Which of the following diagnostic criteria define avoidant personality disorder? Select all that apply.
Does not form intimate relationships because of fear of being shamed or ridiculed.
Has difficulty making everyday decisions without reassurance from others.
Is unwilling to be involved with people unless certain of being liked.
Shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion.
Views self as socially inept, unappealing, and inferior.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is defined by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism that begins by early adulthood and occurs across various contexts. These individuals strongly desire close relationships but avoid social interaction due to fears of rejection or ridicule. Their behavior is driven by fear and low self-esteem rather than disinterest in others.
Rationale for correct answers
A. Avoiding intimate relationships due to fear of shame or ridicule is a defining feature of AvPD. Such individuals often withdraw from relationships to protect themselves from perceived humiliation, even though they desire closeness.
C. Being unwilling to engage with others unless certain of being liked reflects the avoidance and hypersensitivity to rejection central to this disorder. This cautious approach leads to limited social networks and loneliness.
E. Viewing oneself as socially inept and inferior is a core self-perception in AvPD. This negative self-image reinforces avoidance behaviors and perpetuates isolation and low self-confidence.
Rationale for incorrect answers
B. Difficulty making decisions without reassurance characterizes dependent personality disorder, where the individual relies excessively on others for guidance and support, not avoidance from fear of criticism.
D. Perfectionism that interferes with task completion is typical of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, where excessive orderliness and control dominate functioning, not avoidance due to fear.
Take Home Points
- Avoidant personality disorder features social inhibition, hypersensitivity to rejection, and feelings of inadequacy.
- Fear of criticism and ridicule leads to avoidance of interpersonal relationships despite the desire for affection.
- Self-perception of inferiority and social ineptness perpetuates isolation and low self-esteem.
- It is distinct from dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, which are driven by dependency and perfectionism respectively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is characterized by an excessive and pervasive need to be cared for, leading to submissive behavior and fear of separation. Individuals with DPD rely heavily on others for decision-making, approval, and support, often avoiding responsibility or independence. Their self-esteem is closely tied to others’ opinions, and they experience significant anxiety when alone or required to act autonomously.
Rationale for correct answer
C. Practicing disagreement helps the client build autonomy and assertiveness, key deficits in dependent personality disorder. This technique encourages independent thinking, decision-making, and self-confidence—essential for developing balanced, healthy relationships that are not based on submissiveness or approval-seeking.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Structuring each part of the day spent alone reinforces dependence, as it limits opportunities for the client to experience autonomy and internal control over choices and activities.
B. Establishing a nurse-client contract promotes cooperation, but it focuses on treatment compliance rather than interpersonal growth or assertiveness, making it insufficient for fostering independent relationships.
D. Talking about self during outside activities may enhance socialization, but without assertiveness and autonomy, it does not specifically address dependency patterns or the tendency to seek validation.
Take Home Points
- Dependent personality disorder involves excessive reliance on others for emotional and decision-making support.
- The therapeutic goal is to promote independence, self-confidence, and assertive communication.
- Role-playing and practicing disagreement help clients learn to express opinions without fear of disapproval.
- Healthy relationships require mutual respect and equality, not control or overreliance on others for self-worth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is characterized by perfectionism, control, and preoccupation with orderliness, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. When accompanied by ritualistic behaviors, these rituals serve to reduce internal tension and anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts. Although the behaviors may appear irrational to others, they are experienced by the client as necessary for maintaining emotional control and preventing perceived harm.
Rationale for correct answer
D. The ritual seems illogical but necessary to the person because it temporarily relieves anxiety created by obsessive thoughts. The act becomes a coping mechanism, reinforcing the cycle of compulsion by providing short-term relief despite its irrational nature. This repetitive behavior is not voluntary but driven by anxiety reduction and an overwhelming sense of duty or correctness.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. The ritual does not merely have a useless purpose; to the client, it serves a critical psychological function of anxiety relief. Labeling it as useless fails to recognize the underlying compulsive drive.
B. The ritual is not performed after long urging but rather automatically when intrusive thoughts arise. Clients feel compelled to act immediately to decrease distress, not after external prompting.
C. The ritual does not appear to be performed willingly; it is ego-dystonic, meaning the individual recognizes it as unreasonable but feels powerless to stop, leading to significant internal conflict.
Take Home Points
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves rigid perfectionism and preoccupation with control, sometimes accompanied by compulsive rituals.
- Rituals provide short-term anxiety relief but reinforce long-term compulsive cycles.
- Clients perform rituals out of compulsion, not choice, recognizing their irrationality but feeling unable to resist.
- Treatment focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure with response prevention to reduce compulsive behaviors and anxiety.
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