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Introduction to Personality Disorder

Course #: 012-1407

Price: $8.00

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CE Credit Hours: 2.00 Continuing Education Credit Hours

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How to Take This Course:

  • 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
  • 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
  • 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
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Target Audience: Psychologists
Instructional Level: Introductory

CE Course Description

Personality disorders have long been a focal point of discussion and intrigue within the mental health domain. Often perceived as challenging cases, individuals with personality disorders are diagnosed based on a lifetime marked by inflexibility in their character. Effecting behavioral change becomes a frequent necessity, given the difficulty associated with altering ingrained personality traits. Historically, early explorations into personality disorders concentrated on narcissism and psychopathy, drawn to their aggressive nature and the propensity for individuals to engage in violent behavior. However, per the DSM-5 TR, contemporary understanding recognizes the existence of 10 distinct personality disorders organized into three clusters: A, B, and C. This classification stems from the identification of shared patterns and characteristics among these disorders. In this homestudy course, we will further explore the intricacies of personality disorders, shedding light on the evolving landscape of diagnosis, treatment, and the challenges post-doctoral psychologists face. The exploration spans historical perspectives, contemporary insights, and practical considerations for navigating the complexities presented by individuals with personality disorders. We will also unravel the nuances of each cluster, offering a comprehensive understanding of their presentation, impact, and the diverse range of evidence-based treatment options available that will assist psychologists when working with this population.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC
Author: Sara Amundson, MSW

CE Course Objectives

  1. Explore the nuanced symptoms, diverse presentations, and precise diagnosis criteria of the ten personality disorders classified into clusters A, B, and C.
  2. Identify prevalent comorbid conditions associated with personality disorders to enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning.
  3. Review evidence-based treatment approaches for personality disorders, focusing on their practical implementation in clinical settings.

Activity Schedule/Outline - Ongoing/Self-Paced

  1. Introduction
  2. Section 1: What is a personality disorder? 
  3. Section 2: Cluster A Personality disorders 
  4. Section 3: Cluster B personality disorders 
  5. Section 4: Cluster C personality disorders
  6. Section 5: Treatment difficulty for clinicians 
  7. Section 6: Comorbidity of personality disorders and substance use
  8. Section 7: Other comorbid conditions
  9. Section 8: Personality disorders and suicidal ideation
  10. Section 9: Personality disorders and criminal behavior 
  11. Section 10: Training for clinicians 
  12. Case studies 
  13. References  
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Course Date: 2023-05-22

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If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: psychce@edcompassedu.com or by phone 1-800-240-6978, so arrangements can be made.

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