Question

Ozzie always wants to be the center of attention and is excessively dramatic. His moods rapidly change. Which personality disorder best fits Ozzie's behavior? a. Histrionic personality disorder b. Antisocial personality disorder c. Schizoid personality disorder d. Borderline personality disorder

Short answer

a. Histrionic personality disorder.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the symptoms

Review the characteristics presented in the exercise: Ozzie is excessively dramatic, craves attention, and experiences rapid mood changes. Identify which personality disorders these symptoms are commonly associated with.

Match symptoms to personality disorders

Compare the symptoms to each of the provided personality disorders: - **Histrionic Personality Disorder (a):** Characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, often including a desire to be the center of attention and dramatic behavior. - **Antisocial Personality Disorder (b):** Involves a disregard for the rights of others and often includes deceit and manipulation. - **Schizoid Personality Disorder (c):** Marked by detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotions in interpersonal settings. - **Borderline Personality Disorder (d):** Involves instability in relationships, self-image, and affects, with marked impulsivity.

Analyze predominant features

Ozzie's need for attention and dramatic behavior are most indicative of Histrionic Personality Disorder, as this disorder is primarily characterized by these traits. The rapid mood changes might also align with this disorder, although they are commonly seen in Borderline Personality Disorder.

Determine the best fit

Given Ozzie's excessive drama and attention-seeking, Histrionic Personality Disorder aligns most accurately with his behavior. While mood changes can be a feature of other disorders, the primary focus on attention-seeking behavior suggests option (a) as the best fit.

Key concepts

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition noted for pervasive attention-seeking behavior and emotionality. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit dramatic gestures and a strong desire to be the center of attention. They may become uncomfortable or neglected if this need is not met.

People with this disorder may display the following traits:

• Excessive emotional sensitivity, perhaps crying easily or showing extreme joy or anger.
• Rapidly shifting emotions, where feelings change quickly and are often exaggerated.
• A preoccupation with physical appearance, using it to draw attention.
• Tendency to perceive relationships as more intimate than they actually are.
• Fear of being ignored and high susceptibility to suggestions from others.

The disorder is significantly linked with self-esteem that depends on others’ approval. Therapy can often help individuals understand and manage these behaviors effectively.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense emotional experiences and instability in various aspects of life, including relationships and self-image. Individuals with BPD may have a tough time controlling emotions and may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, or anxiety that last only a few hours. However, sometimes these episodes could last longer.

Key symptoms often include:

• A pattern of intense and unstable relationships.
• Efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, which may include impulsive actions.
• Identity disturbances with a persistent unstable self-image.
• Self-damaging impulsivity in areas such as spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom.

Therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have proven effective in helping individuals with BPD manage their symptoms and lead more stable lives.

Psychological Diagnosis

Psychological Diagnosis involves a thorough process by which a mental health professional determines what disorder, if any, best explains an individual's symptoms. It's crucial for providing the correct treatment plan and involves several key steps.

Here is a general framework used during diagnosis:

• Conducting a comprehensive clinical interview to explore symptoms, history, and context.
• Administering psychological tests or assessments that gauge various aspects of psychological functioning.
• Gathering information from multiple sources, such as family, friends, and medical records.
• Observing behavior and interactions in different settings when necessary.
• Comparing collected data against diagnostic criteria in established mental health manuals such as the DSM-5.

It's important to understand that a psychological diagnosis is a starting point leading to tailored treatment rather than an endpoint. Each diagnosis must consider the holistic view of an individual’s life, including past experiences and current challenges, in order to effectively guide them to improved mental health.