Cluster C Personality Disorders

• Characterized by avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, and dependent personality disorders.
• Cultural expectations cause deviations that create problems impacting daily life and relationships.
• It may be caused by genetic or environmental factors.
• It is often linked to anxiety disorders.
• Signs and symptoms are unusual behavior and poor relationships.

Diagnosis

• Unusual behaviors/traits are typical.
• It is not explained by any other medical condition or substance.

Treatment

• Antidepressants are often prescribed.
• Psychotherapy includes behavioral therapy, group therapy, and assertiveness training.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

• Displays shyness, social inhibition, and low self-esteem.
• Individuals desire close relationships but avoid social risks.
• Has hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism.
• It overlaps with dependent personality disorder from clusters A and B.

Signs and Symptoms

• Experience hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism.
• Timidness frequently results.
• Individual exhibits a desire for relationships.

Diagnosis

• Displaying at least four of the following: avoids social situations, unwillingness to interact, limited intimate relationships, preoccupation with rejection/criticism, low self-esteem, and fears embarrassment associated with social risk-taking.
• This is not explained by other conditions/substances.

Treatment

• Beta blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed.
• Psychotherapy, such as group therapy and assertiveness training, can be beneficial.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

• Obsessed with orderliness, perfection, and the need to be in control.
• Individuals are inflexible, easily stressed, and inefficient because of excessive planning.
• It is characterized by rigid beliefs.
• OCPD is ego-syntonic, whereas OCD is ego-dystonic.

Signs and Symptoms

• Preoccupation with rules, details, and perfection.
• Individuals are often rigid and inflexible.
• Lacking a sense of humor.
• They are often indecisive, fearing making the wrong decision.

Diagnosis

• Exhibiting at least four of the following: preoccupation with details, disruptive perfectionism, work eclipsing personal life, rigid beliefs, tendency to hoard, refusal to delegate, excessive frugality, and stubbornness.
• This should not be explained by other conditions/substances.

Treatment

• SSRIs and benzodiazepines may be prescribed.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy can be helpful.

Dependent Personality Disorder

• Displays excessive fear of separation or rejection.
• They are overly dependent on others.
• Characterized by a lack of self-confidence.
• Individuals are often indecisive and possessive of those they depend on.
• It overlaps with avoidant personality disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

• Displays dependent, submissive behavior.
• They are overly indecisive.
• Clings onto others.

Diagnosis

• Having exhibited at least five of the following: inability to make everyday decisions, is overly dependent on others, is scared to disagree, lacks self-motivation, craves approval, is uncomfortable/afraid when alone, and quickly replaces lost relationships.
• Not explained by another condition/substance.

Treatment

• SSRIs and benzodiazepines are often prescribed.
• Psychotherapy includes insight-oriented, behavioral, family, group, and assertiveness training approaches.