NOTE:
Paranoia does not seem to interfere with the rest of the individual's
personality. Aside from the area of paranoia, an individual may be able to
function very well in a highly organized manner.
b. Cyclothymic Personality. This mild personality disorder is characterized by
extreme mood swings from elation to depression. The mood swings, however, are not
disabling to the individual. The individual may feel exhilarated and outgoing with a high
energy level-- hypomanic behavior. On the other hand, he may feel melancholy with a
mild, depressive-like state. He feels lonely, sympathetic, kind, quiet, and a little sorry for
himself.
NOTE:
In stressful situations or even for no apparent reason, the cyclothymic
personality may develop into manic-depressive psychosis (extreme
psychotic disorder characterized by long periods of overexcitement and
overactivity and/or long periods of depression and underactivity).
c. Schizoid Personality. This is a personality characterized by shyness,
oversensitivity, seclusiveness, and eccentricity in communication and behavior. An
example of schizoid personality is an adult who has a life pattern of social isolation (little
or no interaction with other people). He is distant and somewhat distrustful of other
people, rather fearful, and sensitive. Instead of dealing with people, he concentrates on
nonpeople details of his life such as the meaning of "Wash before wearing" on a new
pair of jeans. Does this mean wash the jeans before wearing the first time or, for some
reason, do the jeans need to be washed each time before they are worn? He considers
this question for several days. This type of dilemma is comfortable for the individual
with a schizoid personality because the problem requires no interaction with any other
person.
d. Explosive Personality. The distinguishing feature of this personality is
frequent, sudden outbursts of aggression. Especially under pressure, an individual with
this type of personality becomes overly excitable and overresponsive.
e. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality. Obsession can be defined as a
persistent preoccupation with something--an idea or a feeling. A compulsion can be
defined as an irresistible impulse. An individual with an obsessive-compulsive
personality feels compelled to think about something that he does not want to think
about, or to carry out some action against his will. People with this type of personality
usually realize that their behavior is irrational, but they feel they can't stop the behavior.
Characteristics of this type of personality include the following:
(1)
Rigid.
(2)
Punctilious (strict observance of formalities or conduct).
(3)
Fastidious (hard to please; much too critical and demanding).
MD0586
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