5.08 Cluster C Personality Disorders

Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam

• Introduction:

  • Cluster C personality disorders = anxious/worried.
  • Disorders: avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, dependent.
  • Distinguish from normal traits.

• Avoidant Personality Disorder:

  • Inhibited, introverted, anxious.
  • Fear of rejection, low self-esteem.
  • Characteristics: avoidance, preoccupation with criticism/rejection, social ineptness.
  • Treatment: Anti-anxiety drugs may help temporarily.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder:

  • Perfectionism, inflexibility, diligence.
  • Not OCD; need for control, not obsessions/compulsions.
  • Characteristics: details, work focus, rigidity.
  • Example: Mark, unemployed with attention to detail.

• Dependent Personality Disorder:

  • Excessive reliance on others for support/decisions.
  • Linked to early medical/psychiatric conditions.
  • Characteristics: decision-making, fear of disapproval, reliance.
  • Example: Bob, farm laborer dependent on mother.

• Conclusion:

  • Cluster C = anxiety-driven.
  • Understand characteristics, not specific diagnoses.
  • Examples show impact on lives.