Axis II. It's one of the most complicated Axes for clinicians to treat. Primarily because the prognosis for individuals who fall under this Axis is only fair at best. Aside from Mental Retardation, Axis II also holds the diagnoses of Personality Disorders.
Personality is ultimately the determining factor for how we will live our lives. It is directly related to how we think, make decisions and take action. An individual with a Personality Disorder develops traits which are maladaptive and inflexible and ultimately lead to behaviors which cause discomfort, distress and impair an individual's ability to function in society in a manner that reflects stability, security and sound judgement.
There are approximately 11 recognized Personality Disorders. The DSMIV-TR provides the following information regarding Personality Disorders:
"General diagnostic criteria is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture. This pattern is manifested in two (or more) of the following areas: cognition (i.e., ways of perceiving and interpreting self, other people, and events); affectivity (i.e., the range, intensity, lability, and inappropriateness of emotional response); interpersonal functioning; and impulse control. The enduring pattern is inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of personal and social situations. The individual's pattern is stable of long duration and its onset can be traced back at least to adolescence or early adulthood."
Now, the booming question most clinician's will ask regarding individuals with Personality Disorders is "How do I manage them and their destructive behaviors?"
According to the High Conflict Institute there are 12 tips for managing individuals with high conflict personalities. 5 Do's and 7 Dont's:
Part I: Understanding High Conflict People
Tip #1: Don’t Take Their Personal Attacks Personally
Tip #2: Don’t Give Them Negative Feedback
Tip #3: Don’t Bend Boundaries With Borderlines
Tip #4: Don’t Diss the Narcissists
Tip #5: Don’t Get Hooked by Histrionics
Tip #6: Don’t Get Conned by Antisocials
Tip #7: Don’t Be a Negative Advocate
Part II: Managing High Conflict People
Tip #8: Connect Using Your E.A.R.
Tip #9: Analyze Your Realistic Options
Tip #10: Respond Quickly to Misinformation
Tip #11: Set Limits on Misbehavior
Tip #12: Choose Your Battles
If you would like more information regarding managing individuals with Personality Disorders and those with High Conflict Personalities you might want to consider reading the following book IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! 12 TIPS FOR MANAGING PEOPLE WHO BLAME OTHERS FOR EVERYTHING.
