Disorders of the Mind

According to Shiraev (2016) clinicians identify personality disorders by studying a person's symptoms that represent as abnormal in appearance, function, desire, or feeling. Clinicians then work with clients to diagnose, treat, and prevent and/or intervene with these symptoms. Dependent upon culture, symptoms may be seen as either desirable or undesirable, normal or abnormal (Shiraev, 2016). Thus, cultural context is important during the diagnosis process and must be carefully considered. Shiraev (2016) notes two points which must also be considered when studying personality disorders; that is, there is an excessive and consistent presence of certain traits that are outside the norm, and these traits must appear significantly different to what is considered normal within the persons cultural and/or social environment. However, BPD is considered an exception to this, as those meeting criteria for BPD have inconsistency or instability in their behavioral and emotional patterns (Shira...

My name is Stephanie Waldron. I am currently attending Walden University, where I am a clinical psychology doctoral student.  I have two bachelor's degrees in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science and psychology, both obtained from California State University, Stanislaus. I have also completed all coursework for two master's degrees in criminal justice from California State University, Stanislaus and psychology, from Santa Clara University, before transferring to Walden University to pursue my PhD. I am currently a member of several organizations including the Alternatives to Violence Project, where I am a team coordinator, the American Evaluation Association, the Association of Criminal Justice Research, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Golden Key International Honour Society. I have held multiple positions that have allowed me to gain a well-rounded background in the fields of criminal justice and psychology. I started my career at the Co...