Personality Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Personality Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 40-year-old female presents to your clinic for an annual physical but starts complaining about one of her friends who is excessively dependent and clingy. She said her friend relies exclusively on others and has trouble making any decisions on her own. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis of the patient’s friend?

A. Avoidant personality disorder
B. Schizotypal personality disorder
C. Narcissistic personality disorder
D. Dependent personality disorder
E. None of the above

Answer and topic summary

The answer is D. Dependent personality disorder

The most likely diagnosis is dependent personality disorder (PD). About 15% of the U.S. population has some sort of personality disorder. A personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experiences and behavior that deviates from the expectations of the culture. Many times people lack insight into their own personality disorder. Dependent PD specifically is characterized by feelings of helplessness, the need for reassurance and advice, clinginess, self-doubt, and trouble with decision-making. Treatment is psychotherapy (insight-oriented, assertive)..

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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ Personality Disorders

Also covered in Psychiatry Rotation PAEA EOR topic list