What types of disorders are found in Cluster C?

Cluster C of personality disorders is characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors. The disorders classified in this cluster include Avoidant Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, and Dependent Personality Disorder.

Avoidant Personality Disorder involves feelings of extreme shyness, sensitivity to negative evaluation, and avoidance of social situations due to fear of criticism or rejection. This condition leads individuals to feel inadequate and socially inept, maintaining a strong desire for acceptance while simultaneously avoiding situations that might lead to connection due to fear.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is marked by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control over oneself and one’s environment. Unlike Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where individuals recognize their compulsions and find them distressing, those with OCPD consider their rigid standards as necessary and beneficial, leading to significant distress in their relationships and everyday functioning.

Understanding these specific disorders helps clarify the rationale for placing them in Cluster C, as they both exhibit a heightened level of anxiety and defensiveness in interpersonal situations. This is crucial for effective administration and care in a personal care home setting, where understanding these psychological profiles can significantly affect how administrators develop care plans and therapeutic interventions for residents.