Critical Thinking Questions

1. 1. DSM-5 lists these as unique mental health illness diagnoses, but the symptoms of each may cross over. In obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, the client exhibits orderliness and perfectionism. However, in personality disorders, the behaviors do not come and go or fluctuate, and there is no insight that the behavior is abnormal. In fact, clients typically believe their behavior is normal and beneficial. Additionally, the client does not perform repetitive actions that are classic to OCD. In contrast, OCD is caused by anxiety, and the severity of the obsessions and compulsions vary according to the level of anxiety. Clients with OCD exhibit repetitive actions such as excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking the door is locked or counting items. Clients have insight into the behavior and view it as abnormal and distressing, so they are more likely to seek treatment.
   2. Name that personality disorder:

      a) Histrionic

      b) Paranoid

      c) Borderline

      d) Schizoid

      e) Dependent

      f) Antisocial

      g) Avoidant

      h) Narcissistic

      i) Obsessive-Compulsive

      j) Schizotypal

   3. Check your medication knowledge:

      a) Low-dose antipsychotics

      b) Mood stabilizers and low-dose antipsychotics

      c) Mood stabilizers and omega-3

   4. Compare normal adolescent development with trait similarities of personality disorders:

      Cluster A: May not trust others, prefers to be alone, and may have magical thinking (imagination)
      Cluster B: Disregards right from wrong, lies, gets into trouble, impulsive, overreactive, emotional, and easily influenced by others
      Cluster C: Social discomfort, shy, fearful, and lacks self-confidence

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