Schizoid, Schizotypal, and Paranoid Personality Disorders (3.5 Hours)

The DSM-IV-TR personality disorders (PDs) classified in Cluster A are referred to as the “odd/eccentric” group of PDs. These Axis II disorders are considered to be on the “schizophrenia spectrum” along with the different categories of schizophrenia on Axis I. Patients with schizoid PD resemble those in the early stages of schizophrenia but, unlike those in such an early, prodromal phase of the Axis I condition, do not go on to develop schizophrenia. Schizotypal PD most closely fits the “odd/eccentric” label. Patients with schizotypal PD and Paranoid PD are thought to be genetically predisposed to develop these conditions, yet less vulnerable than those predisposed to develop schizophrenia itself. Good data about the prevalence of these disorders are not available as patients with these disorders are not generally treatment seeking. As is characteristic of all PDs, the diagnostic features of the Cluster A disorders are relatively stable over time, although under stress, peaks of more disabling pathology may occur. Comorbidity with other disorders (Axis I and II) is common. State-of-the-art assessment and treatment of the Cluster A PDs will be presented in this half day program.

Workshop Content

• DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of the Cluster A PDs
• How to differentiate Cluster A PDs from Axis I psychotic disorders
• Common patterns of comorbidity
• A vulnerability/stress model for the development of these personality disorders
• Treatment strategies to deal with the high levels of mistrust typical of these patients
• Countertransference difficulties in working with Cluster A patients
• Symptom-targeted psychopharmacological strategies
• An integrated psychotherapy/psychopharmacology approach

On-Demand Video

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Presenter: Philip Erdberg, Ph.D.

Venue: Live Conference Presentation

Location: San Diego, CA