## Cluster C — Anxious, Fearful, Avoidant **Key Point:** Cluster C personality disorders are unified by underlying anxiety, fear of social judgment, and maladaptive coping through avoidance or control. ### Disorders in Cluster C 1. **Avoidant Personality Disorder** - Fear of rejection and criticism - Social withdrawal and avoidance - Hypersensitivity to negative evaluation 2. **Dependent Personality Disorder** - Excessive need for care and reassurance - Difficulty making decisions independently - Fear of abandonment 3. **Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)** - Perfectionism and rigidity - Preoccupation with control and order - Difficulty expressing emotion - ~~Not the same as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)~~ — OCPD is a personality trait pattern; OCD is an anxiety disorder with ego-dystonic obsessions and compulsions ### Core Anxiety Theme in Cluster C | Disorder | Underlying Anxiety | Coping Strategy | |----------|-------------------|----------------| | Avoidant | Fear of rejection | Social withdrawal, avoidance | | Dependent | Fear of abandonment | Excessive reassurance-seeking, compliance | | OCPD | Fear of loss of control | Perfectionism, rigidity, over-control | **High-Yield:** All Cluster C disorders respond to anxiety reduction and cognitive-behavioral interventions. OCPD is often confused with OCD on exams — remember OCPD is ego-syntonic (patient is comfortable with traits); OCD is ego-dystonic (patient finds obsessions distressing). **Mnemonic:** **AAD** = **A**voidant, **A**nxious, **D**ependent (+ OCPD) = Cluster C.
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