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See Also
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0 / 30 Fotos
What are personality disorder clusters?
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, outlines 10 distinct personality disorders, each belonging to one of three groups, or 'clusters.'
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Cluster C
- While Cluster A and Cluster B contain disorders such as paranoid personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorders respectively, Cluster C is known as the anxious and fearful cluster.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder
- Few people like criticism, but those suffering from avoidant personality disorder will be dogged by a hypersensitivity to negative comments and perceived rejection.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder symptoms
- More than being simply 'shyness,' avoidant personality disorder is characterized by crippling feelings of social inhibition and inadequacy. People with avoidant personality disorder are terrified of being ridiculed, rejected, or criticized, and will often try to avoid situations where they feel this might happen.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder diagnosis
- The disorder is thought to affect around 1% of the population, and a diagnosis can only be made in adulthood (shyness, nervousness around strangers, and sensitivity to criticism are often par for the course in childhood and adolescence). When the feelings extend into adulthood, it might be symptomatic of avoidant personality disorder.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Feelings of inferiority
- Those with avoidant personality usually view themselves as inept and inferior to others, and the disorder can lead to difficulty in forming social connections and embarking on new friendships or relationships.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Reluctance to take risks
- People with avoidant personality disorder are unusually reluctant to take risks in their professional or personal life, as they fear this would open them up to ridicule and embarrassment.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Causes and treatment of avoidant personality disorder
- The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but experts believe that both genetics and environment play a role. Early experiences of being rejected by parents or peers may be a determining factor for those susceptible to the disorder. Psychotherapy, medication therapy, or a combination of the two are the usual treatments.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder is characterized by the need to be taken care of by others. People with the disorder will often be 'clingy' in relationships, and have an intense fear of being left to fend for themselves.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder symptoms
- People with dependent personality disorder will typically invest a huge amount of energy in trying to please others, and will experience an overwhelming sense of devastation when a relationship ends.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder risks
- The disorder can put people at risk of abuse and manipulation, as they are often prepared to put up with poor treatment rather than lose a partner or friend. People with the disorder will often avoid disagreeing with others for fear of losing approval.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Lack of decision-making skills
- People with this disorder will often lack decision-making skills. The may avoid 'adult' responsibilities, leaving partners or family members to make major life decisions for them.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Dislike of solitude
- People with the disorder will typically have difficulty being alone, and may have a tendency to be naïve and to fantasize about life and relationships.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Low self-confidence
- People with the disorder will usually have cripplingly low self-confidence, and will often be unable to start projects due to a lack of belief in their own abilities.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Reassurance from others
- Somebody with the disorder may find it hard to make 'simple' daily decisions, such as what to wear, without reassurance from others.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Causes of dependent personality disorder
- A mix of genetics and environment are thought to impact the likelihood of developing dependent personality disorder. Verbal or physical abuse in childhood, very authoritarian upbringings, and even severe illness in childhood could increase the chances of developing the disorder.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Treatment of dependent personality disorder
- After diagnosis from a mental health specialist, the disorder will usually be treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, or another form of psychotherapy. If the disorder causes anxiety or depression, medication might also be prescribed for treatment.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a condition characterized by an obsession with rules, being extremely organized, and a desire to feel in control.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Differences from OCD
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) shares some traits with the more commonly-known obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The main difference is that while OCD sufferers may have unwanted thoughts, people with OCPD will believe those thoughts are correct.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Rules and list-making
- People with OCPD will typically be obsessed with rules and list-making, and feel a need to adhere rigidly to the tiniest details.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Lack of affection
- People with OCPD may withdraw emotionally when they feel they are unable to control a situation.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Perfectionism
- A person with OCPD will have perfectionist tendencies that usually become evident by early adulthood. They may be unwilling to let other people do things for them. Other symptoms can be a lack of flexibility and of generosity.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Over-devotion to work
- People with OCPD hold themselves and everybody else to high standards. They tend to be workaholics, but are often unable to complete tasks because they get hung up on tiny details, and are unable to see the bigger picture.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Inability to delegate
- People with OCPD tend to be high achievers, but are often unwilling to delegate tasks in the workplace, and can become very upset if somebody interrupts their routine.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Anxiety and frustration
- People with OCPD often have difficulty expressing their emotions, and tend to feel anxiety and frustration if things don't go exactly as planned.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Controlling behavior
- People with the condition can often be perceived as stubborn and controlling, and rigid in their approach to all aspects of their lives.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Money matters
- People with OCPD will typically see money as another area to be strictly controlled, and may be 'miserly' with themselves and others. Any unplanned spending can be a major cause of anxiety.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Causes and treatment of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Although it can affect men and women, OCPD is more common in men. It has a tendency to occur in families, so it may be partly genetic, although upbringing and home environment may also have a role to play. Treatment will usually be through talk therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Medication may also be prescribed to treat the symptoms.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Diagnosis
- If these symptoms sound like they apply to you or someone you know, it is important to seek advice from a health care provider or mental health professional. Self-diagnosis can only go so far, so speak to the experts! Sources: (Psychology Today) (Mental Help)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
What are personality disorder clusters?
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, outlines 10 distinct personality disorders, each belonging to one of three groups, or 'clusters.'
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Cluster C
- While Cluster A and Cluster B contain disorders such as paranoid personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorders respectively, Cluster C is known as the anxious and fearful cluster.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder
- Few people like criticism, but those suffering from avoidant personality disorder will be dogged by a hypersensitivity to negative comments and perceived rejection.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder symptoms
- More than being simply 'shyness,' avoidant personality disorder is characterized by crippling feelings of social inhibition and inadequacy. People with avoidant personality disorder are terrified of being ridiculed, rejected, or criticized, and will often try to avoid situations where they feel this might happen.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Avoidant personality disorder diagnosis
- The disorder is thought to affect around 1% of the population, and a diagnosis can only be made in adulthood (shyness, nervousness around strangers, and sensitivity to criticism are often par for the course in childhood and adolescence). When the feelings extend into adulthood, it might be symptomatic of avoidant personality disorder.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Feelings of inferiority
- Those with avoidant personality usually view themselves as inept and inferior to others, and the disorder can lead to difficulty in forming social connections and embarking on new friendships or relationships.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Reluctance to take risks
- People with avoidant personality disorder are unusually reluctant to take risks in their professional or personal life, as they fear this would open them up to ridicule and embarrassment.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Causes and treatment of avoidant personality disorder
- The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but experts believe that both genetics and environment play a role. Early experiences of being rejected by parents or peers may be a determining factor for those susceptible to the disorder. Psychotherapy, medication therapy, or a combination of the two are the usual treatments.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder is characterized by the need to be taken care of by others. People with the disorder will often be 'clingy' in relationships, and have an intense fear of being left to fend for themselves.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder symptoms
- People with dependent personality disorder will typically invest a huge amount of energy in trying to please others, and will experience an overwhelming sense of devastation when a relationship ends.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Dependent personality disorder risks
- The disorder can put people at risk of abuse and manipulation, as they are often prepared to put up with poor treatment rather than lose a partner or friend. People with the disorder will often avoid disagreeing with others for fear of losing approval.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Lack of decision-making skills
- People with this disorder will often lack decision-making skills. The may avoid 'adult' responsibilities, leaving partners or family members to make major life decisions for them.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Dislike of solitude
- People with the disorder will typically have difficulty being alone, and may have a tendency to be naïve and to fantasize about life and relationships.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Low self-confidence
- People with the disorder will usually have cripplingly low self-confidence, and will often be unable to start projects due to a lack of belief in their own abilities.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Reassurance from others
- Somebody with the disorder may find it hard to make 'simple' daily decisions, such as what to wear, without reassurance from others.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Causes of dependent personality disorder
- A mix of genetics and environment are thought to impact the likelihood of developing dependent personality disorder. Verbal or physical abuse in childhood, very authoritarian upbringings, and even severe illness in childhood could increase the chances of developing the disorder.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Treatment of dependent personality disorder
- After diagnosis from a mental health specialist, the disorder will usually be treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, or another form of psychotherapy. If the disorder causes anxiety or depression, medication might also be prescribed for treatment.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a condition characterized by an obsession with rules, being extremely organized, and a desire to feel in control.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Differences from OCD
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) shares some traits with the more commonly-known obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The main difference is that while OCD sufferers may have unwanted thoughts, people with OCPD will believe those thoughts are correct.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Rules and list-making
- People with OCPD will typically be obsessed with rules and list-making, and feel a need to adhere rigidly to the tiniest details.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Lack of affection
- People with OCPD may withdraw emotionally when they feel they are unable to control a situation.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Perfectionism
- A person with OCPD will have perfectionist tendencies that usually become evident by early adulthood. They may be unwilling to let other people do things for them. Other symptoms can be a lack of flexibility and of generosity.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Over-devotion to work
- People with OCPD hold themselves and everybody else to high standards. They tend to be workaholics, but are often unable to complete tasks because they get hung up on tiny details, and are unable to see the bigger picture.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Inability to delegate
- People with OCPD tend to be high achievers, but are often unwilling to delegate tasks in the workplace, and can become very upset if somebody interrupts their routine.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Anxiety and frustration
- People with OCPD often have difficulty expressing their emotions, and tend to feel anxiety and frustration if things don't go exactly as planned.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Controlling behavior
- People with the condition can often be perceived as stubborn and controlling, and rigid in their approach to all aspects of their lives.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Money matters
- People with OCPD will typically see money as another area to be strictly controlled, and may be 'miserly' with themselves and others. Any unplanned spending can be a major cause of anxiety.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Causes and treatment of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Although it can affect men and women, OCPD is more common in men. It has a tendency to occur in families, so it may be partly genetic, although upbringing and home environment may also have a role to play. Treatment will usually be through talk therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Medication may also be prescribed to treat the symptoms.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Diagnosis
- If these symptoms sound like they apply to you or someone you know, it is important to seek advice from a health care provider or mental health professional. Self-diagnosis can only go so far, so speak to the experts! Sources: (Psychology Today) (Mental Help)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Recognizing ‘Cluster C’ personality disorders
This group of disorders is characterized by anxious and fearful thoughts and behavior
© Shutterstock
It's not unusual to display anxious, needy, or fearful personality traits on occasion—these feelings are all part of the human condition. But when these traits are constant, and distressing to the point where they interfere with daily life, they may be the sign of one of the three personality disorders classified as 'Cluster C.' Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders are all characterized by anxious and fearful thoughts or behavior, and can be distressing for sufferers and those around them.
Want to know more? Click through this gallery for insights into recognizing Cluster C personality disorders.
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