Question

That is the difference between observed patterns of personality and a personality disorder? Although some patterns of behavior may contribute to an individual's personality, not all personality patterns may be disorders. For example, if a person is described as cold, cerebral, and rigid, these are patterns that might affect his or her personality but may not lead to a diagnosed disorder. As defined in the DSM, “A personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of one’s culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment” (APA, 2013, p. 645).

Specifically, personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorders and borderline personality disorders, present pervasive, maladaptive pattern of inner experience and behavior that violate social norms such as trust, honesty, and personal value.

For this Discussion, consider current controversies in the diagnosis of personality disorders, with specific attention to borderline personality disorders and antisocial personality disorders. Additionally, think about how culture and gender influences the diagnosis of personality disorders.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day

1. a brief explanation of how culture and gender may influence diagnoses of clients with personality disorders.

2. Then, explain one controversy associated with the diagnosis of women with borderline personality disorder and one controversy associated with the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder in men.

Answer 1

The diagnosis of personality disorders is very much dependant on how a society views certain behaviour. Self concept, adaptation and social context are cultural dimensions of personality disorders. The relevance and implications of sociocultural factors are however seen in a different way. The classification of disorders is based on the concept of the self and the values evolved in the society. Western countries are largely individualist, autonomous striving for personal goals while other culture encourages cooperative behaviour. This forms a reasonable evidence for individual's personality and his/her society associated with psychological distress.

Gender influence in the diagnosis of personality disorder begins from evolutionary/biological psychologist who propose genetic and physiological gender difference may affect the rate of occurrence and diagnosis of disorders. DSM-IV-TR mentions six disorders such as schizoid, antisocial, paranoud, narcissistic, OCD and schizotypal occurring more in Men and borderline, histrionic and dependant occurring more in Women. Though the above is based on statistical analysis, it is difficult to rule out only gender bias on the part of the psychologist and there is no causal link confirmed by the researches too.

Due to time constraint, only one question can be answered at one time. I request you to post your second question separately.