PSYC FPX 2900 assessment 2

Features of Cluster B Personality Disorders

The following discusses a list of disorders in the Cluster B category. The first disorder outlined is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and includes actions such as risky behaviors towards oneself and others (MentalHealth.gov, 2022). For instance, the Batman character Joker lacks empathy but has violent and unpredictable behavior, such as laughing while carrying out crimes. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is found among individuals with combative behavior, separation anxiety, or abandonment fear and suicidal thoughts (MentalHealth.gov, 2022). Alterations in communication pattern are therefore interpreted as not loving or caring, and as such, make a person devalue his or her life.

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is noted by self-centredness and superficiality of opinion (Kopf & Herron, 2021). HPD patients are in a battle to be superior with constant boasting about their ability and achievements. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is noted by great neediness, superiority, grandiosity, and chronic jealousy (Pedersen & Ditzell, 2021). NPD individuals indulge in violent behaviors without thinking of the impact on other individuals emotionally and physically.

Personality Disorders: Obstacles in Treatment

ASPD is challenging to treat due to aggression from clients, which leads to hostility and defensiveness towards therapists (Zimmerman, 2021). Non-compliance with treatment in BPD can perpetuate persistent issues (MentalHealth.gov, 2022). HPD individuals may not acknowledge they need treatment unless the disorder impacts their relationships (Wint & Legg, 2017). NPD individuals, however, may not accept treatment since they perceive no wrong on their part and hold dear their grandiosity (Kacel, Ennis, & Pereira, 2017).

Personality Disorders: Development or Causes

ASPD may arise due to abuse in childhood, environmental influences, or genetic causes (MentalHealth.gov, 2022). Environmental influences and genetic components, including sexual or physical child abuse, give rise to BPD (MentalHealth.gov, 2022). HPD may occur due to environmental influences or genetic factors (Kopf & Herron, 2021). NPD may also be a result of environmental influences and genetic factors (Pedersen & Ditzell, 2021).

Personality Disorders: Treatments

ASPDTreatment is achieved with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), and medication (Brazil et al., 2018). BPD treatment includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and CBT, but the most effective treatment is DBT (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). HPD and NPD can be treated with psychotherapy (Kopf & Herron, 2021; Kacel et al., 2017).

PSYC FPX 2900 Assessment 2 Features of Cluster B Personality Disorders

Kopf, J., & Herron, K., (2021, April 16). Histrionic personality disorder treatment. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/histrionic-personality-disorder/treatment/

Larsen, R. J. & Buss, D. M. (2020). Personality psychology: Domains of knowledge about human nature (7th Edition). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781260839043

Pedersen, T., & Ditzell, J. (2021, March 29). What causes narcissistic personality disorder? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/disorders/what-causes-narcissistic-personality-disorder

Raypole, C. (2019). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

PSYC FPX 2900 Assessment 2 Features of Cluster B Personality Disorders

Wint, C., & Legg, T. (2017, August 4). Histrionic personality disorder: Symptoms, causes, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/histrionic-personality-disorder

Zimmerman, M. (2021, April 18). Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) – psychiatric disorders. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-aspd