5.08 Cluster C Personality Disorders Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Introduction: Cluster C personality disorders = anxious/worried. Disorders: avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, dependent. Distinguish from normal traits. Avoidant Personality Disorder: Inhibited, introverted, anxious. Fear of rejection, low self-esteem. Characteristics: avoidance, preoccupation with criticism/rejection, social ineptness. Treatment: Anti-anxiety drugs may help temporarily. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Perfectionism, inflexibility, diligence. Not OCD; need for control, not obsessions/compulsions. Characteristics: details, work focus, rigidity. Example: Mark, unemployed with attention to detail. Dependent Personality Disorder: Excessive reliance on others for support/decisions. Linked to early medical/psychiatric conditions. Characteristics: decision-making, fear of disapproval, reliance. Example: Bob, farm laborer dependent on mother. Conclusion: Cluster C = anxiety-driven. Understand characteristics, not specific diagnoses. Examples show impact on lives.