Question

pat knows that the television has special messages intended only for them. sometimes this burden seems too much to bear, so pat will cover the television with seven blankets and put it in the closet so that the messages dont get out.

this is an example of behavior that someone with ________ might show.

• dependent personality disorder
• histrionic personality disorder
• schizotypal personality disorder
• borderline personality disorder

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical presentation

Pat believes that the television is broadcasting special messages intended specifically for them. This belief is a classic example of an "idea of reference" (or delusion of reference), where innocuous, random events or objects in the environment are believed to have highly personal and unusual meaning. Pat's behavior of covering the television with blankets and hiding it in a closet to prevent the messages from escaping represents odd, eccentric behavior and magical thinking.

Differentiate the personality disorders

• Dependent personality disorder: Characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior.
• Histrionic personality disorder: Characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking.
• Schizotypal personality disorder: Characterized by severe social anxiety, thought disorders, paranoid ideation, derealization, transient psychosis, and unconventional beliefs. Ideas of reference and odd, eccentric behaviors (like covering a TV to stop messages) are core diagnostic criteria.
• Borderline personality disorder: Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity.

Select the correct option

The symptoms described—specifically ideas of reference and highly eccentric, odd behaviors—align directly with the diagnostic criteria for schizotypal personality disorder.

Answer:

• dependent personality disorder
• histrionic personality disorder
• schizotypal personality disorder (Correct answer)
• borderline personality disorder