PERSONALITY DISORDER 3.
Shows restraint within intimate relationships due to fears of shame
CLUSTER C
What is Cluster C?
 Cluster C is called the anxious, fearful cluster.
 It includes the Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive
Personality Disorders.
 These three personality disorders share a high level of anxiety.
 Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)
- is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings
of inadequacy, and a hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
People with this disorder are intensely afraid that others will
ridicule them, reject them, or criticize them.
CAUSES:
1. Childhood emotional neglect
2. A history of parental abuse and neglect
3. Experiences of bullying and peer group rejection
4. Scathing experiences of criticism and ridicule
5. A family history of mental illness (such as personality disorders,
anxiety disorders, depression, etc.)
SYMPTOMS:
Rogge and Kirkland (2014) list seven criteria for Avoidant
Personality Disorder. The person must exhibit at least four to meet the
diagnostic threshold. The criteria are:
1. Avoids occupational activities involving significant interpersonal
contact, due to fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
2. Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of acceptance
or ridicule
4.Preoccupied with fears of receiving criticism or rejection in social
situations
5.Inhibited in new interpersonal situations due to feelings of
inadequacy
6.Considers self as inferior to others, socially inept, or personally
unappealing
7.Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new
activities because they may prove embarrassing
TREATMENT
The common avoidant personality disorder treatment methods
include:
1. Psychodynamic psychotherapy
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
3. Schema therapy
4. Pharmacotherapy
What are the Complications of Avoidant Personality Disorder?
- Without treatment, a person with this disorder can become
isolated from society, causing long-term difficulties with work and
social functioning. They’re also at greater risk for depression and
substance abuse.
Can Avoidant Personality Disorder Be Prevented?
- Although it might not be possible to prevent this disorder, it might
be helpful to begin treatment in people as soon as they begin to
have symptoms.
 6. Feels vulnerable and helpless when alone.
 Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) 7. Desperately seeks another relationship when one ends.
- According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental 8. Unrealistic preoccupation with being left alone and unable to care
Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), dependent personality disorder for themselves. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
(DPD) is “a pattern of submissive and clinging behavior related to
an excessive need to be taken care of.”
TREATMENT:
CAUSES:  You may have psychotherapy (talk therapy) such as cognitive-
Mental health experts haven’t figured out what causes DPD. behavioral therapy (CBT). This care teaches you new ways to
They believe it results from a mix of genetics, environment and
development. Experts have found DPD is more likely in people with handle difficult situations.
particular life experiences, including:  Psychotherapy and CBT can take time before you start to feel
1. Abusive relationships
better.
2. Childhood trauma
 If your DPD causes depression or anxiety, your provider might
3. Family history
prescribe medication. You may take depression medicines, such
4. Certain cultural and religious or family behaviors
as fluoxetine (Prozac®). Or your provider might recommend
sedatives, such as alprazolam (Xanax®).
SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
According to the DSM-5, there is one criteria with eight features for
Dependent Personality Disorder: Can Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) Be Prevented?
An excessive and pervasive need to be taken care of , submissive, You may not be able to prevent DPD. But treatment can help
clinging, needy behavior due to fear of abandonment. This may be
expressed by: people at risk for developing the disorder find ways to avoid or handle
difficult situations.
1. Difficulty making routine decisions without input, reassurance, and
advice from others.
2. Requires others to assume responsibilities which they should be
attending to.
3. Fear of disagreeing with others and risking disapproval.
4. Difficulty starting projects without support from others.
5. Excessive need to obtain nurturance and support from others, even
allowing other to impose themselves rather than risk rejection or
disapproval.