Cluster C: Dependent PD

Question 1

Cluster C

Answer 1

anxious or fearful - worried

Question 2

Main characteristics

Answer 2

• Submissive and clingy behavior
  
  • Excessive need to be taken care of

Question 3

Criteria

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Associated features

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Prevalence and gender

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Diagnostic features

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

Cultural related diagnostic issues

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

Differential diagnosis

Answer 8

• 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