What is the general characteristic of Cluster C personality disorders?

Cluster C personality disorders are primarily characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors. This cluster includes disorders such as Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Individuals with these disorders typically exhibit pervasive patterns of anxiety, fearfulness, and feelings of inadequacy.

For example, someone with Avoidant Personality Disorder may demonstrate extreme sensitivity to criticism, leading to social withdrawal due to fear of rejection. Those with Dependent Personality Disorder often exhibit a pervasive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors, while individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder may display preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

In contrast to other personality disorder clusters, such as Cluster A, which is defined by odd and eccentric behaviors, and Cluster B, associated with erratic and emotional behaviors, Cluster C distinctly conveys a pattern rooted in anxiety and fear. This understanding helps in differentiating the clusters of personality disorders and their clinical presentations.