Discussion: Personality Disorders ✓ Solved

Discussion: Personality Disorders Personality disorders can arise

Personality disorders are complex mental health conditions that can significantly impact an individual's functioning and relationships. In this discussion, we will explore a specific case study focused on a personality disorder, considering the differential diagnostic process, the influence of past diagnoses, and how stigma, power, and privilege affect these diagnoses.

To begin, we must provide a full DSM-5 diagnosis for the individual in the case study. This includes the name of the disorder, the ICD-10-CM code, relevant specifiers, severity, and Z codes if applicable. As outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (2013), diagnostic criteria for personality disorders require a thorough understanding of the individual's symptoms over the past 12 months, ensuring an accurate diagnosis that aligns with the DSM-5 guidelines.

Full DSM-5 Diagnosis

For this analysis, let's assume the individual in the case study has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). According to the DSM-5, the ICD-10-CM code for BPD is F60.3. The specific criteria for this diagnosis include patterns of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. The severity of the disorder can vary, but it is essential to note the impact it can have on the individual's functioning in daily life.

Analysis of Symptoms

In the provided case, we can identify symptoms such as intense emotional responses, fears of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria for BPD: for instance, the fear of abandonment and unstable relationships match criteria specific to the disorder. Each symptom meets the criteria established by the DSM-5, which requires that individuals exhibit at least five of the nine specified symptoms for a conclusive diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Close Differentials

When considering differential diagnoses, other conditions may share overlapping symptoms with BPD but may be eliminated through careful analysis of the specific case details. For instance, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) feature some similar characteristics. However, individuals diagnosed with NPD typically exhibit a lack of empathy and an inflated sense of self-worth, which may not apply in this case. Histrionic Personality Disorder is more aligned with attention-seeking and emotionality but lacks the intense fear of abandonment seen in BPD. Hence, detailed case study materials guide us in eliminating these close differentials.

Impact of Diagnosis on Treatment

Diagnosing a client with a personality disorder such as BPD significantly affects treatment considerations. Individuals with BPD may require specialized therapeutic approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Understanding the diagnosis lays the foundation for treatment planning, helping the clinician tailor interventions to address the unique challenges faced by the individual, including emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties. Early interventions can lead to better outcomes, whereas misdiagnoses may lead to inadequate or inappropriate treatment (Ferguson, 2016).

Stigma, Power, and Privilege

Power dynamics and privilege play a considerable role in the labeling and diagnosis of personality disorders. Marginalized individuals may be more frequently labeled with personality disorders due to societal biases and stigma surrounding mental health. This is particularly evident in demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status and racial background, which may skew how professionals interpret symptoms. Elevated stigma may discourage individuals from seeking help and impact their treatment outcomes (Cicchetti, 2014).

The Role of Trauma

Trauma is a crucial factor in the development and perpetuation of personality disorders. In many cases, individuals diagnosed with BPD have histories of trauma, which can precipitate symptoms associated with the diagnosis. The relationship between trauma and personality disorders can create a cycle where the disorder exacerbates trauma-related symptoms or vice versa. Trauma-informed care becomes essential to address these intertwined issues effectively and promote healing (Howard & Khalifa, 2016).

Conclusion

In summary, the diagnosis of personality disorders, particularly BPD in this case study, is a multifaceted process that demands careful consideration of symptoms, differential diagnoses, and the influence of trauma. Understanding the nuances of power and privilege in the diagnostic process is vital in addressing the stigma surrounding these disorders. Effective treatment hinges not only on accurate diagnosis but also on recognizing the impact of societal factors on individuals' mental health experiences.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
• Cicchetti, D. (2014). Illustrative developmental psychopathology perspectives on precursors and pathways to personality disorder: Commentary on the special issue. Journal of Personality Disorders, 28(1), 172–179. doi:10.1521/pedi.2014.28.1.172
• Ferguson, A. (2016). Borderline personality disorder and access to services: A crucial social justice issue. Australian Social Work, 69(2), 206–214. doi:10.1080/X.2015.
• Howard, R., & Khalifa, N. (2016). Is emotional impulsiveness (urgency) a core feature of severe personality disorder? Personality and Individual Differences, 92, 29–32. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2015.12.017
• Morrison, J. (2014). Diagnosis made easier (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Donatone, B. (2016). The Coraline effect: The misdiagnosis of personality disorders in college students who grew up with a personality disordered parent. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 30(3), 187–196. doi:10.1080/.2016.
• Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Psychopathology and diagnosis for social work practice podcast: Personality disorders [Audio podcast]. Baltimore, MD: Author.