Discussion: Treatment of Personality Disorders
Personality disorders occur in 10–20% of the population. They are difficult to treat as individuals with personality disorders are less likely to seek help than individuals with other mental health disorders. Treatment can be challenging as they do not see their symptoms as painful to themselves or others.
In this Discussion, you will explore personality disorders in greater detail and discuss treatment options using evidence-based research.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze diagnostic criteria for personality disorders
- Analyze evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatments for personality disorders
- Analyze clinical features of clients with personality disorders
- Align clinical features with DSM-5 criteria
- Compare differential diagnostic features of personality disorders
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!
To prepare for this Discussion:
- By Day 5 of Week 2, your Instructor will have assigned you a personality disorder, which will be your focus for your initial post for this Discussion.
- Review the Learning Resources.
By Day 3
Post:
- Explain the diagnostic criteria for your assigned personality disorder.
- Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for your assigned personality disorder.
- Describe clinical features from a client that led you to believe this client had this disorder. Align the clinical features with the DSM-5 criteria.
- Support your rationale with references to the Learning Resources or other academic resources.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues by comparing the differential diagnostic features of the disorder you were assigned to the diagnostic features of the disorder your colleagues were assigned. What are their similarities and differences? How might you differentiate the two diagnoses?
ANSWER:
Diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder
From the DSM-V, Antisocial personality disorder is a pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the right of others, occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more ) of the following: Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure; Impulsivity or failure to plan, irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fight or assaults. The individual is at least age 18 years and the occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (APA, 2013).
Clinical features of a client with Antisocial Personality Disorder
