

The prognosis for individuals with personality disorders:

Accepted Answer

Varies depending on the specific disorder and treatment received.

Answer

Is generally good with appropriate treatment.

Answer

Is usually poor, with minimal improvement.

Answer

Can be cured with medication.

Question 17

The best way to interact with someone who has a personality disorder is to:

Accepted Answer

Be empathetic and understanding, while setting clear boundaries

Answer

Be confrontational and challenge their behavior

Answer

Avoid them altogether

Answer

Try to change their personality

Question 18

According to the DSM-5, which characteristic is NOT a defining feature of narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stable and positive relationships with others

Answer

Exaggerated sense of self-importance

Answer

Constant need for praise

Answer

Inability to understand others' feelings

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT considered a cluster A personality disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Dependent

Answer

Paranoid

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive

Answer

Schizotypal

Question 20

What is the primary aim of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors while promoting emotion regulation skills

Answer

Building interpersonal skills and enhancing social support systems

Answer

Reducing negative emotions through medication management

Answer

Enhancing coping mechanisms by focusing on problem-solving strategies

Question 21

Which of the following individuals best exemplifies the traits of narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Someone who seeks excessive attention, admiration, and entitlement

Answer

Someone with low self-esteem and constant self-criticism

Answer

Someone who is highly empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others

Answer

Someone who is introverted and withdrawn from social situations

Question 22

Which of the following assessment tools is widely used in the diagnosis of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2)

Answer

Rorschach Inkblot Test

Answer

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Answer

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

Question 23

Which of the following approaches is a strength-based treatment for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Question 24

The etiology of personality disorders is believed to be:

Accepted Answer

Primarily due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetic factors exclusively

Answer

Environmental factors exclusively

Answer

Unknown and poorly understood

Question 25

Which cluster of personality disorders comprises histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cluster B

Answer

Cluster A

Answer

Cluster C

Answer

Cluster D

Question 26

Which of the following is a key characteristic of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of unstable and intense relationships

Answer

A lack of empathy and remorse

Answer

A grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

A pervasive pattern of suspicion and distrust

Question 27

The primary diagnostic criterion for antisocial personality disorder is:

Accepted Answer

A lack of remorse for one's actions

Answer

A history of at least three arrests

Answer

A pattern of repeated deception and manipulation

Answer

A history of substance abuse

Question 28

The prognosis for personality disorders is generally considered:

Accepted Answer

Variable, depending on the specific disorder and individual

Answer

Good with early intervention and treatment

Answer

Poor, with limited improvement

Answer

Unknown

Question 29

What is the primary diagnostic feature of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions

Answer

Persistent pattern of self-destructive behavior

Answer

Pattern of impulsive and reckless behavior

Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of the DSM-5 in the diagnosis of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Provide a standardized set of criteria for diagnosis

Answer

Offer a comprehensive treatment plan for each disorder

Answer

Explain the underlying causes of personality disorders

Answer

Predict the prognosis of personality disorders

Question 31

Which of the following is a primary symptom of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy and remorse

Answer

Emotional instability

Answer

Difficulty forming healthy relationships

Answer

Grandiosity and entitlement

Question 32

Which treatment approach has been found effective for borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication alone

Question 33

Which of the following statements about the prevalence of personality disorders is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders affect approximately 10% of the general population

Answer

Men and women are equally likely to develop personality disorders

Answer

The prevalence of personality disorders decreases with age

Answer

Personality disorders are more common in certain professions, such as law enforcement

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment with caregivers

Answer

Childhood abuse or neglect

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurological abnormalities

Question 35

Which of the following is not a symptom of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive conformity to social norms

Answer

Lack of remorse or empathy

Answer

Reckless disregard for the safety of others

Answer

Irritability and aggression

Question 36

The diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder include the following, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Stable sense of self and identity

Answer

Unstable interpersonal relationships

Answer

Impulsive and reckless behaviors

Answer

Recurrent suicidal or self-harming behavior

Question 37

Which type of personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a constant need for admiration?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Question 38

Which of the following is generally considered the primary treatment approach for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Hospitalization

Answer

Self-help groups

Question 39

In the context of personality disorders, what is meant by the term 'ego-syntonic'?

Accepted Answer

Behaviors or thoughts that are in harmony with an individual's self-concept and sense of identity

Answer

Behaviors or thoughts that are in conflict with an individual's self-concept

Answer

Behaviors or thoughts that are only present in specific situations

Answer

Behaviors or thoughts that are highly unusual and not typical of the individual

Question 40

What is the main goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To resolve deeply buried unconscious conflicts

Answer

To improve overall emotional well-being

Answer

To enhance social and interpersonal skills

Question 41

Which of the following is a key distinction between personality disorders and other mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are characterized by a rigid and inflexible pattern of behaviors and thoughts

Answer

Personality disorders are less severe than other mental health disorders

Answer

Personality disorders are usually temporary and transient

Answer

Personality disorders are caused solely by environmental factors

Question 42

According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, avoidant personality disorder is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A pervasive pattern of social inhibition, inadequacy feelings, and hypersensitivity to criticism

Answer

A pattern of manipulative and deceitful behavior

Answer

A pattern of intense and unstable romantic relationships

Answer

A pattern of grandiose thinking and attention-seeking behavior

Question 43

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety and depression

Answer

Chronic lying and deceit

Answer

Impulsivity

Answer

Lack of empathy

Question 44

What is the key distinction between avoidant and dependent personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of social situations vs. excessive reliance on others

Answer

Fear of criticism vs. fear of abandonment

Answer

Low self-esteem vs. high self-esteem

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions vs. difficulty controlling emotions

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for the development of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Environmental stressors

Question 46

Which of the following personality disorders is distinguished by a pattern of emotional instability and intense relationships?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder