AVOIDANT AND DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDERS BY: CONNOR, MATT, AND NATALIE

AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER (APD): CAUSES Avoidant personality disorder is a condition characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy and sensitivity to rejection. One with this disorder may grow up with excessive social anxiety and withdrawal Other signs: negative emotion, detachment, and anhedonia One may feel inferior to others, only diagnosed when these behaviors become persistent and very disabling or distressing.

SYMPTOMS An individual diagnosed with Avoidant Personality Disorder needs to show at least 4 of the following criteria: Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection. Is unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain of being liked. Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed. Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations. Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others. Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing

TREATMENTS Cognitive behavioral therapy Group therapy Ineffective treatments Randomized controlled clinical trail Brief dynamic therapy Using vitamins and dietary supplements

COMPLICATIONS Individuals with this disorder have few close friends, but are very dependent of them Described as being shy, timid, lonely, and isolated Avoids any social situations Treatment: cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy

STATISTICS Avoidant personality disorder occurs in approximately 0.5% to 1% of the general population Avoidant personality disorder is seen in about 10% of psychiatric outpatients Avoidant personality disorder is reported to be especially prevalent in people with anxiety disorders. Research suggests that approximately 10-50% of people who have panic disorder have avoidant personality disorder, as well as about 20-40% of people who have social phobia

DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER (DPD): CAUSES Dependent personality disorder is a condition characterized by an over-reliance on others that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears separation Individuals with this disorder grow up with excessive separation anxiety They have an excessive need to be taken care of that leads to clinging behavior and fear of separation Dependent Personality Disorder is a deeply ingrained and enduring behavior pattern, manifesting as an inflexible response to a broad range of personal and social situations Causes subjective distress and problems in social performance.

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS Dependency and separation anxiety are the main symptoms Only diagnosed if: this anxiety begins no later than early adulthood, these behaviors occur at home, work, and in the community, and these behaviors lead to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Treatment for this disorder is unknown because there are no randomized controlled trials. However, improvements are usually seen only with long-term therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy are believed to be partially effective. Antidepressant medication may help treat the anxiety and depression that often accompanies this disorder.

COMPLICATIONS Has an increase of depression and alcohol or drug abuse The individual avoids positions of responsibility and becomes anxious when faced with decisions Social relations tend to be limited Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others. Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life. Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant. Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself. Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends

STATISTICS DPD is found in about 14% of people who have personality disorders and about 2.5% of the general population. Other estimates have shown a median prevalence rate of 20%, with a range from 2% to 55%