2. Aim To find out if clinicians were stereotyping genders when diagnosing disorders.
3. Methodology. A self report, where health practitioners were given scenarios and asked to make diagnoses based on the information. The independent variable was the gender of the patient in the case and the dependent variable was the diagnosis made by the clinician.
4. Participants. A final sample of 354 clinical psychologists from 1127 randomly selected from the national register in 1983, with a mean of 15.6 years’ clinical experience. 266 psychologists responded to the case histories.
5. Procedure. Participants were randomly provided with one of nine case histories. Case studies of patients with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or histrionic personality disorder (HPD) or an equal balance of symptoms from both disorders were given to each therapist. Therapists were asked to diagnose the illness in each case study by rating on a seven-point scale
6. The extent the patient appeared to have each of nine disorders. Dysthymic Adjustment Alcohol abuse Cyclothymic disorder Narcissistic Histrionic Passive-aggressive Antisocial Borderline personality disorder
7. Findings. Sex unspecified case histories were diagnosed most often with borderline personality disorder. ASPD was correctly diagnosed 42% of the time in males and 15% in females. Females with ASPD were misdiagnosed with HPD 46% of the time, whereas males were misdiagnosed with HPD 15% of the time. HPD was correctly diagnosed in 76% of females and 44% of males.
8. Conclusions. Practitioners were biased by stereotypical views of genders, as there was a clear tendency to diagnose females with HPD even when the case histories were of ASPD. There was also a tendency not to diagnose males with HPD although this is not as great as the misdiagnosis of women.
9. HPD Histrionic Personality Disorder Exhibitionist behaviour. Constant seeking of reassurance or approval. Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotions, such as hugging someone they have just met or crying uncontrollably during a sad movie (Svrakie & Cloninger, 2005). Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval. Inappropriately seductive appearance or behaviour. Somatic symptoms, and using these symptoms as a means of garnering attention. A need to be the centre of attention. Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification. Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others. Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are. Making rash decisions
10. ASPDAntisocial Personality Disorder Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest; Deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure; Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead; irritability and aggression, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults; Reckless disregard for safety of self or others; Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations; Lack of remorse, as indicated by indifference to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
