What is the character of Cluster C disorders?

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized primarily by traits of fearfulness and anxiety. This group includes Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Individuals with these disorders often exhibit behaviors such as avoidance of social situations due to fears of rejection, dependence on others for decision-making, and an overemphasis on orderliness and control in daily life.

People with Avoidant Personality Disorder may be overly sensitive to negative evaluation, leading to feelings of inadequacy and social withdrawal. Those with Dependent Personality Disorder tend to rely heavily on others, experiencing intense anxiety when faced with the prospect of independence. Similarly, individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder may exhibit perfectionism and a preoccupation with control that results in significant anxiety, especially regarding their own standards and work.

In this context, the correct characterization reflects the overarching theme of anxiety and fear that defines Cluster C disorders, making it clear why this choice aligns with their diagnostic features.