Understanding Cluster C Personality Disorders

May 13, 2025

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Cluster C personality disorders are associated with anxiety and are often referred to as the "worried group." Unlike Cluster A and B, Cluster C sometimes comes to clinical attention.

Overview

  • Cluster Comparison
    • Cluster A: Resembles psychosis.
    • Cluster B: Resembles mood disorders.
    • Cluster C: Resembles anxiety.
  • Disorders in Cluster C:
    • Dependent Personality Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
    • Avoidant Personality Disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder

  • Characteristics:
    • Over-reliance on others in various life areas.
    • Inability to live independently; relies on others for decisions, responsibilities, and projects.
    • Extremely deferential in relationships to avoid conflict.
    • Feels vulnerable alone; seeks constant reassurance.
    • High agreeableness becomes pathological.
  • Treatment:
    • Focus on cognitive biases (e.g., "I am ineffective").
    • Address maladaptive relationship dynamics.
    • Promote independence and self-efficacy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

  • Characteristics:
    • Need for neatness, control, and orderliness.
    • Rigid perfectionism becomes maladaptive.
    • Inability to complete tasks unless perfect; unwilling to delegate.
    • Fixation on details; neglects overall task importance.
    • Preoccupation with work, moral, ethical, and religious matters.
    • Ego-syntonic rigidity.
  • Treatment:
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reduce rigidity.
    • Interpersonal therapy for effects on others.
    • Reluctance to seek treatment due to ego-syntonic nature.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

  • Characteristics:
    • Desire for human contact but avoidance due to self-doubt and fear of disapproval.
    • Avoidance of social engagements and intimate relationships.
    • Fear of criticism, rejection; inhibited interpersonal behavior.
    • Similarities to social anxiety disorder; high comorbidity.
  • Treatment:
    • Serotonin-boosting medications.
    • CBT similar to treatment for social anxiety disorder.
  • Conceptualization: Best seen as a chronic form of social anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

  • Personality disorders in Cluster C provide a deeper understanding of anxiety-related traits in patients.
  • Next topic: Anti-Social Personality Disorder.

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