The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Most likely you have heard the term “passive-aggressive anger” which is a person who gets angry but doesn’t show it right away and instead stabs you in the back later.   While the experience hurts, you are not likely to forget the passive-aggressive approach.   Now take this concept and expand it to not just one emotion of anger but in nearly every aspect of a person’s personality.   This is passive aggressive where blame is shifted from them to you and no responsibility or accountability is taken by them. So what is Passive Aggressive?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, passive aggressive did not make the final personality disorder cut and instead is classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify passive aggressive as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of passive aggressive are still classifiable

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Being depressive is not the same thing as having depression.   The two can look the same to an outside person as the symptoms are similar.   The major difference is that a depressive can actually have depression but a person with depression is not depressive.   Depression is situational such as grieving the loss of a friend or it is chemical such as your body overproducing certain hormones.   Depressive is a personality trait and is not based on situation or chemical factors.   So what is Depressive?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, depressive did not make the final personality disorder cut and instead is classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify depressives as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of depressive are still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.   Here is the technical definition

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Histrionic is defined as overly dramatic or emotional but as a personality trait histrionic includes overly sexual or provocative.   Interestingly enough a histrionic will see themselves as very sexual even when they are not sexually appealing or even physically attractive.   It is almost as if they have rose colored glasses on when they look in the mirror and then take them off when they look at others. So what is Histrionic?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, histrionic is no longer a personality disorder in and of itself rather it is now classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify histrionics as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of histrionics are still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.   Here is the technical definition based on the new classification: ·          Emotional – crying unc

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC The name “schizoid” was coined in the early 1900’s but it really has nothing to do with similar names like schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizotypal.   Rather, it is closer in identity to avoidant personality disorder with many of the same characteristics and traits but adds the element of a blunt affect.   Perhaps the best definition of a schizoid is a person who pulls away from others and their own emotions or feelings thereby creating flat emotionless responses. So what is Schizoid?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, schizoid is no longer a personality disorder in and of itself rather it is now classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify schizoids as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of schizoid are still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.   Here is the technical definition based on t

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Have you ever met someone who truly believes that everyone is out to get them?   They are paranoid about family, friends, co-workers, the trash man, the police, or even the cashier at the grocery store.   When confronted they can site numerous reasons not to trust other people and insist that the problem is everyone else and not them.   Or is it?   Paranoids are just that, paranoid. So what is Paranoid?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, paranoid is no longer a personality disorder in and of itself rather it is now classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify paranoids as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of paranoid are still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.   Here is the technical definition based on the new classification: ·          Distrust and suspiciousness ·          Intimacy a

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC The word “dependent” is the perfect descriptive word to summarize the personality trait.   Dependents are dependent on others for all areas of emotional support and affirmation and are usually dependent on one person in particular such as a spouse or parent.   Often their dependence is in direct contrast to the person they are dependent on who is very much independent.   Dependents as a general rule of thumb don’t like others to be dependent on them but are comfortable being dependent on others. So what is Dependent?   Well, according to the new DSM-V, dependent is no longer a personality disorder in and of itself rather it is now classified under Personality Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS).   This means that there was not enough research to properly classify dependents as having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does exist.   So the traits of dependent are still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.   Here is the t

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Pop quiz: what word is similar to “schizotypal”?   If you said “schizophrenia,” then you are right.   Schizotypal is derived from the two words schizophrenia and genotype.   Schizophrenias see, hear and believe things that aren’t really there.   Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual, think DNA.   So putting the two together a Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD) is someone who has may seem schizophrenic but is not a full-blown schizophrenic.   Confused yet?   Good because that is precisely what it feels like to speak to a SPD.   So what is SPD?   Here is the technical DSM-V definition: ·       Identity:   Confused boundaries between self and others ·       Self-direction:   Incoherent goals, no clear set of standards ·       Empathy:   Difficulty understanding impact of behavior on others ·       Intimacy:   Mistrust and anxiety with close relationships ·       Eccentricity:   Odd, unusual, or bizarre behavior and appe