Which disorders are included in Cluster C personality disorders?

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors. The disorders that fall within this cluster include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Avoidant personality disorder is marked by feelings of extreme shyness, fear of criticism or rejection, and social withdrawal, even though individuals may desire social interaction. Dependent personality disorder involves a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control over one’s environment, to the detriment of flexibility and openness.

These disorders distinctly differ from those listed in other clusters. Cluster A includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal disorders, which are more eccentric and odd in nature. Cluster B consists of dramatic and erratic disorders, such as antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders. The options that present bipolar disorder also do not belong to the personality disorder categories, as bipolar is classified as a mood disorder.

Thus, the correct identification of avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders as part of Cluster C highlights their common themes of anxiety and fearfulness.