Cluster C personality disorder is?
**Core Concept**
Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious or fearful behavior, and include traits such as perfectionism, rigidity, and a need for control. These disorders often involve an excessive preoccupation with orderliness, a tendency to be overly critical of oneself and others, and a pervasive distrust of others. The Cluster C personality disorders are further divided into three subtypes: anxious, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The anxious personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of fear or anxiety that is not necessarily related to any specific external stressor. Individuals with anxious personality disorder often experience excessive worry or anxiety that is difficult to control, and may exhibit behaviors such as social avoidance or excessive reassurance-seeking. The anxious personality disorder is often associated with comorbid anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe any of the Cluster C personality disorders. While individuals with Cluster C personality disorders may exhibit anxious or fearful behavior, the term "anxious personality disorder" is not a specific diagnosis in the DSM-5.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the Cluster C personality disorders. While individuals with Cluster C personality disorders may exhibit some of the traits listed, such as perfectionism or rigidity, the term "obsessive-compulsive personality disorder" refers specifically to one of the subtypes of Cluster C personality disorders.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the Cluster C personality disorders. While individuals with Cluster C personality disorders may exhibit some of the traits listed, such as a need for control or a tendency to be overly critical of oneself and others, the term "avoidant personality disorder" refers specifically to one of the subtypes of Cluster C personality disorders.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that the DSM-5 no longer uses the term "Cluster C personality disorders" to describe these conditions. Instead, the DSM-5 uses the terms anxious, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders to describe these subtypes.
**Correct Answer:** D.