Breast Cancer and Its Impact on Individual Personality Through a Dimensional Perspective: A Literature Review.

Psychiatric pathology stands out in contemporary society not only as independent but also through its association with other medical comorbidities such as neoplastic diseases. Specialized literature confirms over time the coexistence of these diseases. There is a tendency to develop various psychiatric manifestations such as mood disorders and somatoform disorders, as well as decompensation of underlying existing psychiatric pathologies (anxiety disorders and psychotic disorders) or personality disorders (a good example is the exacerbation of anxiety in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder). Breast cancer, like any disabling disease, affects the person's psyche and behaviors as a whole. It is scientifically proven that mental balance influences the quality of life of patients and also the evolution and prognosis of the disease, psychological processes being able to modulate the activity of the tumor process. It is necessary to expand clinical practice and research beyond the simple evaluation of symptoms, and the goal of treatment should not only be to reduce symptoms but also to improve in terms of both physically and mentally the quality of life of cancer patients.

The Complexity of Borderline Personality Disorder: Network Analysis of Personality Factors and Defense Styles in the Context of Borderline Personality Organization.

OBJECTIVE: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is known to share characteristics with a variety of personality disorders (PDs) and exhibits diverse patterns of defense mechanisms. To enhance our understanding of BPD, it's crucial to shift our focus from traditional categorical diagnostics to the dimensional traits shared with other PDs, as the borderline personality organization (BPO) model suggests. This approach illuminates the nuanced spectrum of BPD characteristics, offering deeper insights into its complexity. While studies have investigated the comorbidity of BPD with other PDs, research exploring the relationship between various personality factors and defense mechanisms within BPD itself has been scarce. The present study was undertaken to investigate the complex interrelationships between various personality factors and defense styles in individuals diagnosed with BPD. METHODS: Using a network analysis approach, data from 227 patients diagnosed with BPD were examined using the Defense Style Questionnaire and Personality Disorder Questionnaire-4+ for assessment. RESULTS: Intricate connections were observed between personality factors and defense styles. Significant associations were identified between various personality factors and defense styles, with immature defense styles, such as maladaptive and image-distorting being particularly prominent in BPD in the centrality analysis. The maladaptive defense style had the highest expected influence centrality. Furthermore, the schizotypal, dependent, and narcissistic personality factors demonstrated relatively high centrality within the network. CONCLUSION: Network analysis can effectively delineate the complexity of various PDs and defense styles. These findings are expected to facilitate a deeper understanding of why BPD exhibits various levels of organization and presents with heterogeneous characteristics, consistent with the perspectives proposed by the BPO.

Supported employment coaches' difficulties and facilitators with clients diagnosed with personality versus other disorders: A qualitative study.

Aim: People with severe mental illnesses (SMI) face different occupational challenges than those diagnosed with personality disorders (PD). Supported employment (SE) has been validated for SMI patients but its effectiveness for individuals with PD remains unclear, and the reasons for this potential difference have not been explored. This study aimed to identify differences in SE practice for clients with SMI and those with PD. Methods: Six SE job coaches were interviewed about their experiences. A thematic analysis was run. Results: More difficulties and facilitators were mentioned regarding clients with PD than regarding clients with other SMI. For both, patients' symptoms were reported to negatively affect their (re)integration into the job market. However, in contrast to that of clients with SMI, the relation between symptoms and SE success for clients with PD involved difficult behaviors and their negative impact on the therapeutic relationship. Conclusion: In summary, SE practice seems to be undermined by PD and could benefit from adaptations, such as specific training for SE teams to help them in managing clients with this disorder.

Psychiatrists' Perspectives on Prescription Decisions for Patients With Personality Disorders.

There is currently insufficient evidence for the use of a specific pharmacological treatment for personality disorders (PD). The research literature lacks a systematic exploration of clinicians' experiences of pharmacological treatment of PD. The aim of the qualitative study was to examine how psychiatrists make decisions about pharmacological treatment for patients with PD. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The results showed that ambiguous guidelines had the effect that the psychiatrists often relied on their own experience, or that of their colleagues. As a basis for decisions concerning drug treatment, an interpersonal component was also identified. Some of the psychiatrists in the current study argued that medications may be part of the alliance-building with the patient and that medications were a way of tying the patient to the clinic. Our findings show that it is important to work on how the clinical guidelines should be implemented in practice.

Theoretical and Empirical Integration of "Dark" Traits and Socially Aversive Personality Psychopathology.

Conceptual work integrating constructs from mainstream personality research (especially so-called "dark" traits) and clinical psychopathology research has been limited. Herein, we propose all socially and/or ethically aversive traits as "flavored" manifestations of the D factor of personality (D). We argue that the D framework provides the commonality of all aversive traits, including the aversive traits from the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), a more thorough theoretical foundation. Moreover, D covers aspects that are not captured by any of the aversive AMPD traits directly (e.g., greed), thus offering indications for possible expansions to the AMPD. We tested our predictions in two online studies (N = 1,781 and N = 2,006) using quota-representative samples of the German population regarding age and gender. Twelve aversive traits from mainstream personality research and eight aversive AMPD traits were assessed together with consequential behavior in an economic game. Analyses using structural equation modeling overall confirmed predictions.

Treating Narcissistic Disorders in General Psychiatry: Practical Application of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy Principles.

Patients with primary or co-occurring narcissistic disorders are seen routinely in general psychiatry settings. Contemporary trends in training and practice have impacted psychiatrists' skills and confidence in identifying and treating these disorders, which can range from relatively benign to high-acuity presentations. The goal of this article is to introduce key principles derived from transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) for use by clinicians in general practice in their work with patients with narcissistic disorders, even when those clinicians do not routinely provide individual psychotherapy. Practical application of TFP principles in work with patients with narcissistic disorders in general psychiatry are proposed, including in diagnostic evaluation, family engagement, prescribing, and safety assessment and risk management calculus. Many psychiatrists whose practices are focused primarily on psychopharmacology, or a "medical model," may not appreciate fully the impact of pathological narcissism in their work. Clinicians who may benefit from familiarity with TFP principles in work with patients with narcissistic disorders include the approximately one-half of U.S. psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy in their practice.

Does personality dysfunction add incremental utility over general psychopathology when modeling previous suicide attempts in adolescent patients?

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients at risk for a suicide attempt (SA) is critical in adolescents with mental disorders. The current study aimed to 1) examine whether personality dysfunction (PD) is associated with previous SA, 2) explore the incremental utility of PD over psychiatric disorders in modeling previous SA. METHODS: The sample comprised of n = 498 adolescent patients (mean age = 15.41 years, 79.12 % females, inpatient 48.8 %, outpatient 51.2 %). SA in the past year, PD according to the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders, and psychiatric diagnoses were assessed using semi-structured interviews. Logistic regression and principal component analysis examining the associations and specific patterns of PD and SA in the past year were conducted. Hierarchical (stepwise) logistic regression was applied to investigate the incremental utility of PD over that of psychiatric diagnoses to identify individuals with SA in the past year. RESULTS: Including all facets of PD revealed a significant model with SA in the past year as outcome (χ2(12) = 106.65, McFaddens Pseudo-R2 = 0.17, p < 0.01). Adding PD to the model explained a significant amount of variance in past SA over that of psychiatric diagnoses (Pseudo-R2 = 0.18, Wald χ2 = 43.05, p < 0.01). LIMITATIONS: As we only studied past SA and due to the cross-sectional design, no conclusion regarding the prediction of future SA can be drawn. DISCUSSION: PD should routinely be assessed in adolescent patients since individuals with PD are more likely to have attempted suicide even when controlling for comorbid psychiatric disorders. PD may represent an important target for intervention in those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Work addiction and personality organization: Results from a representative, three-wave longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have explored the relationship between personality and work addiction, suggesting that individuals with certain mental disorders, including personality disorders such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), may be more prone to work addiction. However, the characterization of personality organization (PO) among workaholics and its contribution to the persistence of work addiction remains unclear. METHODS: In this longitudinal study of a representative sample of young adults (N = 1748), we applied the Bergen Work Addiction Scale and the Inventory of Personality Organization. RESULTS: We found significant correlations between work addiction and identity diffusion, primitive psychological defenses, reality testing, and overall personality disorganization across three waves. A latent class growth analysis revealed three profiles: no work addiction, increasing work addiction, and constant moderate work addiction. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of personality disorganization in wave 1 and increases in personality disorganization between waves 1 and 3 were associated with higher odds of belonging to the increasing work addiction group. Similarly, higher overall personality disorganization in wave 1 was associated with higher odds of belonging to the constant moderate work addiction group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that individuals with chronic work addiction have lower levels of PO, and PO declines as work addiction persists. Screenings for work addiction are recommended to prevent potential mental health issues. Future research should explore the influence of workplace characteristics and work motivations on the association between work addiction and personality disorders.

Arts and psychomotor therapies in personality disorder treatment: An appropriate therapeutic entrance to personal development: A commentary.

Personality disorders (PD) are based not just on maladaptive ideas about self and others, they also are grounded on embodied patterns of behaviors and reactions to interpersonal stressors. There is growing interest in working with the body and through the body so to address automatisms that lead to suffering and dysfunctional social action. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In-Session the use of art and psychomotor therapies for these patients was explored by seven different clinical perspectives. Patients described presented with different PD and associated symptoms. The arts and psychomotor therapies deployed in personality disorder treatment are: (visual) art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance (movement) therapy, and psychomotor therapy making psychotherapeutic use of the different modalities: art, music, play, role-play, performance, improvisation, dance, body awareness and movement. Interventions provide kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities to invite alternative modes of meaning-making, accessing own needs and wishes, and communicating them to others. In this commentary we summarize some of the different topics covered by the clinical-based papers, including working mechanisms of arts and psychomotor therapies, the importance of bottom-up emotion regulation processes, how to treat trauma in the presence of a PD, how to integrate art and psychomotor therapies in a fine-grained formulation and how to understand the process of change. Although there is a need for more empirical research, we hope this issue makes a solid case that clinicians can effectively include art and psychomotor therapies when treating the full range of PD.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Structured Psychological Support for people with probable personality disorder in mental health services in England: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based psychological treatments for people with personality disorder usually involve attending group-based sessions over many months. Low-intensity psychological interventions of less than 6 months duration have been developed, but their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are unclear. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, researcher-masked, superiority trial. Study participants will be aged 18 and over, have probable personality disorder and be treated by mental health staff in seven centres in England. We will exclude people who are: unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent, have a coexisting organic or psychotic mental disorder, or are already receiving psychological treatment for personality disorder or on a waiting list for such treatment. In the intervention group, participants will be offered up to 10 individual sessions of Structured Psychological Support. In the control group, participants will be offered treatment as usual plus a single session of personalised crisis planning. The primary outcome is social functioning measured over 12 months using total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Secondary outcomes include mental health, suicidal behaviour, health-related quality of life, patient-rated global improvement and satisfaction, and resource use and costs. The primary analysis will compare WSAS scores across the 12-month period using a general linear mixed model adjusting for baseline scores, allocation group and study centre on an intention-to-treat basis. In a parallel process evaluation, we will analyse qualitative data from interviews with study participants, clinical staff and researchers to examine mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study complies with the Helsinki Declaration II and is approved by the London-Bromley Research Ethics Committee (IRAS ID 315951). Study findings will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal; and disseminated at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13918289.

The assessment of pathways towards suicide in adolescent patients: A PDM-2-oriented approach.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence has supported the mutual relationship between suicidal motivations and personality pathology, especially in adolescence. Distinctive aspects of personality functioning can explain the tendency to resort to suicidal ideation and behaviours, which, in turn, may play a specific role in exacerbating severe impairments in self-regulation mechanisms that underlie personality pathology. DESIGN: This study illustrates, through two clinical cases, the clinical utility of using the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual - Second Edition (PDM-2) to better understand distinct pathways of suicidal processes. METHODS: Two adolescents, named Luis and Gael, who attempted suicide multiple times were assessed using the Psychodiagnostic Chart Adolescent (PDC-A) of the PDM-2 to evaluate their mental functioning, emerging personality styles or syndromes, and symptom patterns. They were interviewed using the Motivational Interview for Suicidality in Adolescence (MIS-A) to identify the motivations underpinning their suicidal behaviour. RESULTS: The results showed that Luis presented a narcissistic personality characterized by the need to deny his vulnerabilities through suicidal fantasies as a form of escape, while Gael presented a borderline personality characterized by the use of suicide attempts to express her inner and unspeakable pain. CONCLUSION: The study seems to support the reciprocal interconnections between personality functioning and suicidal motivations that should be better identified to plan tailored and more effective interventions.

Physical multimorbidity in psychiatric patients with personality disorders: Insights within the ICD-11 framework.

OBJECTIVE: Recent research has revealed poor physical health among individuals with personality disorders (PDs). We aimed to compare chronic physical illnesses (CPI) and chronic physical multimorbidity (CPM) prevalence between the general population (GEP) and PD patients, and to explore the relationship between CPM and various aspects of PD, predominantly within the ICD-11 framework. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 126 PD patients and 126 matched controls from the GEP. Patients were evaluated for the ICD-11 PD severity and maladaptive personality domains, subjective emptiness, and reflective functioning. CPI was assessed using a standardized self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: PD patients had a higher mean number of CPIs (2.05 vs. 1.02) and a more frequent CPM occurrence (49.2% vs. 26.2%) compared to the matched controls (p < .001). The ICD-11 PD severity (OR = 1.143, p = .007) and maladaptive domain Negative affectivity (OR = 4.845, p = .002), and poor reflective functioning (OR = 1.694, p = .007) were significant predictors of CPM, independent of sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle factors. Negative affectivity showed the most robust effect on CPM, while smoking did not significantly mediate these relationships. CONCLUSION: Our study found increased CPM burden in PD patients and a link between CPM and various PD aspects under the ICD-11 framework, highlighting the need for more integrated healthcare.

Convergence of the dimensional assessment of personality pathology (DAPP-BQ) and the five-factor personality inventory for the international classification of diseases 11th edition (FFiCD) in the context of the five-factor model and personality disorders.

The current manuscript presents the convergence of the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology (DAPP-BQ), using its short form the DAPP-90, and the Five-Factor Personality Inventory for International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), the FFiCD, in the context of the five-factor personality model and the categorical approach of personality disorders (PDs). The current manuscript compares the predictive validity of both the FFiCD and the DAPP-90 regarding personality disorder scales and clusters. Results demonstrate a very high and meaningful convergence between the DAPP-90 and the FFiCD personality pathology models and a strong alignment with the FFM. The DAPP-90 and the FFiCD also present an almost identical predictive power of PDs. The DAPP-90 accounts for between 18% and 47%, and the FFiCD between 21% and 47% of PDs adjusted variance. It is concluded that both DAPP-90 and FFiCD questionnaires measure strongly similar pathological personality traits that could be described within the frame of the FFM. Additionally, both questionnaires predict a very similar percentage of the variance of personality disorders.

French version of the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO-fr): psychometric properties in young adults.

BACKGROUND: The Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO) is a self-assessment instrument designed to measure the level of personality organization. In the present study, we developed and validated a French version (IPO-fr) of this instrument in a population of young adults. Its validity was established on the basis of two studies examining (1) its internal structure, and (2) its convergent validity with the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: In the first study, we assessed the reliability of the internal structure of the French form of the IPO (IPO-fr) in a nonclinical population. Our sample comprised 602 first- and second-year psychology students, with a mean age of 19.40 years (SD = 1.95). The second study assessed the convergent validity of the questionnaire in nonclinical samples, with regard to the three clusters (A, B, and C) of personality disorders, positive and negative affect, and aggression and depressive symptoms. The sample for this second study consisted of 305 first-, second- and third-year psychology students, with a mean age of 19.83 years (SD = 2.12). RESULTS: The French version of the IPO is shorter than the English: 40 items instead of 57. Its internal clarity and its discriminative capacity make it easier to interpret. CONCLUSIONS: This study has established the relevance of the IPO-fr as a reliable and brief instrument for assessing individual personality. It could make a major contribution to the screening of personality pathology in the French population and to the assessment of treatment programs.

The underlying structure of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5): a general factor of personality psychopathology.

BACKGROUND: The psychopathology of personality is currently undergoing a paradigm shift from a categorical to a dimensional approach. This work aimed to study the underlying structure of pathological personality traits of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). For this purpose, the internal structure of a version of the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5) was examined by a confirmatory factor analysis. This version assesses the five higher-order pathological personality domains (negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism) and the 25 lower-order pathological personality facets through a reduced number of items. Four alternative models were compared: five-factor oblique; second-order (five first-order factors and one second-order factor); bifactor (five specific factors and a general factor), and one-factor. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: We worked with an Argentinean sample of N = 525 subjects from the general population who answered the Argentine version of the PID-5. RESULTS: The five-factor model was slightly superior to the second order model, and the bifactor model presented the best fit. CONCLUSIONS: These findings, while preliminary, suggest that the PID-5 facets could reflect five specific pathological personality traits (which correspond to AMPD domains) but also a general factor (which would reflect a general propensity for psychopathology).

Assessment of Suicide Risk in Patients with Depressive Episodes Due to Affective Disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pilot Comparative Study.

This study assessed suicidal risk in patients suffering from non-psychotic depressive disorders within various clinical and nosological forms (F31-F34 mood disorders and F60.31-emotionally unstable personality disorder). Clinical and psychological features were presented, as well as predictors of suicidal risk in patients of these groups. We performed a comparative analysis of the anxiety and depression level, the level of mental pain, fear of death and the severity of anti-suicidal motives in patients with affective disorders and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Based on the results, 100% of patients in these clinical nosological groups were found to have a high level of suicidal risk. Patients with affective disorders have weak anti-suicidal motives and are not fully aware of the consequences of their own death. Patients with BPD have a higher suicidal risk than patients with affective disorders; they are characterized by less pronounced social orientation, demonstrativeness, self-centeredness, less pronounced levels of anxiety and fear of death.

Neuroimaging and Brain-Based Markers Identifying Neurobiological Markers Associated With Criminal Behaviour, Personality Disorders, and Mental Health: A Narrative Review.

We begin the review by pointing to the common stigma associated with mental health issues, which often derives from a lack of understanding or incomplete knowledge. Neurobiological research provides us with a new lens to help challenge and dispel common assumptions and misunderstandings and gives an understanding of sexual behaviours that influence society. As such, it generates substantial evidence for the structural and functional asymmetry of the brains of individuals with mental disorders. However, this type of representation poses many challenges to traditional thinking and constantly provokes change in perspective and empathy towards those individuals. In the review, we go deeper into the effects of neurobiological findings on understanding criminal behaviours and personality disorders, looking further beyond behavioural health. These problems, which were once mainly discussed as moral ones or viewed from the perspective of character flaws, are analysed today through neurological considerations pointing to their complexity. When the root of bipolar disorder is revealed to be neurological, society will react with more information and understanding, hence reducing the stigmatisation and discrimination meted out to people with these problems. At a macro level, findings from neurobiology affect society in ways that go beyond individuals; social attitudes, laws, and policies about the services rendered are influenced. Operating as a catalyst within the community, neurobiological research helps to initiate social change through the creation of an informed, understanding public forum. Thus, it creates broader value for those dealing with behavioural and mental health challenges. The first and most important question of this narrative review is focused on identifying identifiable neurobiological markers that are closely related to criminal conduct, personality disorders, and mental health disorders. Through this review, we aim to present detailed insights into the neurological foundations that anchor these phenomena via a narrative analysis of contemporary literature. The potential implications are finding problems early to apply specific treatment and learning an advanced strategy for social attitudes. This will promote a more humanistic approach based on adequate information on the behavioural and mental health issues involved.

Clinical Staging for Personality Disorders in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: This scientific research aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a clinical staging (CS) model for personality disorders (PDs) in older adults. The CS model could provide valuable insights into the life course of personality pathology, prognosis, and treatment decisions for PDs in older adults. METHODS/DESIGN: The study employed an international Delphi methodology with three rounds and involved 21 experts. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on 12 out of 17 statements, confirming the viability of a CS model for PDs in older adults. The proposed model incorporates the Alternative Model for PDs, criterion A, and integrates life course information, distinguishing between chronic PD, re-emergent PD, late-onset PD, and past PD. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that international experts support the implementation of a CS model for PDs in older adults, considering both the severity of personality functioning and the retrospective life course of PD expression.

Scorn Not Its Simplicity: Examining the Effectiveness of Simple Generalist Treatment for Personality Disorders.

Treatment guidelines for personality disorders have typically recommended specialized psychotherapeutic interventions. In this review, the author suggests that an intervention's effectiveness may be determined less by the specific method than by therapist competence, team culture, clinical process structure, and institutional context. The author argues that these elements determine variance in effectiveness between and within methods. Whereas initial studies of a specialized treatment may reflect the exceptional competencies of the treatment's developers and early adopters, in daily clinical practice, therapists with an average level of skill may struggle with the theoretical and methodological complexities of these treatments, which can hinder genuine connection with patients. This interference may particularly affect treatment outcomes when therapists encounter the intense emotions and interpersonal hypersensitivity experienced by patients with personality disorders. Most therapists would benefit from a set of simple generalist principles that determine the context for their work and offer a framework for dealing with clinical challenges while enabling them to be true to themselves and use their previously learned competencies. The Guideline-Informed Treatment for Personality Disorders is an enhanced common-factors approach that summarizes the core principles of effective treatment and can be feasibly implemented by most therapists.