Posted by NikkiT2 on November 11, 2003, at 13:45:22
In reply to Re: I went to a personality Disorder Conference today! » NikkiT2, posted by Medusa on November 11, 2003, at 13:19:22
Hi Medusa,
This really is my huge area of interest, so I'm really pleased to be able to help you out here.
Personality Disorders are split into three sections.. these are
Cluster A: Odd or eccentric behavior
Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional or erratic behavior
Cluster C: Anxious fearful behaviorHistrionic PD is in Cluster B, and narcissistic
PD is also a cluster B, as can be expected. BPD is also cluster B.The European Diagnostic Guidelines are this;
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
a) markedly dysharmonious attitudes and behaviour, involving usually several areas of functioning, e.g. affectivity, arousal, impulse control, ways of perceiving and thinking, and style of relating to others;
(b) the abnormal behaviour pattern is enduring, of long standing, and not limited to episodes of mental illness;
(c) the abnormal behaviour pattern is pervasive and clearly maladaptive to a broad range of personal and social situations;
(d) the above manifestations always appear during childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood;
(e) the disorder leads to considerable personal distress but this may only become apparent late in its course;
(f) the disorder is usually, but not invariably, associated with significant problems in occupational and social performance.Histrionic Personality Disorder
(a) markedly dysharmonious attitudes and behaviour, involving usually several areas of functioning, e.g. affectivity, arousal, impulse control, ways of perceiving and thinking, and style of relating to others;
(b) the abnormal behaviour pattern is enduring, of long standing, and not limited to episodes of mental illness;
(c) the abnormal behaviour pattern is pervasive and clearly maladaptive to a broad range of personal and social situations;
(d) the above manifestations always appear during childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood;
(e) the disorder leads to considerable personal distress but this may only become apparent late in its course;
(f) the disorder is usually, but not invariably, associated with significant problems in occupational and social performance.The American Criteria are a bit more defined than these..
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
requires excessive admiration
has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudesHistrionic Personality Disorder
is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually areSo, reading these.. If I went just by the European critera, it would be very hard to tell them apart. But the American descriptions do make it alot clearer.
I hope this makes things a little clearer for you. *smiles*
Nikki x
poster:NikkiT2
thread:278550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031031/msgs/278603.html