Abnormal Psychology Case Analysis
I. AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER
* Characterized by pervasive pattern of social discomfort and reticence, low self-esteem, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation (Videbeck, 2006).
* Although shy, they are not asocial and show great desire for companionship, but they need unusually strong guarantees of uncritical acceptance. Such persons are commonly described as having an “inferiority complex.”
Epidemiology
It occurs to 0.5% to 1 % of the general population and in 10% of the clinical population. It occurs equally among males and females.
Infants classified as having a timid temperament may be more susceptible to the disorder than those who score high on activity-approach scales.
Etiology
-The exact cause of APD is unknown.
-Genetic factors have been hypothesized to cause APD and social phobia because both conditions are found more frequently in certain families. The exact mechanism of transmission is unknown, and phenotypic expression of any underlying genetic vulnerability may include other anxiety disorders.
- The disorder may be related to temperamental factors that are inherited. Specifically, various anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence have been associated with a temperament characterized by behavioral inhibition, including features of being shy, fearful, and withdrawn in new situations. Components of this temperament have been identified in infants as young as 4 months.
- Although not specifically studied in cases of APD, traumatic experiences, parental overprotection, poor social skills, and parental anxiety have been found to be related to social anxiety.
- Retrospective studies of adults with APD report high levels of childhood emotional abuse (61%).
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of social inhibition, fee lings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four
* Characterized by pervasive pattern of social discomfort and reticence, low self-esteem, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation (Videbeck, 2006).
* Although shy, they are not asocial and show great desire for companionship, but they need unusually strong guarantees of uncritical acceptance. Such persons are commonly described as having an “inferiority complex.”
Epidemiology
It occurs to 0.5% to 1 % of the general population and in 10% of the clinical population. It occurs equally among males and females.
Infants classified as having a timid temperament may be more susceptible to the disorder than those who score high on activity-approach scales.
Etiology
-The exact cause of APD is unknown.
-Genetic factors have been hypothesized to cause APD and social phobia because both conditions are found more frequently in certain families. The exact mechanism of transmission is unknown, and phenotypic expression of any underlying genetic vulnerability may include other anxiety disorders.
- The disorder may be related to temperamental factors that are inherited. Specifically, various anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence have been associated with a temperament characterized by behavioral inhibition, including features of being shy, fearful, and withdrawn in new situations. Components of this temperament have been identified in infants as young as 4 months.
- Although not specifically studied in cases of APD, traumatic experiences, parental overprotection, poor social skills, and parental anxiety have been found to be related to social anxiety.
- Retrospective studies of adults with APD report high levels of childhood emotional abuse (61%).
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of social inhibition, fee lings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four
References: Read more: Avoidant Personality Disorder Causes, Frequency, Siblings and Mortality - Morbidity http://www.health.am/psy/avoidant-personality-disorder-causes/#ixzz1mK5gGRmX Read more: Dependent Personality Disorder: Description, Incidence, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Causes, Associated Conditions, Diagnosis, Signs and symptoms and treatment http://www.health.am/psy/dependent-personality-disorder/#ixzz1mKCJ4ZHj Read more: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder History and Theoretical Perspective -Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder- http://www.health.am/psy/more/ocpd_history_and_theoretical_perspective/#ixzz1mKJU62cJ