Abnormal Psychology: Cluster B Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic) and Psychopathy

Alexander Street Video - 2:01:00
This recording will dismantle the bias against BPD clients and clear a path for a transformative therapeutic relationship with them by exploring the clinical choices that can truly make a difference.

Films on Demand - 3:03:07
Clients with cluster B personality disorders (borderline, antisocial, histrionic, and narcissistic) can be amongst the most challenging for therapists. Clinicians who are not properly trained can inadvertently make clients worse, and can even put themselves at risk for licensure board complaints. In this video seminar, clinical psychologist and author Dr. Richard Sears offers solid principles and detailed case examples to teach a compassionate yet direct approach for working with these individuals using cutting edge, practical interventions that are grounded in theory.

(MedlinePlus) Antisocial personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others without any remorse. This behavior may cause problems in relationships or at work and is often criminal.

(American Psychiatric Association) Antisocial personality disorder may be one of the most misunderstood mental disorders. It is also often undiagnosed and untreated, according to a recent special report by Donald Black, M.D. in Psychiatric News.1 He referred to it as “psychiatry’s forgotten disorder,” noting that few clinicians diagnose or treat it.

(National Institute of Mental Health) Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others. Effective treatments are available that can help people manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

(MedlinePlus) Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental condition in which a person has long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions. These inner experiences often result in impulsive actions and chaotic relationships with other people.

(American Psychological Association) Psychopath. It is a term that tends to conjure images of violent criminals or public figures capable of heinous or egregiously selfish acts on a broader scale. Yet the reality of this condition is far more nuanced than these stereotypes hold.

(MedlinePlus) Histrionic personality disorder is a mental condition in which people act in a very emotional and dramatic way that draws attention to themselves.

(National Library of Medicine) A histrionic personality disorder, or commonly known as a dramatic personality disorder, is a psychiatric disorder distinguished by a pattern of exaggerated emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors.

(MedlinePlus) Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has: An excessive sense of self-importance; An extreme preoccupation with themselves; A lack of empathy for others

(National Library of Medicine) Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex personality disorder often detected with other affective and personality disorders. This activity outlines the evaluation of narcissistic personality disorder and discusses a multi-modal approach to treatment. This article also outlines complications related to personality disorder and discusses interprofessional approaches to the same.