Cluster C: Dependent PD Flashcards
(8 cards)
Cluster C
anxious or fearful - worried
Main characteristics
- Submissive and clingy behavior
- Excessive need to be taken care of
Criteria
5 or more of the following
* Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
* Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
* Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval
* Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own because of a lack of self-confidence and judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy
* Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
* Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to take care for himself or herself
* Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
* Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself
Associated features
- Characterized by pessimism and self-doubt
- occupational functioning impaired
- social relations limited to those whom they are depedent on
- Take criticism and disapproval as proof of their worthlessness and lose faith in themselves
- Avoids positions of responsibility and become anxious when faced with decisions
Prevalence and gender
- Prevalence range from 0.49-0.60%
- Females more likely to be diagnosed
- In clinical settings, depedent PD has been diagnosed more frequently in females. Although, some studies report similar prevalence rates in males and females
Diagnostic features
- The essential feature of dependent PD is a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation
- To be considered as evidence of this criterion, the fears must be excessive and unrealistic
Cultural related diagnostic issues
- An emphasis on passivity, politeness, and deferential treatment is characteristic of some societies and may be misinterpreted as traits of dependent PD
- Societies may differentially foster and discourage dependent behavior in males and females
Differential diagnosis
- Other mental disorders and mental conditions
- Must rule out that the symptoms are not caused by: another mental disorder, a medical condition, substance use
- Borderline PD vs. Depedent PD
- Both fear abandoment
- borderline: reacts with anger, emptiness, and unstable relationships
- depedent: reacts by becoming more submissive and finding a new attachment figure
- Histrionic vs. dependent
- Both want reassurance and approval
- Histrionic: loud, dramatic, attention-seeking
- Depedent: quiet, passive, self-sacrificing
- Avoidant vs. depedent PD
- Avoidant: avoids relationships out of fear
- Depedent: Clings to relationships, fears being alone