Personality Disorders Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation?

Avoidant personality disorder. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: A. Avoidant personality disorder** Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is a **Cluster C** ("Anxious/Fearful") disorder. The core psychopathology involves a pervasive pattern of **social inhibition**, intense **feelings of inadequacy**, and extreme **hypersensitivity to criticism** or rejection. Unlike schizoid individuals who prefer solitude, patients with APD actually desire social relationships but avoid them due to a paralyzing fear of being shamed, ridiculed, or rejected. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Histrionic personality disorder (Cluster B):** Characterized by excessive emotionality and **attention-seeking** behavior. These individuals are uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, which is the opposite of the social withdrawal seen in APD. * **C. Paranoid personality disorder (Cluster A):** Defined by pervasive **distrust and suspiciousness** of others. While they may avoid others, it is due to the belief that others have malevolent motives, not due to feelings of personal inadequacy. * **D. Narcissistic personality disorder (Cluster B):** Characterized by **grandiosity**, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. While they are sensitive to "narcissistic injury" (criticism), their baseline is an inflated sense of self-importance, not inadequacy. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "Social Desire" Rule:** Differentiate APD from Schizoid PD—Schizoid patients have **no desire** for relationships (loners by choice), whereas Avoidant patients **desire** relationships but are too afraid to pursue them (loners by fear). * **Defense Mechanism:** The primary defense mechanism used in APD is **Fantasy** (imagining idealized relationships to compensate for real-world isolation). * **Treatment:** Social skills training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are first-line; Beta-blockers or SSRIs may be used to manage associated anxiety.

Q: Which of the following is a characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder?

Considers themselves as special. **Explanation:** **Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)** belongs to **Cluster B** (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic) personality disorders. The core feature of NPD is a pervasive pattern of **grandiosity**, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. 1. **Why Option A is Correct:** Individuals with NPD have an inflated sense of self-importance. They believe they are **"special" and unique** and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other high-status people or institutions. This grandiosity often manifests as fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Option B (Cold and eccentric):** This describes **Cluster A** disorders, specifically **Schizotypal Personality Disorder** (eccentric behavior/magical thinking) or **Schizoid Personality Disorder** (emotional coldness/detachment). * **Option C (Dependent on others):** This is the hallmark of **Dependent Personality Disorder (Cluster C)**, characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of and a fear of separation. While narcissists need "admiration," they do not seek "caregiving" in a submissive way. * **Option D (Shy):** This is characteristic of **Avoidant Personality Disorder (Cluster C)**. These individuals avoid social interaction due to fears of criticism or inadequacy, whereas narcissists actively seek the spotlight. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Fragile Self-Esteem:** Despite their grandiosity, their self-esteem is very fragile; they are hypersensitive to criticism ("narcissistic injury"). * **Lack of Empathy:** They are unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. * **Sense of Entitlement:** They have unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment. * **Defense Mechanism:** They primarily use **Idealization** (of themselves) and **Devaluation** (of others).

Q: Which of the following is a type of temperament?

Reward dependence. **Explanation:** The concept of temperament refers to the innate, genetically determined biological predispositions of an individual’s personality. The correct answer is based on **Cloninger’s Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ)**, later expanded into the **Biosocial Model of Personality**. **1. Why Reward Dependence is Correct:** C. Robert Cloninger identified four dimensions of **Temperament** (biologically based) and three dimensions of **Character** (environmentally/socially learned). The four temperaments are: * **Novelty Seeking:** Linked to Dopamine. * **Harm Avoidance:** Linked to Serotonin. * **Reward Dependence:** Linked to Norepinephrine. It refers to the tendency to respond intensely to signals of reward (social approval/praise). * **Persistence:** Added later as the fourth dimension. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Schizoid (A), Schizotypal (C), and Narcissistic (D)** are not temperaments; they are specific **Personality Disorders** as defined by the DSM-5 and ICD-11. * Schizoid and Schizotypal belong to **Cluster A** (Odd/Eccentric), while Narcissistic belongs to **Cluster B** (Dramatic/Erratic). These represent pathological patterns of behavior and inner experience rather than basic biological dimensions. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Temperament vs. Character:** Temperament is "what we are born with" (biological); Character is "what we make of ourselves" (Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, Self-transcendence). * **Neurotransmitter Correlation:** * Novelty Seeking $\rightarrow$ **Dopamine** * Harm Avoidance $\rightarrow$ **Serotonin** * Reward Dependence $\rightarrow$ **Norepinephrine** * **Cluster A** is most closely associated with high "Harm Avoidance" and low "Reward Dependence."

Q: Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, lack of empathy, and need for admiration?

Narcissistic. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: A. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)** Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a **Cluster B** (dramatic, emotional, erratic) personality disorder. The core psychopathology involves a pervasive pattern of **grandiosity** (in fantasy or behavior), an overwhelming **need for admiration**, and a profound **lack of empathy**. These individuals often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, believe they are "special," and are frequently preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success or power. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Borderline Personality Disorder:** Also in Cluster B, but characterized by **instability** in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity and fear of abandonment. * **C. Anankastic Personality Disorder:** This is the ICD-10 term for **Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)** (Cluster C). It is characterized by perfectionism, rigidity, and a preoccupation with rules and orderliness, rather than grandiosity. * **D. Schizotypal Personality Disorder:** A **Cluster A** (odd/eccentric) disorder. It involves "magical thinking," ideas of reference, and eccentric behavior, but lacks the drive for admiration or the grandiose self-image seen in NPD. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Cluster Mnemonics:** Remember the 3 Ws: Cluster A (**W**eird), Cluster B (**W**ild), Cluster C (**W**orried). * **Fragile Self-Esteem:** Despite their grandiosity, narcissistic patients often have very fragile self-esteem and are hypersensitive to criticism ("narcissistic injury"). * **Key Defense Mechanism:** Narcissistic individuals primarily use **Idealization** (of self) and **Devaluation** (of others). * **Treatment:** Psychotherapy (specifically Individual Psychotherapy) is the mainstay; pharmacotherapy is only used for comorbid mood or anxiety symptoms.

Q: A young lady was admitted after taking an overdose of diazepam following a relationship breakup. She has a previous history of self-harm by wrist-slitting. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Borderline personality disorder. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of a young female with recurrent self-harm (wrist-slitting), impulsivity (drug overdose), and emotional instability triggered by interpersonal rejection (breakup) is a classic description of **Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)**. **Why Borderline Personality Disorder is correct:** BPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects. Key diagnostic features (DSM-5) present in this case include: * **Affective Instability:** Intense emotional reactions to events like breakups. * **Fear of Abandonment:** Extreme efforts to avoid real or imagined separation. * **Self-Harm Behavior:** Recurrent suicidal gestures or self-mutilation (wrist-slitting) are hallmark features used often as a cry for help or to regulate intense emotional pain. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Narcissistic PD:** Characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. While they react poorly to criticism, self-harm is not a typical feature. * **Dependent PD:** These individuals have an excessive need to be taken care of and are submissive. While they fear breakups, they typically respond by immediately seeking a new relationship rather than impulsive self-harm. * **Histrionic PD:** Characterized by attention-seeking and excessive emotionality. While they may be "dramatic," the specific pattern of self-mutilation and chronic emptiness is specific to BPD. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Defense Mechanism:** The most characteristic defense mechanism in BPD is **Splitting** (viewing people as "all good" or "all bad"). * **Treatment of Choice:** **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** is the gold standard psychotherapy. * **Gender:** More commonly diagnosed in females. * **Pharmacotherapy:** SSRIs or mood stabilizers may be used for symptom control, but therapy remains primary.

Q: Recurrent suicidal tendency, aberrant interpersonal relationship, and black and white phenomena are characteristic of which personality disorder?

Borderline personality. ### Explanation The correct answer is **Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)**. This condition is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in affect, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. **Why Borderline Personality is Correct:** 1. **Black and White Phenomena (Splitting):** This is a hallmark defense mechanism where the patient views people or situations as either "all good" or "all bad," with no middle ground. 2. **Aberrant Interpersonal Relationships:** Patients often experience intense, unstable relationships that fluctuate between idealization and devaluation. 3. **Recurrent Suicidal Tendency:** Self-harming behavior and recurrent suicidal gestures are diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) often used as a cry for help or to counteract feelings of emptiness. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Schizotypal Personality:** Characterized by "magical thinking," odd beliefs, and eccentric behavior, but lacks the emotional intensity and suicidal patterns of BPD. * **Histrionic Personality:** Features attention-seeking behavior and excessive emotionality. While they may be dramatic, they lack the chronic self-destructiveness and "splitting" seen in BPD. * **Narcissistic Personality:** Defined by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. They rarely exhibit the self-harming tendencies or emotional instability characteristic of BPD. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Treatment of Choice:** Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the gold standard. * **Gender:** More commonly diagnosed in females. * **Key Defense Mechanism:** Splitting. * **Micro-psychotic episodes:** Under extreme stress, BPD patients may experience transient paranoid ideation or dissociative symptoms.

Q: Many patients with Antisocial Personality Disorder exhibit which of the following conditions?

Somatic symptom disorder. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Somatic symptom disorder**. In psychiatric epidemiology, **Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)** is frequently associated with specific comorbidities. While substance abuse is common, there is a well-documented clinical and genetic link between ASPD and **Somatic Symptom Disorder** (formerly Briquet’s syndrome). Research suggests these two conditions may share a common underlying etiology or genetic predisposition, often manifesting as ASPD in males and Somatic Symptom Disorder in females within the same families. Patients with ASPD often present with multiple vague physical complaints, seeking medical attention as part of their impulsive or manipulative behavior patterns. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A (Drug abuse):** While highly prevalent in ASPD, the question asks for a specific clinical association often tested in the context of "familial/genetic" links. In many standardized exams, the association with Somatization is considered a "classic" psychiatric correlation. * **Option B (Paranoid schizophrenia):** This is a psychotic disorder. While personality disorders can coexist with Axis I disorders, there is no specific pathognomonic link between ASPD and schizophrenia. * **Option C (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder):** OCD is characterized by rigidity and anxiety, which is diametrically opposed to the impulsivity and lack of remorse seen in ASPD. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "Gender Link":** ASPD is more common in men; Somatic Symptom Disorder is more common in women. They are often considered different phenotypic expressions of the same underlying genotype. * **Age Criteria:** To diagnose ASPD, the patient must be at least **18 years old** and have evidence of **Conduct Disorder** before age 15. * **Key Feature:** The hallmark of ASPD is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others.

Q: Which personality disorder shares features with autistic spectrum disorders?

Schizoid. **Explanation:** **Schizoid Personality Disorder (Option A)** is the correct answer because it shares a significant phenomenological overlap with **High-Functioning Autism (formerly Asperger’s Syndrome)**. Both conditions are characterized by profound social isolation, a preference for solitary activities, emotional coldness (blunted affect), and a lack of interest in developing close relationships. In clinical practice, the "negative symptoms" of social detachment in Schizoid PD often mimic the social communication deficits seen in the Autistic Spectrum. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Schizotypal (Option B):** While also in Cluster A, Schizotypal PD is characterized by "positive" psychotic-like features such as magical thinking, ideas of reference, and eccentric behavior. While social anxiety is present, the core feature is cognitive/perceptual distortion rather than the simple social deficit seen in Autism. * **Borderline (Option C):** This is a Cluster B disorder defined by emotional instability, impulsivity, and intense, unstable relationships. This "emotional turbulence" is the opposite of the social withdrawal and emotional detachment seen in Schizoid PD or Autism. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Schizoid vs. Avoidant:** Schizoid patients have **no desire** for relationships (ego-syntonic isolation), whereas Avoidant patients **desire** relationships but fear rejection (ego-dystonic isolation). * **The "Schizo" Spectrum:** Remember the progression of severity: Schizoid (detachment) → Schizotypal (eccentricity) → Schizophrenia (psychosis). * **Key Phrase:** If a clinical vignette describes a "loner" who is indifferent to praise or criticism and chooses solitary jobs (like a night watchman), always think **Schizoid**.

Question 1

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Question 2

Which of the following statements is false with respect to Borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Individuals remain in a stable relationship for a long time.

Answer

It is also called emotionally unstable personality disorder.

Answer

Parasuicide risk is high.

Answer

Suicide risk is high.

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Considers themselves as special

Answer

Cold and eccentric

Answer

Dependent on others

Answer

Shy

Question 4

Impulsivity, angry outbursts, unstable relationships, deliberate self-harm, and suicidal tendencies are characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Schizoid personality disorder

Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder

Question 5

Which of the following is a type of temperament?

Accepted Answer

Reward dependence

Answer

Schizoid

Answer

Schizotypal

Answer

Narcissistic

Question 6

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, lack of empathy, and need for admiration?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic

Answer

Borderline

Answer

Anankastic

Answer

Schizotypal

Question 7

A young lady was admitted after taking an overdose of diazepam following a relationship breakup. She has a previous history of self-harm by wrist-slitting. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Dependent personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Question 8

Recurrent suicidal tendency, aberrant interpersonal relationship, and black and white phenomena are characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality

Answer

Schizotypal personality

Answer

Histrionic personality

Answer

Narcissistic personality

Question 9

Many patients with Antisocial Personality Disorder exhibit which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorder

Answer

Drug abuse

Answer

Paranoid schizophrenia

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 10

Which personality disorder shares features with autistic spectrum disorders?

Accepted Answer

Schizoid

Answer

Schizotypal

Answer

Borderline

Answer

All of the above

Personality Disorders — MCQs

Personality Disorders — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?