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 Read More...

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 Read More...

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 Cluster A is a category that describes individuals who are withdrawn and may engage in odd or eccentric behavior.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 Read More...

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 Read More...