A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work, and other intrapersonal activities. In some cases, a person may not realize that they have a personality disorder because their way of thinking and behaving seems natural to them. And you may blame others for the challenges you face. In this training, we will examine three of the most commonly diagnosed Emotional Disorders: Borderline (aka Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder), Histrionic, and Narcissist. Learn how to diagnose based on DSM criteria and about the Evidence-Based treatment methodologies used to work with clients diagnosed with these disorders.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Determine the differences between each of the EPD disorders and understand the historical development of the diagnoses
- Identify the Psychological & Genetic Factors of each disorder
- Assess the disorders according to the DSM–V: Clinical Criteria and Definitions of Each Disorder & Determining a Diagnosis
- Demonstrate Working with Emotional Personality Disorders – Pharmacology and Therapy
- Understand and implement Effective Treatments for Working with and Managing Emotional Personality Disorders.
Syllabus:
Overview of Personality and Personality Disorders
- Define personality as the dynamic organization of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Identify genetic and environmental influences in personality development
- Understand personality disorders as enduring patterns of maladaptive behavior and cognition
- Review core features: early onset, stability, pervasiveness, and interpersonal dysfunction
- Discuss diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and prevalence across populations
Objective #1: Risk Factors and Developmental Influences
- Family history of mental illness or personality disorders
- Childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, and verbal abuse
- High reactivity and sensory sensitivity
- Genetic predispositions and neurobiological differences
- Parenting style and environmental instability
Objective #2: Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
- Defined by disregard for social rules, impulsivity, and lack of remorse
- Often presents as manipulative, aggressive, and risk-taking behavior
- Associated with criminal behavior and substance use
- Diagnosis requires history of conduct disorder before age 15
- Treatment includes mentalization-based therapy, democratic therapeutic communities, and pharmacological support
- Treatment goals: reduce impulsivity, manage aggression, build responsibility, and increase prosocial behavior
Objective #3: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Marked by instability in relationships, self-image, and affect
- Features include fear of abandonment, emotional reactivity, impulsive behavior, and chronic emptiness
- Splitting as a defense mechanism: black-and-white thinking
- Risk factors include genetics, adverse childhood experiences, and amygdala hyperactivity
- High rates of comorbidity with mood disorders, trauma, and suicide attempts
- Effective treatments include DBT, MBT, transference-focused therapy, and schema-focused therapy
- Treatment goals: reduce self-harm, increase emotional regulation, build relational stability, and enhance life purpose
Objective #4: Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)
- Characterized by attention-seeking, emotional exaggeration, and superficial charm
- Diagnostic features include theatricality, suggestibility, and inappropriate sexual behavior
- Often linked to inconsistent or overindulgent parenting and learned dramatic behaviors
- Treatment includes supportive and psychodynamic psychotherapy
- Goals include regulating attention-seeking behavior, building sincerity, and fostering emotional depth
Objective #5: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
- Defined by grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy
- Common features include entitlement, envy, arrogance, and fragile self-esteem
- Difficulties with criticism and interpersonal conflict
- Causes may include genetics, negative childhood experiences, and cultural influences
- Diagnosis often complicated by co-occurring disorders and covert presentations
- Effective interventions include schema-focused CBT, transference-focused psychotherapy, DBT, and metacognitive therapy
- Treatment goals: enhance empathy, manage narcissistic defensiveness, align fantasy with reality, and improve emotional resilience
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 6/03/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com