MYTH or FACT
All personality disorders have the same symptoms
MYTH, Not all personality disorders are the same. While there may be some overlaps in symptoms and behaviors, each personality disorders are very specific and distinct.
True or False: BPD can result in difficulty maintaining social relationships
True
Name 2 personality disorders
Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD, Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD, Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-compulsive PD
This strategy involves joining a group where one can meet other people with mental illness, share experiences, and offer support.
Joining a support group
True or False: Personality disorders are untreatable
FALSE! There are many effective treatments including medication, therapy, social support, psychoeducation, and lifestyle changes
Narcissistic personality disorder is common.
MYTH Narcissistic personality disorder is not a common condition. Current NPD statistics indicate that 0.5-1% of the general population have the disorder - although many more people may have the condition but are not diagnosed
True or False: BPD is often diagnosed in children
False. All personality disorders can only be diagnosed after age 18
How many categories of personality disorders are there?
3
This strategy involves learning about one’s condition and treatment and separating myths from facts about mental illness.
Psychoeducation
True or False: There are no medications specifically designed to treat personality disorders
True! While there are no meds specifically used for BPD, medications can help manage symptoms like depression and anxiety
People with personality disorders are dangerous
People who have personality disorders are no more dangerous than any other group of the population.
Which of the 3 clusters (categories) is BPD part of?
Cluster B
True or false: All narcissists want to hurt people close to them
False: The reality is that narcissists are often unaware of the harm that they are causing. Their goal is often to defend themselves from what they perceive as devastating attacks on their self-esteem and sense of importance. They are trying to get their own emotional needs met. A great deal of the hurt that they cause is simply collateral damage and not their goal.
This strategy involves telling others about one’s own experience with psychiatric symptoms, either publicly or privately, depending on one’s comfort level and goals.
Name 2 other strategies (besides medication or therapy) that could treat a personality disorder
Coping skills, Psychoeducation, Physical activity, Avoid drugs and alcohol, Join a support group, Write in a journal, Try relaxation and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation, Stay connected with family and friends; avoid becoming isolated.
Only women have borderline personality disorder.
MYTH, Although it is more common in women, men make up about 25 percent of all people with BPD
Name 3 symptoms of BPD
Lacks a sense of self, feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. Pattern of intense but unstable relationships, emotional instability, and impulsive behavior. Suicidal threats and acts of self-harm are common
True or False: Social anxiety disorder and Avoidant Personality disorder are exactly the same
False: People with SAD primarily fear judgment and embarrassment in specific social situations, while those with AVPD have a pervasive, deeply ingrained belief of personal inadequacy, leading them to avoid most social interactions due to a fear of rejection and criticism, often believing it is deserved
This strategy involves challenging negative stereotypes and telling people accurate information about mental illness
Correcting misinformation
Name 2 ways you could support someone with a personality disorder
Actively listen, be patient, encourage treatment, educate yourself about their diagnosis and triggers, stay calm and consistent, destigmatize
It is possible for multiple personality disorders to coexist within one individual
FACT - it is possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder
Why is BPD more common in women?
Because would are more likely to experience childhood abuse, are more likely to be seen as "overly emotional", and are more likely to seek treatment
Describe the characteristics of Antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial PD is characterized by a callous unconcern for the feelings of others. The person disregards social rules and obligations, is irritable and aggressive, acts impulsively, lacks guilt, and fails to learn from experience. In many cases, they have no difficulty finding relationships — and can even appear superficially charming
This strategy involves learning about one’s legal rights and seeking out assistance if one’s rights have been violated due to stigma or discrimination.
Knowing your rights and Legal Advocacy and action
What does DBT stand for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy