Personality Disorders — MCQs

Personality Disorders Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 171: What does masochism refer to?

A. Sexual intercourse with dead body
B. Sexual pleasure by contact with articles of opposite sex
C. Sexual pleasure by suffering of pain (Correct Answer)
D. Sexual pleasure by self-stimulation

Explanation: ***Sexual pleasure by suffering of pain*** - **Masochism** is a paraphilia characterized by experiencing sexual arousal and gratification from receiving **pain, humiliation**, or suffering. - This can involve physical pain, psychological suffering, or degradation, and is often consensual within a sexual context. *Sexual intercourse with dead body* - This practice is known as **necrophilia**, a paraphilia involving sexual attraction to, or sexual acts with, corpses. - Necrophilia is distinct from masochism, as it focuses on the object of desire rather than the experience of pain or suffering. *Sexual pleasure by contact with articles of opposite sex* - This describes **fetishism**, specifically a form of **transvestic fetishism** or article fetishism, where sexual arousal is derived from inanimate objects, such as clothing, traditionally associated with the opposite sex. - This is different from masochism, which centers on the experience of pain or humiliation. *Sexual pleasure by self-stimulation* - This refers to **masturbation**, a common and normal sexual activity involving stimulating one's own genitals or other erogenous zones to achieve sexual arousal or orgasm. - While it involves self-induced pleasure, it does not inherently involve the suffering of pain or humiliation that defines masochism.

Question 172: Which of the following is a characteristic of borderline personality disorder?

A. Unstable interpersonal relationship (Correct Answer)
B. Grandiosity
C. Low self esteem
D. Excessive need for admiration

Explanation: ***Unstable interpersonal relationship*** - A core feature of **borderline personality disorder (BPD)** is a pattern of intense and unstable relationships, often characterized by idealization and devaluation. - Individuals with BPD struggle with a **fear of abandonment**, leading to desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined separation. *Excessive need for admiration* - This is a hallmark feature of **narcissistic personality disorder**, where individuals consistently seek praise and attention. - In BPD, the need is more focused on affirmation and avoiding abandonment rather than pure admiration. *Grandiosity* - **Grandiosity** is a defining characteristic of **narcissistic personality disorder**, involving an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority. - While individuals with BPD may have an unstable sense of self-worth, grandiosity is not a primary or consistent feature. *Low self esteem* - While individuals with BPD often experience **low self-esteem** and feelings of worthlessness, this is a symptom present in many mental health conditions and is not specific enough to characterize BPD alone. - The more defining features relate to **identity disturbance**, **affective instability**, and **impulsivity**.

Question 173: Which personality disorder is characterized by suspiciousness?

A. Paranoid personality disorder (Correct Answer)
B. Schizoid personality disorder
C. Anankastic personality disorder
D. Schizotypal personality disorder

Explanation: ***Paranoid personality disorder*** - This disorder is fundamentally characterized by a pervasive **distrust and suspiciousness** of others' motives, interpreting them as malevolent. - Individuals with this disorder often believe others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them, even without sufficient evidence. *Schizoid personality disorder* - Characterized by a pervasive pattern of **detachment from social relationships** and a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings. - Individuals with schizoid personality disorder typically show no interest in social interactions and exhibit **emotional coldness**, not suspiciousness. *Anankastic personality disorder* - This is another name for **Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)**, which is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control. - Individuals with OCPD are concerned with rules, details, and schedules, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency, and do not typically exhibit suspiciousness. *Schizotypal personality disorder* - Characterized by a pattern of acute discomfort with, and reduced capacity for, close relationships, as well as **cognitive or perceptual distortions** and eccentricities of behavior. - While they may exhibit odd beliefs or magical thinking, their primary feature is not suspiciousness but rather unique patterns of thought, perception, and behavior.

Question 174: What is considered the most effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder?

A. Combination of DBT and pharmacotherapy
B. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
C. Pharmacotherapy alone
D. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)*** - **DBT** is the **gold standard** and most evidence-based psychotherapy specifically developed for Borderline Personality Disorder - Developed by **Marsha Linehan** specifically to target the core symptoms of BPD including emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties - Combines **cognitive-behavioral techniques** with mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills - Has the **strongest research evidence** for reducing suicidal behavior, self-harm, and improving overall functioning in BPD patients - Multiple RCTs demonstrate DBT's superiority in treating BPD compared to standard care *Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)* - While **CBT** is effective for many mental health conditions and can help with certain BPD symptoms, it was not specifically designed for BPD - DBT is actually a specialized adaptation of CBT tailored for BPD, making it more targeted and effective for this specific condition - Generic CBT may help with co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety but lacks the comprehensive approach needed for core BPD features *Combination of DBT and pharmacotherapy* - This combination is clinically useful, especially when treating **co-morbid conditions** like depression, anxiety, or severe mood instability - However, psychotherapy (particularly DBT) remains the **cornerstone** of BPD treatment, with medications serving an adjunctive role - The question asks for the single most effective treatment, which is DBT alone *Pharmacotherapy alone* - **No medication** is FDA-approved specifically for BPD - Pharmacotherapy may help manage specific symptoms (mood swings, impulsivity, brief psychotic episodes) but does not address the core **personality pathology** - Generally not recommended as monotherapy for BPD; should always be combined with psychotherapy

Question 175: Which of the following is not a characteristic feature of personality disorders?

A. Starts in childhood.
B. Behavior is maladaptive.
C. Disorder results in personal distress.
D. Ego dystonic symptoms (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Ego dystonic symptoms*** - Personality disorders are characterized by **ego-syntonic** traits, meaning the individual perceives their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as consistent with their self-image and acceptable. - **Ego-dystonic symptoms**, conversely, are experienced as alien, inconsistent with one's self-concept, and distressing (e.g., in OCD or major depressive disorder), which is **definitively NOT** a feature of personality disorders. - This is the key distinguishing feature: personality disorder traits are not perceived as problematic by the individual themselves (ego-syntonic), unlike neurotic disorders. *Starts in childhood.* - While personality traits and vulnerabilities may emerge in childhood, **formal diagnosis** of personality disorders is made in **late adolescence or early adulthood** (typically after age 18). - Per DSM-5 and ICD-11, the enduring pattern must be evident by early adulthood. - However, this option is less definitive as some underlying patterns do appear earlier, making "ego dystonic" the better answer. *Behavior is maladaptive.* - A **core diagnostic feature** of personality disorders is a pervasive pattern of **maladaptive behaviors** and inner experiences that deviate from cultural expectations. - These behaviors lead to distress, impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. - This IS characteristic of personality disorders. *Disorder results in personal distress.* - Despite ego-syntonic symptoms, individuals with personality disorders frequently experience **significant personal distress**, often arising from consequences of their behaviors, interpersonal conflicts, or functional impairment. - This distress IS characteristic, though it may be indirect rather than from the symptoms themselves. - This IS a feature of personality disorders.

Question 176: Which personality disorder is commonly associated with bipolar disorder?

A. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
B. Borderline Personality Disorder (Correct Answer)
C. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder

Explanation: ***Borderline Personality Disorder*** - **Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)** and **bipolar disorder** share overlapping symptoms such as mood instability, impulsivity, and relational difficulties. - Due to these shared features, there is a high comorbidity rate, and distinguishing between the two can be challenging, often requiring careful assessment of symptom origins and patterns. *Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder* - **Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)** is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. - While an individual can have both, OCPD does not typically share the prominent **mood instability** or **impulsivity** that are core to bipolar disorder. *Narcissistic Personality Disorder* - **Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)** involves a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, often presenting with inflated self-esteem or sense of superiority. - While **grandiosity** can be seen in manic phases of bipolar disorder, the chronic and pervasive nature of NPD, particularly the lack of empathy, differs from the episodic mood extremes of bipolar disorder. *Antisocial Personality Disorder* - **Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)** is characterized by a disregard for and violation of the rights of others, often involving deception, impulsivity, and criminal behavior. - While **impulsivity** and **reckless behavior** can occur during manic episodes in bipolar disorder, ASPD's core features are a pervasive pattern of deceitfulness and lack of remorse, which are not primary symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Question 177: Which of the following is not a characteristic of schizoid personality disorder?

A. Prone to fantasy
B. Introspective
C. Aloof & detached
D. Suspicious (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Suspicious*** - **Suspiciousness** and mistrust of others are core features of **paranoid personality disorder**, not schizoid personality disorder. - Individuals with schizoid personality disorder are typically apathetic towards others rather than actively distrustful. *Aloof & detached* - Individuals with schizoid personality disorder are characterized by a pervasive pattern of **detachment from social relationships** and a restricted range of emotional expression. - They often appear emotionally cold and indifferent to praise or criticism, indicating their aloof nature. *Prone to fantasy* - People with schizoid personality disorder frequently engage in **excessive daydreaming** and imaginative fantasy as an escape from reality. - This tendency is a coping mechanism for their limited social interaction and emotional expression. *Introspective* - Schizoid individuals tend to be **preoccupied with their inner world** and thoughts, often to the exclusion of external social interactions. - Their introspective nature contributes to their social withdrawal and isolation.

Question 178: What is Frotteurism?

A. None of the options.
B. Sexual practice involving multiple consenting partners.
C. Sexual pleasure obtained from rubbing against a non-consenting person in a crowded place. (Correct Answer)
D. Sexual gratification by rubbing against another person.

Explanation: ***Sexual pleasure obtained from rubbing against a non-consenting person in a crowded place.*** - **Frotteurism** is a paraphilic disorder characterized by recurrent, intense sexual urges or fantasies involving **rubbing against a non-consenting person**. - This act typically occurs in **crowded public places** where the perpetrator can easily make physical contact without drawing immediate attention. *Sexual practice involving multiple consenting partners.* - This describes concepts like **polyamory** or certain forms of **group sex**, which involve mutual consent and are distinct from Frotteurism. - Unlike frotteurism, these practices are defined by **consent** and shared participation among all individuals involved. *None of the options.* - This option is incorrect as one of the provided options accurately defines Frotteurism. - The definition of Frotteurism is specific and well-established within the field of psychology and psychiatry. *Sexual gratification by rubbing against another person.* - While it correctly mentions "rubbing against another person" and "sexual gratification," it critically **misses the element of non-consent**. - The **lack of consent** from the victim is a defining and pathological characteristic that differentiates frotteurism from consensual acts of intimacy.

Question 179: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

A. Attention-seeking behavior (Correct Answer)
B. Disregard for social norms
C. Emotional instability
D. Exaggerated emotional expression

Explanation: ***Attention-seeking behavior*** - Individuals with **Histrionic Personality Disorder** exhibit pervasive and excessive **emotionality** and **attention-seeking behaviors**. - This often manifests as discomfort when not being the center of attention and using physical appearance to draw attention to themselves. *Disregard for social norms* - This is a primary characteristic of **Antisocial Personality Disorder**, involving a persistent pattern of **disregard for and violation of the rights of others**, not HPD. - Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often engage in deceitfulness, impulsivity, and lack of remorse. *Emotional instability* - While histrionic individuals can have rapidly shifting emotions, profound **emotional instability**, including rapid mood swings and intense anger, is more characteristic of **Borderline Personality Disorder**. - **Borderline Personality Disorder** also features instability in relationships and self-image, which differs from the attention-seeking nature of HPD. *Exaggerated emotional expression* - While individuals with HPD often display **exaggerated emotional expression**, it is a component of their broader and more encompassing **attention-seeking behavior**, making "attention-seeking behavior" the more definitive characteristic among the choices. - The emotional displays are often shallow and theatrical, serving the purpose of drawing and maintaining attention.

Question 180: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by?

A. Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships. (Correct Answer)
B. Disregard for societal norms.
C. Lack of empathy.
D. Excessive need for admiration.

Explanation: ***Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships*** - A hallmark of **Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)** is a pervasive pattern of **unstable relationships**, characterized by extreme shifts from idealization to devaluation. - Individuals with BPD often experience fear of abandonment, leading to desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined separation. *Disregard for societal norms* - This characteristic is more indicative of **Antisocial Personality Disorder**, where there is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. - Individuals with BPD may engage in impulsive or reckless behavior, but it's typically driven by emotional dysregulation rather than a fundamental disregard for societal rules. *Lack of empathy* - A profound **lack of empathy** is a core feature of **Narcissistic Personality Disorder** and **Antisocial Personality Disorder**, where individuals struggle to recognize or share the feelings of others. - While individuals with BPD may struggle with interpersonal understanding due to their emotional lability, a complete lack of empathy is not their primary defining feature. *Excessive need for admiration* - An **excessive need for admiration** and a sense of entitlement are key diagnostic criteria for **Narcissistic Personality Disorder**. - While individuals with BPD may seek attention or validation, it's typically in the context of their fear of abandonment and unstable self-image, rather than a grandiose sense of self-importance.

Practice by Chapter

Classification of Personality Disorders

Practice Questions

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Practice Questions

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Practice Questions

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Practice Questions

Borderline Personality Disorder

Practice Questions

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Practice Questions

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Practice Questions

Psychotherapy for Personality Disorders

Practice Questions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Practice Questions

Mentalization-Based Therapy

Practice Questions

Pharmacological Approaches

Practice Questions

Outcome and Prognosis

Practice Questions

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