Question

The nurse would expect to encounter withdrawal and odd eccentric behaviors when caring for a group of clients with which cluster of personality disorders? A. Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal B. Antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic C. Avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive D. Passive-aggressive, masochistic

Short answer

A. Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Clusters

Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. Identify which types of personality disorders fall under each cluster.

Identify Cluster A Disorders

Cluster A includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. These individuals often exhibit odd, eccentric behaviors and can be withdrawn.

Identify Cluster B Disorders

Cluster B includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. These individuals often exhibit dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behavior.

Identify Cluster C Disorders

Cluster C includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. These individuals often exhibit anxious and fearful behavior.

Identify Other Disorders

Disorders such as passive-aggressive and masochistic are not categorized under the three primary clusters.

Answer the Question

Withdrawal and odd eccentric behaviors are associated with Cluster A (paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal). Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Key concepts

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) is one of the Cluster A personality disorders. People with PPD exhibit a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. They tend to believe that others are out to harm them, deceive them, or exploit them, even in the absence of concrete evidence. This distrust can make relationships challenging, as individuals with PPD often misinterpret benign interactions as hostile or threatening.

Some common features of Paranoid Personality Disorder include:

• Unwarranted suspicion that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them.
• Reluctance to confide in others due to fears that the information will be used maliciously.
• Reading hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events.
• Bearing grudges and being unforgiving of insults or slights.

Dealing with someone who has PPD requires sensitivity and patience. Reinforcing trust and ensuring open, transparent communication can help mitigate some of the associated challenges.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SzPD) is another Cluster A personality disorder. Individuals with SzPD often appear detached and indifferent to social relationships. They typically prefer solitary activities and are less likely to seek out relationships with others, including family members.

Key characteristics of Schizoid Personality Disorder include:

• Lack of desire for or enjoyment of close relationships, even family bonds.
• Preference for solitary activities, often accompanied by a rich internal fantasy life.
• Limited expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, appearing cold or aloof.
• Indifference to social norms and conventions, often resulting in a limited social network.

Understanding and support are crucial when interacting with someone who has SzPD. Respecting their need for solitude while gently encouraging social interaction can be beneficial.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (StPD) is the third disorder in Cluster A. People with StPD often exhibit eccentric behavior and have peculiar thoughts or perceptions. While they may desire social interaction, their odd behaviors and thinking patterns can make forming relationships difficult.

Common traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder include:

• Odd or eccentric behavior, speech, and appearance.
• Peculiar beliefs or magical thinking, such as believing in special powers.
• Unusual perceptual experiences, such as sensing an unseen presence.
• Suspiciousness or paranoid thoughts.
• Inappropriate or constricted affect, appearing emotionally distant or detached.

When supporting someone with StPD, embracing their individuality while providing consistent and clear communication is key. Encouraging professional help can also be beneficial to manage symptoms effectively.