Cluster C: Avoidant and Obsessive Compulsive
Avoidant Personality Disorder The symptoms of avoidant personality disorder are similar to social phobia except that in the personality disorder the avoidance is present in all social situations. Social phobia symptoms are usually more specific such as speaking or eating in public. Attorneys need to be aware when communicating with individuals who have avoidant personality […]
Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster C”
Cluster C is a subset of personality disorders that includes avoidant, dependent and obsessive compulsive personality disorders. These disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful thinking and behavior. The following is fictional example of how an individual with a cluster C personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. Mary was the beloved […]
Cluster B: Borderline, Histrionic and Narcissistic
John from our case study is a fictional example of a client who has an antisocial personality disorder, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for the rights of others. He meets the criteria of having a conduct disorder with onset before age 15. An individual must also meet three of the following criteria to be diagnosed […]
Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster B”
Cluster B personality traits are dramatic, emotional and attention seeking. They include: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The following is an example of how an individual with a cluster B personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. John is a 25 year old construction […]
Personality Disorders: Legal Implications
The legal nurse advised the attorney that the best way to communicate with John was to be calm and matter of fact. She told the attorney that a warm and friendly approach would be likely to cause suspicion. She also advised the attorney to avoid joking and whispering in his presence. An assessment was done […]
Personality Disorder: Case Study
The following is a fictional case study about a client who is arrested and has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. As you read the case, think about what the diagnosis might be and the most effective way for the attorney to communicate with this client. Next week we will discuss further. John is a 40 […]
Clusters of Personality Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association organizes personality disorders by clusters. Cluster A is a category that describes individuals who are withdrawn and may engage in odd or eccentric behavior. The diagnoses include: Paranoid Personality Disorder An individual with this disorder suspects that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving him or her. They often suspect without justification […]
What is a personality disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association (2013) defines a personality disorder as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. The personality traits are pervasive and inflexible. These individuals have difficulty with adaptation and relationships. Personality disorders usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood. They are stable […]
