Advanced Seminar in Personality Disorders

(4 Credits)

Can we truly classify one's personality, the very essence of an individual, as "disordered"? In this course, we explore the history, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of personality disorders. We begin with an overview of personality and theories of personality development and then complete an in-depth review of each disorder. We consider the genetic, neurobiological, and developmental research supporting and refuting these diagnoses. We review various classification systems, observe how the media often portrays personality disorders, and challenge the notion that undesirable personality traits are always maladaptive. Finally, we utilize both research and clinical material to provide a nuanced understanding of these disorders and their sustained impact upon affected individuals.