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LINDA C J TURNER PERSONALITY DISORDERS Q & A with #LindaCJTurner

Q & A – Is psychopathy genetic?

There is evidence to suggest that psychopathy has a genetic component, but it is also influenced by environmental factors. Studies have shown that genetic factors account for approximately half of the variance in psychopathic traits. However, it’s important to note that having a genetic predisposition to psychopathy does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop psychopathic traits. Environmental factors, such as childhood experiences and socialization, can also play a role in the development of psychopathy. Ultimately, the relationship between genetics and psychopathy is complex and not fully understood.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Delusional Disorder DESTRUCTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER LINDA C J TURNER PERSONALITY DISORDERS Q & A with #LindaCJTurner

Q & A – Is “senseless revenge” a mental disorder?

While senseless revenge is not considered a specific mental disorder in and of itself, it may be associated with certain mental health conditions or personality disorders. For example, individuals with antisocial personality disorder may engage in senseless revenge as a way to assert power and control over others, while individuals with borderline personality disorder may engage in impulsive and vengeful behaviors in response to perceived rejection or abandonment.

That being said, it’s important to note that not all individuals who engage in senseless revenge have a diagnosed mental disorder. There may be a variety of factors that contribute to this type of behavior, including environmental factors, personal experiences, and individual personality traits.

Regardless of the underlying causes, senseless revenge is a destructive and harmful behavior that can have serious consequences for both the individual carrying out the revenge and those who are targeted. If you or someone you know is struggling with vengeful or aggressive thoughts or behaviors, it’s important to seek professional help and support.

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EXPERTS RECOMMENDED READING

“Impasse and Interpretation”

Herbert Rosenfeld was a British psychoanalyst who made significant contributions to the understanding of personality disorders. In 1987, his book “Impasse and Interpretation” was published, which focused on the psychoanalytic treatment of patients with severe personality disorders.

In the book, Rosenfeld describes his theory of the “psychotic organization,” which refers to a state of mind in which the individual’s ego and internal object relationships are severely disturbed. He argues that patients with severe personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorder, often have this kind of organization, which makes them resistant to therapy.

Rosenfeld emphasizes the importance of the therapist’s ability to tolerate the patient’s intense emotional reactions, which are often expressed in the transference. He argues that the therapist must work to interpret the patient’s unconscious anxieties and defences, while also being careful not to overwhelm the patient with too much interpretation too quickly.

Rosenfeld also discusses the importance of the therapist’s countertransference, arguing that the therapist’s own emotional reactions to the patient can provide important clues to the patient’s unconscious conflicts.

“Impasse and Interpretation” has been influential in the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, particularly in the treatment of patients with severe personality disorders. However, Rosenfeld’s ideas have also been subject to criticism and debate, particularly around the potential for therapist abuse of power and the use of interpretation in the context of severe transference and countertransference difficulties.

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PERSONALITY DISORDERS RECOMMENDED READING

“Severe Personality Disorders: Psychotherapeutic Strategies”

“Severe Personality Disorders: Psychotherapeutic Strategies” is a book written by Otto F. Kernberg, a psychoanalyst and psychiatrist, and published in 1984. The book focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of severe personality disorders, including borderline and narcissistic personality disorders.

In the book, Kernberg provides a comprehensive overview of the psychoanalytic theory and practice of treating personality disorders, with a particular emphasis on the narcissistic personality disorder. He discusses the clinical features of the disorder, such as the patient’s grandiosity, lack of empathy, and fragile self-esteem, and explores the underlying psychological dynamics that contribute to these symptoms.

Kernberg also presents his model of psychoanalytic psychotherapy for narcissistic patients, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the patient’s defensive structures and early life experiences. He advocates for an active and confrontational approach to therapy, aimed at helping the patient to develop a more realistic and integrated sense of self.

The book has been widely influential in the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and Kernberg’s approach to treating narcissistic personality disorder has been adopted by many practitioners. However, his ideas have also been subject to criticism and debate, particularly around the use of confrontation and the potential for therapist abuse of power.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Delusional Disorder DESTRUCTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R),

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is a widely used tool for the assessment of psychopathy, developed by Canadian psychologist Dr. Robert Hare. Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, shallow emotions, and manipulative behavior.

The PCL-R consists of a 20-item checklist, each of which is rated on a three-point scale (0, 1, or 2) based on the presence or absence of certain personality traits or behaviors associated with psychopathy. The 20 items are divided into two main categories:

  1. Personality traits: These items reflect long-term patterns of behavior, attitudes, and personality traits associated with psychopathy, including superficial charm, grandiosity, pathological lying, and lack of remorse or guilt.
  2. Antisocial behaviors: These items reflect specific behaviors associated with psychopathy, such as impulsivity, criminal versatility, and a history of juvenile delinquency.

A score of 30 or higher (out of a maximum of 40) on the PCL-R is generally considered indicative of psychopathy. However, it is important to note that the PCL-R should only be used by trained professionals and is just one tool among many used to assess personality disorders.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Delusional Disorder DESTRUCTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Q & A – living with a relative with a severe personality disorder.

Living with a relative who has a severe personality disorder can be challenging and can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of other family members. It is important to recognize that personality disorders are complex mental health conditions that require professional treatment and support.

If you are living with a relative who has a severe personality disorder, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation and support yourself and your loved one:

  1. Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about the specific personality disorder your relative is experiencing. This can help you understand their behavior and develop strategies for managing difficult situations.
  2. Seek professional help: Encourage your relative to seek professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in treating personality disorders. They may benefit from psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
  3. Practice self-care: It is important to prioritize your own mental health and well-being. This may include setting boundaries with your relative, seeking support from other family members or friends, and taking time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
  4. Join a support group: Consider joining a support group for family members of individuals with personality disorders. These groups can provide a safe and supportive space to share experiences and learn from others.
  5. Be patient: Recovery from a personality disorder can be a long and difficult process. It is important to be patient and offer support to your loved one as they work towards managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
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Brainwashing - Mind Control Coercive Control coercive control Dysfunctional Children EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Q & A – I suspect my alienated child is being left with someone with mental health issues?

When an alienated child is left with someone who has mental health problems, there is a risk that the child’s well-being and safety may be compromised. Depending on the nature and severity of the mental health problems, the caregiver may have difficulty providing adequate care and supervision for the child, which could lead to neglect or abuse.

Furthermore, if the caregiver is also engaging in behaviors that contribute to the alienation of the child from their other parent or family members, this could exacerbate the child’s psychological distress and further damage their relationship with their non-custodial parent.

If there are concerns about the mental health of a caregiver who is caring for an alienated child, it may be necessary to take action to protect the child’s well-being. This could involve involving child protective services or other authorities, conducting a mental health evaluation of the caregiver, or taking legal action to modify custody or visitation arrangements.

It’s important to note that not all individuals with mental health problems are incapable of providing adequate care for a child. Many people with mental health challenges are able to manage their condition effectively and provide loving and nurturing care for their children. However, if there are concerns about a caregiver’s ability to care for a child due to their mental health, it is important to take appropriate steps to ensure the child’s safety and well-being

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

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Alienation PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Traits of empathy and anger

Empathy and anger are two social emotions that modulate an individual’s risk for aggression. Empathy is an emotional reaction to another individual’s emotional state. Anger is an emotional reaction to threat, frustration or social provocation. Reduced empathy, seen in psychopathy, increases the risk for goal-directed aggression. Atypically increased anger (i.e. irritability), seen in conditions like disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and borderline personality disorder, increases the risk for reactive aggression. In this paper, I will outline core neurocognitive functions that correspond to empathy and which are compromised in individuals with psychopathic traits. In addition, I will outline neurocognitive functions involved in either the generation or regulation of anger and which are compromised in psychiatric conditions at increased risk for irritability/reactive aggression. It can be hoped that improved understanding of empathy and anger will lead to better assessment tools and improved interventions to reduce aggression risk.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences’.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5832681/