A nurse in a mental health clinic is assessing a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Obsessing over details is characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder. Clients with this disorder are preoccupied with control, orderliness, and perfectionism. Choice B reason: Dependent personality disorder is marked by excessive need to be taken care of, submissive behavior, difficulty making decisions, and avoidance of responsibility. Clients rely heavily on others for guidance and reassurance, making this finding expected. Choice C reason: Anxiety in social situations is more consistent with avoidant personality disorder or social anxiety disorder. Dependent personality disorder involves fear of separation rather than fear of social judgment. Choice D reason: Expressing emotions theatrically is a hallmark of histrionic personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder.