Personality disorders are characterized by impairment in self and interpersonal functioning and the presence of pathological personality traits that are relatively inflexible and long standing. According to your text:
Cluster A: People who are perceived as odd or eccentric. This cluster includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
Cluster B: People whose behavior is overly dramatic, emotional, or erratic. This grouping consists of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
Cluster C: People who often appear anxious or fearful. This cluster includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
ANSWER ALL THREE
5A. Antisocial Personality Disorder – Can you think of any other real people or characters who are “successful psychopaths?” Provide a clear diagnostic rationale to support your selection.
5B. Describe how the trait of perfectionism can be considered abnormal. What is the difference between striving for excellence and rigid perfectionism?
5C. How could you tell if a co-worker was just acting confident or even cocky versus a person with a narcissistic personality disorder? What pathological traits need to be present and for how long?
